Program Overview

October 19 - 23, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM


This is a 5-Day Fiber Optics Bootcamp that allows you to earn 3 FOA Industry Certifications
 

The Universities at Shady Grove
9636 Gudelskly Drive
Building III, Room 4215

REGISTER FOR BOOTCAMP

Launch or advance your career in high-speed digital infrastructure! Offered by UMES in partnership with BDI Datalynk, LLC, this intensive, hands-on, non-credit program equips students with real-world skills and three industry-recognized credentials in a week:
  • Certified Fiber Optics Technician (CFOT)
  • Certified Fiber Optics Specialist in Testing & Maintenance (CFOS/T)
  • Certified Fiber Optics in Splicing (CFOS/S) 

About the Bootcamp

  • Hands-On Lab Focus: Train directly on industry-standard equipment to build, test, splice, and troubleshoot multi-mode and single-mode fiber optic systems.
  • Triple Certification: Complete three distinct FOA certifications in one continuous training block.
  • Expert Instruction: Learn directly from certified instructors holding FOA Master Instructor (CFOS/I) credentials and extensive field experience.
  • Career-Ready Skills: Gain practical expertise needed for immediate entry or career advancement in telecommunications, broadband installation, and infrastructure management.

Who Should Attend?

  • Current students, prospective students, community members, staff
  • Entry-Level Job Seekers: Individuals looking to launch a technical career in telecommunications, broadband deployment, ISP operations, or structured cabling.
  • Field Technicians & Trade Professionals: IT network specialists, electricians, cable installers, broadcast engineers, and utility workers seeking specialized fiber credentials.
  • Contractors & Project Managers: Managers, engineers, and site inspectors who design, manage, or evaluate fiber optic infrastructure projects.
  • Veterans & Career Changers: Individuals transitioning into high-growth technical trades without committing to a multi-year degree program

Cost & Options

Certification(s)Course DatesCost
CFOT, CFOS/T, & CFOS/SOctober 19 - 23$3,175
CFOT Only October 19 - 21 $1,131
CFOS/T Only*October 19 - 21$1,022
CFOS/S Only*October 23  $1,022

*Prerequisite: Successful completion of CFOT
 

Course Breakdown

Certified Fiber Optics Technician (CFOT)

Duration: ~24 Contact Hours

Focus: Introductory core training in installing, terminating, and testing multi-mode and single-mode fiber optic networks to industry standards. Students construct, test, and troubleshoot a functional fiber optic LAN.

Prerequisites: No prior fiber optic experience required. Must have the physical ability to see, identify, and manipulate small components, along with proficiency in reading and speaking English.

Certified Fiber Optics Specialist in Testing & Maintenance (CFOS/T)

Duration: ~12 Contact Hours

Focus: Advanced instruction on diagnostic testing methods. Students learn to operate and interpret results from Optical Loss Test Sets (OLTS) and Optical Time-Domain Reflectometers (OTDR), identify physical network defects, and execute quality assurance procedures to prevent network downtime.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of the basic FOA CFOT course within the preceding 12 months (completed on Days 1–3 of this bootcamp).

Certified Fiber Optics Specialist in Splicing (CFOS/S)

Duration: ~8 Contact Hours

Focus: Intensive hands-on training in precision fusion and mechanical splicing for single-mode and multimode cables, enclosure and splice tray assembly, and OTDR splice verification.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of the basic FOA CFOT course within the preceding 12 months (completed on Days 1–3 of this bootcamp).