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To pay by check or money order download the FOA Renewal Form (pdf) to mail to FOA
For Schools and Instructors
School Update/Renewal Form Requirements For FOA Training Programs
Fiber Optic Resources For STEM Teachers
Want To Become A FOA School?
New FOA Approved School Requirements and Application Procedures
How To Become a FOA Certified Fiber Optic Instructor
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The FOA is an international non-profit educational association that is chartered to promote professionalism in fiber optics through education, certification and standards. FOA is also an internationally recognized certifying body for fiber optics. Read more.
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The "Dot-Com Boom"
25 Years ago the introduction of the Internet created a boom in fiber optic communications systems investment and installation, causing a stock market rise to a peak on March 10, 2000. Soon thereafter, everyone realized the growth was a fiction, caused by what Federal Reserve Chair Alan Greenspan called "irrational exuberance," but most of us call hype. Soon thereafter the "Dot-Com Bubble" burst and a lot of companies, people and investors felt the painful effects.
In this month's FOA Newsletter, FOA President Jim Hayes, who lived through the Dot-Com Bubble, describes what happened and why, then looks at it in terms of present day events.
In the News section, we offer several interesting stories including a noted fiction author's excellent description of how the world communicates over fiber - what he learned researching for his latest novel. Other stories include one that's just an April Fools' Joke - can you tell which one?
In the Technical Section, you will find a description of how fiber optic power meters are calibrated and how uncalibrated instruments can cause problems for fiber techs.
Also in this month's Newsletter: Worth Reading has links to more news articles worth reading and Q&A looks at OSP installation standards. Read about it in the FOA Newsletter.
25th Anniversary Of The "Dot-Com Boom"
Fiction Author On How The World Communicates
Power Consumption Of AI Data Centers
Partnership For Hollow Core Fiber Production
Zayo Acquires Crown Castle Fiber
AI Solves Data Center Powering Problems
I in 4 Programming Jobs Vanish
Understanding FO Meter Calibration
Read about it in the latest FOA Online Newsletter
FOA Has Reached An Amazing Milestone - 100,000+ Certified Fiber Optic Technicians
That is a lot of fiber optic techs! 100,000 fiber optic techs just about equals today's US fiber optic technician workforce. And those 100,000 FOA certified fiber techs hold over 130,000 FOA certifications.
How did FOA achieve this milestone? FOA has been quietly working behind the scenes to achieve our original goal - developing a competent fiber optic workforce through education, certification and standards; a workforce capable of building the world's fiber optic communications networks. FOA is the certifying body accepted worldwide and it is assisted by a worldwide network of FOA approved training organizations and their FOA certified fiber optic instructors.
Enhance your safety with the FOA Safety Vest.
It's well made and distinctive.
**Introducing The "FOA Badge In Fiber Optics" for all professionals working in fiber optics
FOA is best known as the certifying body for the nearly 100,000 FOA-certified fiber optic technicians who build worldwide networks. FOA has been asked many times about recognition for other professionals in fiber optics. FOA now offers the FOA Badge in Fiber Optics, which recognizes professionals working in all areas of fiber optics; management, manufacturing, marketing/sales/distribution as well as managers/planners/supervisors for networks.
New Edition Available
FOA has published a new edition of our textbook on basic fiber optics, used in training for the CFOT certification. The latest version of the FOA Reference Guide To Fiber Optics is different enough we call it a new edition. Many of the updates are for new technologies which are reshaping the fiber optic industry like coherent transmission, BI fibers, etc. We've also added a section on the fiber optic workforce which has much relevance because this book is used to train those entering the workforce.
We've also worked on making the book more readable, adding formatting that eases reading and a new comprehensive index. Inflation was an issue, but the price only goes up 2to2 to 2to29.95 for the paperback and $12.95 for the Kindle version. Available on Amazon and your local bookseller.
The New BLS "Telecommunications Technicians" Web Page
Created with the assistance of FOA, the US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook web pages offer job descriptions for fiber optic and wireless techs and better job statistics that put some reality in discussions about how many more fiber techs the US needs. It also provides a reference for grants applications. _The New BLS "Telecommunications Technicians" Web Page.
Fiber U Offers Free Online Self-Study Programs And A "Fiber U Certificate of Completion" For All FOA Certification Courses.
Fiber U Courses cover all topics on fiber optics and are designed as preparation for taking a classroom course or taking a FOA certification exam.
New free course on Safety at Fiber U.
Fiber U MiniCourses - Learn something useful in an hour or less.
New Fiber U MiniCourse Fiber Optic Project Management More at Fiber U.
Latest FOA Book: Fiber Broadband - Popular With Broadband Planners
This book is not the typical FOA technical textbook - it is written for anyone who wants to understand fiber broadband or fiber optics or the Internet. It's also aimed at managers involved with broadband projects, teachers who want to include communications technology in their classes or anyone who just wonders how all this stuff works.
The Fiber Optic Association Guide To Fiber Broadband
Paperback ($12.95) and Kindle ($9.95) versions available from Amazon or most booksellers. Kindle version is in color!
Nobody knows more about fiber broadband than the Fiber Optic Association. Check out our Fiber Broadband Resources Page. If you are working on an IIJA/BEAD program contact us for a special package of educational materials for your staff.
More Translations of FOA Textbooks And Online Learning
FOA is a very international organization and it works hard to accommodate the language needs of everyone. We have been translating our books and website into the languages most requested and we added more textbook translations.
Spanish Editions
Guía de Referencia de la Asociación de Fibra Óptica (FOA) Sobre Fibra Óptica: Guía de estudio para la certificación de la FOA Amazon
La Referencia de Cableado para Predios de la FOA: Guía para Certificación de la FOA Amazon
La Asociación de Fibra Óptica Manual de Fibra Hasta el Hogar : Para Planificadores, Gestores, Diseñadores, Instaladores y Operadores De FTTH Amazon
Guía de Referencia de la FOA sobre Diseño de la red de fibra óptica: Guía de Estudio para la Certificación de la FOA Amazon
And the FOA Reference Guide To Fiber Optics:
French Edition
Le Guide de référence de la FOA pour la fibre optique et et guide d'étude pour la certification FOA: Guide d'étude pour la certification FOA Amazon
Portuguese Edition Guia de Referência sobre Fibra Óptica da FOA : Guia de Estudo para a Certificação da FOA Amazon
The subjects of these books are also translated in the FOA Guide online.
Fiber U Basic Fiber Optics Online Course In Spanish.
El curso de autoaprendizaje en línea "Fibra óptica básica" de Fiber U ahora en español** Curso Básico de Fibra Óptica de Fibra U en español**.
FOA FTTH Handbook Plus FTTH Updates in FOA Guide and Fiber U
FOA has been busy updating our FTTH technical and learning materials, online learning course at Fiber U and even published the materials in a new book. Great timing for all the FTTH projects we see right now!
FTTH Handbook - In English and Spanish
For Planners, Managers, Designers, Installers And Operators Of FTTH - Fiber To The Home - Networks 
FOA's FTTH Handbook: We've gathered all our information on FTTH from the FOA Guide and past issues of the FOA Newsletter and edited it into a 112 page "FTTH Handbook." We even added a section on planning and managing FTTH Projects. The Fiber Optic Association Fiber To The Home Handbook is available from Amazon in print and Kindle editions.
La Asociación de Fibra Óptica Manual de Fibra Hasta el Hogar : Para Planificadores, Gestores, Diseñadores, Instaladores y Operadores De FTTH Amazon
FOA YouTube Video Describes On-The-Job Training (OJT) And How To Use Fiber U To Make OJT Better.
Learn more about the FOA Fiber U “OJT-To-Cert” program.
Try The FOA's Online Loss Budget Calculator
FOA has written many articles about loss budgets, something everyone involved in fiber optics needs to know and needs to know how to calculate. We've created a online Loss Budget Calculator that does the work for you. Just input your cable plant data and it calculates the loss budget. It works on any device, especially smartphones and tablets for field use and even allows printing the results.
Bookmark this page (especially on your smartphone): FOA Loss Budget Calculator Online
For Schools and Instructors
If your organization is interested in becoming an FOA Approved School, see New School Requirements and Application Procedures and Requirements For FOA Training Programs.
If you are a current FOA Approved School, here is the School Update/Renewal Form.
Classroom Resources For STEM Teachers In K-12 And Technical Schools
Teachers in all grades can introduce their students to fiber optic technology with some simple demonstrations. FOA has created a page for STEM or STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) teachers with materials appropriate to their classes. Fiber Optic Resources For STEM Teachers.
FOA also has a new YouTube Video on "Careers in Fiber Optics" and a "Careers In Fiber Optics" Website. See below.
FOA has a YouTube Video on "Careers in Fiber Optics" and a "Careers In Fiber Optics" Website.
Interested in exploring a career in fiber optics? FOA has created a YouTube Video and a webpage that describes what a fiber optic worker does, where they work and how to get started. It's mainly aimed at high school students but it's relevant to anyone interested in changing careers also. Go here for the YouTube Video on "Careers in Fiber Optics" or the FOA Careers In Fiber Optics webpage.
FOA"Finding A Job" Website
We get many questions from CFOTs, students at FOA-Approved schools and others contemplating getting into the fiber optic business regarding jobs in fiber optics - and how to find them - so we’ve created a new web page to share some information we've gathered about jobs in our industry. The information is designed to help you understand what jobs are available in fiber optics, how to find them and apply for them.
Looking For A Job In Fiber Optics?
Where Are The Jobs In Fiber Optics? This FOA YouTube Video talks about all the applications for fiber optics, what the jobs involve and the qualifications for the workers in the field. If you are currently looking for a job in fiber optics, here is the FOA's guide to jobs web page. TheFOA Jobs Web Page has been updated and a new page added on Using your FOA Training/Certification to Find the Right Job in Fiber Optics
If you have job openings, let us post them on 
.
FOA Videos
The FOA has a special FOA channel on YouTube, thefoainc, where we've posted over 110 instructional videos and lectures for everyone's use. We've got lectures on premises cabling and fiber optics and hands-on demonstrations about fiber optics and communications cabling - yes, even "Cat 5"!
FOA channel on YouTube, thefoainc
FOA on LinkedIn - a community, jobs and technical discussions
FOA - official company page on LinkedIn
FOA - covers FOA, technology and jobs in the fiber optic marketplace
Grupo de La Asociación de Fibra Óptica FOA (Español)
FOA Fiber Optic Training - open to everyone, covers fiber optic technology and training topics
FOA School Instructors - a closed group for instructors and administrators at FOA-approved schools
FOA Reference Books (Printed or Kindle eBooks!)
The FOA has it's own reference books for everyone working in fiber optics - contractors, installers and end users as well as for use as textbooks in classes at educational institutions. They are available as printed books or Kindle at much lower prices than most textbooks since we self-publish and sell online, cutting out the middlemen. Click on the book images for more information. The Reference Guide To Fiber Optics is also available in Spanish and French (print and online) and Portuguese (online only.)
Fiber Optics (4 languages), Premises Cabling, OSP fiber and construction, Network Design, Testing and FTTH
The FOA Guide To Fiber Broadband is not the typical FOA technical textbook - it is written for anyone who wants to understand fiber broadband, fiber optics or the Internet. It's also aimed at managers involved with broadband projects, teachers who want to include communications technology in their classes or anyone who just wonders how all this stuff works.
Click on any book for more information about it.
Getting Started Guides
These two guides are simple introductions to the subjects. They will explain the applications, jargon, components and installation in a quick overview. Lennie Lightwave's Guide to Fiber Optics (online) and available as PDF download or a free iBook on iTunes
Uncle Ted's Guide to Communications (Premises) Cabling (online) and available as a PDF download or a free iBook on iTunes
Lennie Lightwave's Guide - Printed Edition
FOA has reprinted "Lennie Lightwave's Guide" on its 25th anniversary in a special print edition.
Many of you have used the current online version of Lennie's Guide on the FOA website. Now you can have a slick printed version - real paper and colored pictures - you can hold in your hand and read. Leave a copy on your desktop to impress your friends, or on the table in your company's reception area instead of out-of-date magazines. Give them to your customers and employees to help them learn fiber optics. Use it to prepare for FOA certifications.
You can get your own copies of Lennie Lightwave's Guide at Amazon.com, only 9.95eachUS9.95 each US9.95eachUS.
Looking For "Hands-On" Fiber Optic Training With FOA Certification?
You can find a list of FOA approved schools that offer CFOT® certification here on the list of FOA approved schools.
Certification Renewal
FOA Certified persons must renew their CFOT®or CFOS certifications when they expire. Please make sure we have your current address. Download the renewal form, or renew online.