Theory Courses - Fibre Technology

Build the solid theoretical foundation every fibre professional needs, from the physics of light propagation to real-world network architectures. This CPD-certified course covers fibre types and construction, attenuation, industry standards (ITU-T, IEC, TIA), and network topologies in eight structured modules. Whether you are entering the industry or formalising existing knowledge, this course prepares you for every subsequent Fibre Academy programme. Aligned to IEC/TIA standards and mapped to the Fibre Technician and FTTH Network Designer pathways.

Safety is non-negotiable in fibre optic work, and this focused course ensures every operative understands the unique hazards of the discipline. Covering glass splinter risks, laser radiation classes, chemical handling, COSHH assessment, and emergency site procedures, this programme meets employer and regulatory requirements across the UK fibre industry. Practical scenarios reinforce correct behaviours, from PPE selection to RAMS preparation. Demonstrate your commitment to safe, professional practice.

Go beyond the basics with this comprehensive theory course covering every aspect of fibre connectorisation, termination, and splicing. Learners master connector types and IEC standards, fibre preparation, field termination methods, both mechanical and fusion splicing, splice enclosure management, quality inspection, and structured fault-finding. Rich with practical scenarios and calculation exercises, the course bridges theory and workplace application.

Master the most powerful diagnostic tool in fibre networking with this comprehensive OTDR course. From Rayleigh backscatter principles and instrument setup to advanced trace analysis and acceptance testing to IEC 61280-4-1, twelve modules cover every scenario a technician or engineer will encounter in the field. Learners develop confidence interpreting reflective and non-reflective events, calculating bi-directional averages, understanding PON limitations, and producing compliant test reports.

Ensure every fibre link you build meets specification with this essential testing and acceptance standards course. From optical power measurement and OLTS methodology to loss budget calculation, acceptance criteria for Openreach, BDUK, and international standards (IEC 61280-4-1, TIA-526-14), and complete test documentation, this programme covers the full quality assurance workflow. Hands-on calculation exercises and realistic fault-finding scenarios build the practical skills employers demand.

Understand the complete optical network landscape — from access and metro to core transport — with this broad-scope systems course. Learners explore SDH/SONET, OTN, CWDM and DWDM technologies, PON and FTTx architectures, IP/Ethernet over fibre, network management (SNMP/NETCONF), and resilience and protection switching mechanisms. Grounded in ITU-T, IEEE, and ETSI standards, the course equips engineers and designers with the contextual knowledge to work across any optical domain.

From SFP to QSFP-DD and 100G to 800G, optical transceivers are at the heart of every modern network. This specialist course covers laser types, photodetectors, form factors, IEEE and MSA nomenclature, coherent transmission, PAM4 signalling, and Digital Diagnostics Monitoring (DDM/DOM). Learners develop the skills to specify, validate, and troubleshoot transceivers in data centres, metro, and long-haul environments. Direct relevance to roles in optical engineering, network design, and NOC operations.

Every optical network is built from a precise combination of passive and active components, and this course gives you the knowledge to select, deploy, and specify them confidently. Covering FBT couplers, PLC splitters, WDM filters, AWG multiplexers, attenuators, isolators, circulators, EDFAs, ROADMs, and Mach-Zehnder modulators, learners develop a complete understanding of the optical component ecosystem. Design exercises and system-level scenarios connect component theory to real-world network performance.

From RAMS preparation to handover documentation, this end-to-end installation theory course covers every stage of a professional fibre network build. Twelve modules address underground and aerial cable installation, civil excavation, blown-fibre systems, ODF and cable management, field splicing and jointing, completion testing to operator standards, as-built documentation, and network maintenance. Built around UK industry practice — including NRSWA, PIA compliance, and HSE requirements — the course prepares operatives and supervisors to deliver quality builds confidently. Preparation for Fibre Academy's practical installation workshops.