Course Overview
This course introduces students to advanced fiber optic topics including optical network designs, fiber optic analysis using link budgets, Optical Loss Test Sets (OLTS) and Optical Time Domain Reflectometers (OTDR). Troubleshooting is emphasized for new installations as well as maintaining existing systems as students gain hands-on experience testing optical components installed in outside plant systems to current ANSI/TIA (American National Standards Institute / Telecommunications Industry Association) standards. For their final exam, students will write the Fiber Optic Association (FOA) industry recognized exam for Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT). Successful completion of the exam will result in certification; if students require further attempts, they may register with the FOA separately.
Prerequisite(s)
- 70% in TELX 3010
Credits
1.5
Domestic fees
$898.74
International fees are typically 3.4 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Identify modern day communication networks using fiber optics.
- Assemble outside plant fiber cable into an outdoor splice enclosure using a fusion splicer.
- Describe how to install fiber cables following industry and manufacture standards.
- Calculate a fiber optic link/power budget using current TIA standards.
- Demonstrate fiber optic connector end-face cleaning and inspection.
- Analyze a fiber optic system with an Optical Loss Test Set to current TIA standards
- Test a fiber optic system using an Optical Time Domain Reflectometer
- Test and troubleshoot a failed fiber optic link using current TIA standards
Effective as of Spring/Summer 2023
Related Programs
Fiber Optics: Testing and Repair (TELX 3020) is offered as a part of the following programs:
School of Energy
- Fiber Optics - Principles, Installation and Repair
Microcredential Part-time
Course Offerings
Fall 2026
Below is one offering of TELX 3020 for the Fall 2026 term.
CRN 50339
Dates
Nov 14 - Nov 28 Loading
- CRN 50339
- $898.74 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 14 - Nov 28 | Sat | 09:00 - 16:00 | Burnaby NE25 Rm. 205 |
Duration
3 weeks
Instructor
Mike Lowe
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course offering. You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Important information
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Winter 2027
Below are two offerings of TELX 3020 for the Winter 2027 term.
CRN 91610
Dates
Jan 30 - Feb 20 Loading
- CRN 91610
- $898.74 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 30 - Feb 20 | Sat | 09:00 - 16:00 | Burnaby NE25 Rm. 205 |
Duration
3 weeks
Instructor
Mike Lowe
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course offering. You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Important information
- No class on Saturday, February 13th (Holiday Weekend) This is the second course in the Fiber Optics - Principles, Installation and Repair Microcredential program. Please note that the textbook used in TELX 3010 will also be required for TELX 3020 and must be purchased from the BCIT Bookstore before the first day of class.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
CRN 91611
Dates
Mar 20 - Apr 10 Loading
- CRN 91611
- $898.74 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 20 - Apr 10 | Sat | 09:00 - 16:00 | Burnaby NE25 Rm. 205 |
Duration
4 weeks
Instructor
Mike Lowe
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course offering. You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Important information
- No class on Saturday, March 27th (Easter Weekend) This is the second course in the Fiber Optics - Principles, Installation and Repair Microcredential program. Please note that the textbook used in TELX 3010 will also be required for TELX 3020 and must be purchased from the BCIT Bookstore before the first day of class.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.