COFNII CFIE — Certified Fibre Installation Engineer
Fibre Optic Installation & Splicing Course
Build practical fibre installation skills on this five-day Fibre Optic Installation & Splicing course with Fibre Optics Training in Crewe, Cheshire. Suitable for beginners and working engineers, the course combines cable preparation, termination, fusion splicing, connector inspection, Tier 1 optical loss testing and basic OTDR testing. Successful completion of the required assessments leads to the Open Awards Level 3 Award in Fibre Optics Installation and Testing (RQF). The course is COFNII approved and includes COFNII Approved Installer registration with the CFIE — Certified Fibre Installation Engineer designation.
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Course at a glance
Theory and practical, hands-on training
5 days
Duration
Fibre Optics Training Centre
Crewe, Cheshire
CW1 6BG
Location
Beginners, fibre and telecoms engineers, data cabling engineers, and infrastructure teams
Who it’s for
Open Awards Level 3 Award in Fibre Optics Installation and Testing (RQF)
Qualification
What you will be able to do
By the end of the course, you should be able to:
✓ Explain transmission, attenuation, reflection and wavelengths, relating these principles to the quality and performance of installed fibre links.
✓ Distinguish single-mode and multimode fibre, recognising cable constructions and choosing suitable components for the installation task.
✓ Identify connectors, adaptors, pigtails, patch leads and enclosures, explaining their contribution to a complete fibre optic link.
✓ Apply safe working methods for fibres, tools and cleaning materials, including controlled collection and disposal of fibre shards.
✓ Prepare cables for termination and splicing, maintaining identification and protecting exposed fibres from damage during handling.
✓ Terminate fibres using appropriate tooling and methods, checking preparation quality before completing and protecting the connection.
✓ Prepare and cleave individual fibres, operate fusion splicing equipment and protect completed splices using the appropriate sleeves and handling methods.
✓ Manage fibres within trays, panels and enclosures, maintaining bend radius, routing and protection around splices and cable entries.
✓ Inspect and clean connector end faces, applying IEC 61300-3-35 inspection principles and recognising when further cleaning or investigation is needed.
✓ Plan sensible cable routing, protection and segregation, recognising how installation decisions influence accessibility, workmanship and ongoing maintenance of fibre cabling.
✓ Explain BS EN 50173 and BS EN 50174 principles relevant to cabling performance, installation quality and documentation.
✓ Set up a light source and optical power meter for Tier 1 loss testing, following the appropriate referencing and connection procedure.
✓ Use basic OTDR settings and recognise common trace events, understanding how measurement conditions influence the results displayed.
✓ Investigate common installation faults systematically, checking cleanliness, connections, fibre handling and splices before deciding what corrective action is appropriate.
✓ Produce clear fibre labels, test records and handover information, relating results to the installed link and explaining any unresolved installation issues.
Course modules
These eleven modules connect essential theory with preparation, splicing, inspection and testing across five days. They form one course rather than separate qualifications.
1. Fibre transmission and network applications
Start with the principles that explain how optical fibres carry information. You will explore attenuation, reflection and operating wavelengths, then relate these ideas to the behaviour of real links. Examples connect the theory with telecommunications networks, enterprise backbones and data centre infrastructure. The emphasis is on understanding why installation quality matters, so practical decisions about components, handling and testing have a clear technical purpose rather than becoming isolated routines.
2. Fibre types, cables and components
Compare single-mode and multimode fibres and examine how cable construction supports different installation environments. You will identify common connectors, adaptors, pigtails, patch leads and termination components, recognising the importance of compatible parts and clear identification. This module connects individual components to the complete link, helping you understand what needs to be prepared, connected, protected and documented before practical installation work can be checked reliably against the task requirements.
3. Safe working and preparation
Develop a controlled approach to the work area before handling fibre, tools or cleaning materials. Training addresses fibre shards, optical safety, appropriate handling of cleaning products and the importance of keeping tools and surfaces organised. You will consider how cable routing, access and surrounding activities affect the task. Safe practice continues throughout preparation, splicing, inspection and testing, helping learners recognise hazards and avoid creating additional risks through careless working.
4. Cable preparation and termination
Work through cable preparation in a logical sequence, maintaining identification and protecting fibres as jackets and protective layers are removed. You will practise the preparation needed for termination and discuss the effect of handling, cleanliness and tooling on the completed connection. Termination activities link component selection with workmanship, so learners understand why careful preparation matters before a cable is secured, connected and made ready for inspection and subsequent testing.
5. Cleaving and fusion splicing
Develop a repeatable sequence for preparing, cleaning and cleaving individual fibres before fusion splicing. Practical work covers the relationship between preparation quality, splicer setup and the appearance of a completed splice. You will handle splice protection and learn to recognise problems that warrant another attempt or further investigation. The focus is dependable single-fibre technique, with attention to clean working, controlled handling and checking the completed connection through appropriate testing.
6. Trays, panels and enclosures
Place prepared fibres and protected splices into trays, panels and enclosures without introducing avoidable stress or tight bends. You will consider cable entry, routing, spare fibre organisation and access for later maintenance. Practical activities connect neat workmanship with functional protection, rather than treating appearance as the only measure of quality. Clear identification and orderly management also make it easier to trace connections and relate test results to the correct fibre.
7. Connector inspection and cleaning
Examine why contamination and end-face defects can affect an otherwise sound installation. You will practise inspecting connectors, selecting an appropriate cleaning approach and checking the result before reconnection. IEC 61300-3-35 provides the inspection context, with attention to contamination and visible defects. Learners distinguish visual inspection from optical performance testing: a clean-looking connector does not remove the need to measure the completed link or investigate an unexpected loss result.
8. Installation quality and standards
Relate cable routing, bend radius, protection and segregation to the installation specification and the environment in which the cable will operate. Training introduces relevant principles from BS EN 50173 and BS EN 50174, connecting cabling performance with workmanship, quality assurance and documentation. You will consider how inconsistent installation methods create maintenance difficulties and why project requirements, component instructions and suitable records need to be considered together when completing a job.
9. Tier 1 optical loss testing
Use a light source and optical power meter to understand insertion-loss measurement and the purpose of a suitable test reference. You will consider the fibre type, test connections, measurement conditions and the link being assessed before interpreting a result. Practical work connects measured loss with expected link performance, helping learners recognise when to inspect, clean, reconnect or investigate. Test results must remain traceable to the correct fibre and installation.
10. Basic OTDR and installation faults
Introduce the OTDR as a tool for examining events along a fibre link. You will explore basic setup and recognise common features associated with connections, splices, bends and fibre ends. Training explains why instrument settings and test connections influence what is displayed. This is foundation-level OTDR work supporting installation checks and structured fault investigation; advanced trace analysis and specialist commissioning are developed through the separate Advanced OTDR Testing & Fault Finding course.
11. Records, handover and assessment preparation
Bring the installation stages together through practical exercises, clear labelling and organised test records. You will relate each result to its fibre, record relevant information and identify issues that need attention before handover. Assessment preparation reinforces the relationship between knowledge and practical performance. Learners must demonstrate the required understanding and skills through the course assessments; attendance alone does not establish successful achievement or remove the need for further workplace experience.
Successful learners achieve the Open Awards Level 3 Award in Fibre Optics Installation and Testing (RQF), qualification number 603/7800/1. Practical and knowledge-based assessments must be completed successfully; attendance alone does not award the qualification. Awarding-body assessment evidence is recorded through Cloud Assess.
The course is COFNII approved and includes COFNII Approved Installer registration with the CFIE — Certified Fibre Installation Engineer designation. This professional recognition is distinct from the regulated Open Awards qualification.
The award is listed for the ECS Network Infrastructure Installer (Level 3) – Fibre pathway. A separate application requires evidence of at least 12 months’ installation experience, or other evidence of experience, and a current ECS Health, Safety and Environmental Assessment. ECS determines eligibility; course completion does not automatically provide a card.
Assessment and qualification
Who should attend
This course supports people entering fibre work and those developing an existing installation role. It combines essential principles with practical activities, so learners can understand the reasons behind the techniques they practise.
Suitable for:
New entrants and career changers seeking a structured introduction to practical fibre installation, with theory linked directly to preparation, splicing and testing tasks.
Existing fibre installers who want to review their working methods, strengthen technical understanding and work towards a regulated qualification through assessment.
Telecommunications engineers developing the cable preparation, termination, inspection and installation testing skills needed to support fibre work within their role.
Data cabling engineers expanding from copper systems into fibre backbones, patch panels, enclosures and the measurement of installed optical links.
Enterprise infrastructure technicians who handle fibre connections and need a clearer understanding of installation quality, cleanliness, cable management and test documentation.
Data centre infrastructure teams developing consistent practical methods for fibre handling, splicing and inspection, while understanding the boundaries of foundation-level testing.
Experienced engineers refreshing or formalising their knowledge and identifying the appropriate next step towards specialist testing, wider installation work or team development.
Choose this route when you need the complete foundation in installation and splicing. Discuss specialist testing, ribbon fibre or wider copper training separately so the course matches your actual responsibilities. Organisations can use the same discussion to identify where team members need common foundations and where specialist learning is more appropriate.
Entry requirements
You must be at least 18. Previous fibre experience is not required, and you do not need to have completed another fibre course before attending. The training is suitable for beginners as well as engineers who want to develop or formalise existing skills.
A basic understanding of telecommunications or data networks can help, but it is not a prerequisite. Be prepared to take part in practical exercises, follow safety instructions and complete knowledge-based assessment. Reading instructions, recording results and working with basic measurements are useful preparation for the learning involved.
Open Awards recommends a good standard of English and maths. If you have questions about learning support or practical participation, discuss them with Fibre Optics Training before booking. Wear suitable clothing for practical training; all other PPE, including safety glasses, is provided by Fibre Optics Training.
Why choose Fibre Optics Training
4 Great Reasons to Train With Us
1. Learn the complete practical workflow
Develop connected skills rather than viewing splicing as an isolated operation. Training links cable preparation and termination with splice protection, fibre management, inspection and testing. Understanding the full sequence helps you recognise how a problem introduced during one stage can affect the finished installation and the results recorded at handover.
2. Train in a practical Crewe setting
Fibre Optics Training combines theory with practical learning at its Crewe, Cheshire centre. Work with the tools and components used to prepare, connect and verify fibre links, relating classroom explanations to installation tasks. Learning in this setting lets you connect each preparation step with its effect on the completed link. The location offers a clear destination for individual learners and organisations planning staff development from across the North West and beyond.
3. Understand your qualification and recognition
Work towards a regulated Level 3 award through successful practical and knowledge-based assessment. COFNII course approval and CFIE professional recognition provide a separate part of the course offer. Clear explanations help you distinguish these outcomes from an ECS application and from any additional requirements set by employers or specific projects.
4. Build a foundation for further skills
Learn Tier 1 loss testing and basic OTDR methods alongside installation practice. You can then make an informed decision about advanced OTDR, ribbon splicing or broader cabling training. Choosing further learning around your work helps you build useful capability without confusing a foundation course with every specialist activity in fibre infrastructure. This makes the next learning decision more relevant to the tasks you actually perform.
Choosing the right course
Start with installation and splicing
Choose this five-day course if you need a practical foundation covering the fibre installation workflow. It suits beginners and working engineers who want preparation, termination, fusion splicing, inspection and installation testing in one programme. The qualification depends on successful assessment, so select the course for its learning and assessment scope rather than attendance alone. Consider whether you need the whole installation sequence or a narrower refresher.
Match the testing depth to your role
Tier 1 optical loss testing checks the loss of the installed link using an appropriate light source and power meter method. Basic OTDR work introduces setup and common events. If your responsibilities involve advanced trace interpretation, detailed fault finding or specialist commissioning, review the separate Advanced OTDR Testing & Fault Finding course and its entry guidance.
Keep ribbon training as a specialist next step
Single-fibre preparation and fusion splicing provide the foundation taught here. Ribbon fibre handling and mass fusion splicing require a different practical focus and are offered separately. Engineers moving towards high fibre counts or ribbon work should review the Ribbon Fibre Installation & Mass Fusion Splicing course rather than assume that specialist scope is included in this programme.
Compare fibre training with broader cabling routes
If your work includes copper structured cabling as well as optical fibre, compare the relevant data cabling course and combined training options. Keep the qualifications and assessment requirements for each route distinct. A wider programme may suit a broader job role, while this course remains focused on practical fibre installation, splicing and foundation testing.
Check outcomes, timing and application requirements
Review the five-day commitment, £1,050 + VAT price and Crewe location alongside your learning goals. COFNII approval and CFIE recognition are included in this offer, while any ECS application is separate. Ask Fibre Optics Training about joining arrangements, assessment and group delivery before booking if you need support choosing the route that matches your experience and intended work. Make sure any employer or project requirements are considered before you select a course.
Career progression
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Related training and next steps
Extend your practical skills
Explore Advanced OTDR Testing & Fault Finding for deeper testing skills, or Ribbon Fibre Installation & Mass Fusion Splicing for specialist splicing. Review the scope and entry guidance for each course before deciding which progression route fits your work.
Explore relevant equipment
Explore OTDR equipment information alongside the inspection and splicing equipment available through Fibre Optics Training. Discuss the task, fibre type and measurements you need before selecting tools. Equipment purchases are separate from course attendance and should reflect the work you intend to undertake.
Visit Fibre Optics Training and plan your stay
Use our travel and accommodation information when planning attendance at the Crewe centre. Check your course date and joining details before making arrangements, particularly if travelling from elsewhere in the UK.
Training for your team
Speak to Fibre Optics Training about corporate training for multiple engineers. Discuss your team’s experience, practical objectives and delivery needs so the proposed training and assessment arrangements can be checked against the course requirements. Agree the intended outcomes before choosing a delivery option, particularly when staff have different levels of installation experience.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can beginners attend, and is there a minimum age?
Yes. You must be at least 18, but previous fibre experience is not required. The course introduces the principles behind the practical activities before developing installation, splicing and testing skills. It also suits working engineers refreshing their methods or formalising their knowledge. You will need to participate in practical work and complete the required assessments. If you have learning support needs or questions about participation, discuss them with Fibre Optics Training before booking.
2. What installation and fusion splicing skills will I practise?
Practical training covers cable preparation, termination, cleaving, fusion splicing and protection of completed splices. You will also consider fibre routing and organisation within trays, panels and enclosures, connecting individual techniques to a complete installation workflow. The emphasis is careful preparation, clean working and appropriate checks. This is the foundation course for individual-fibre work; ribbon handling and mass fusion splicing are specialist activities covered by a separate course rather than an included qualification here.
3. Does the course include connector inspection and cleaning?
Yes. You will learn why connector cleanliness matters, how to inspect end faces and how to check whether cleaning has addressed contamination. Training introduces IEC 61300-3-35 inspection principles and connects inspection with the handling and connection process. Visual inspection supports good workmanship, but it does not replace optical performance measurements. Learners therefore consider cleanliness alongside testing, especially when investigating an unexpected result or deciding whether a connection needs further attention before the link is handed over.
4. What is the difference between the loss testing and OTDR covered?
Tier 1 optical loss testing measures link loss using an appropriate light source and power meter method. Basic OTDR work introduces instrument setup and common trace events to support installation checks and fault investigation. These methods answer different questions and should be selected appropriately. This course provides foundation-level testing alongside installation and splicing. Engineers needing deeper trace interpretation, specialist fault finding or advanced testing assessment should review the separate Advanced OTDR Testing & Fault Finding course.
5. Which standards and working environments are relevant?
The course introduces BS EN 50173 generic cabling principles, BS EN 50174 installation and quality principles, and IEC 61300-3-35 connector inspection principles. These provide context for workmanship and testing across telecommunications, enterprise and data centre cabling. References to standards do not mean every clause or specialist application is covered. Likewise, the centre’s wider facilities do not make this a pole-climbing, confined-space, streetworks or Openreach accreditation course. Choose additional training where your intended role requires it.
6. How is achievement assessed, and which qualification will I receive?
You must successfully complete practical and knowledge-based assessment to achieve the Open Awards Level 3 Award in Fibre Optics Installation and Testing (RQF), qualification number 603/7800/1. Your work must demonstrate the required skills and understanding; attendance alone is insufficient. Assessment is distinct from gaining experience on live projects. Awarding-body assessment evidence is recorded through Cloud Assess, documenting the practical skills and underpinning knowledge you demonstrate during assessment. The course does not include the separate advanced OTDR qualification.
7. What do COFNII approval and CFIE recognition mean for this course?
The course is COFNII approved and includes COFNII Approved Installer registration with the CFIE — Certified Fibre Installation Engineer designation. This is professional recognition associated with the course offer. It should be distinguished from the regulated Open Awards qualification, which is awarded following successful assessment. It is also separate from an ECS card application. Ask Fibre Optics Training for the current recognition arrangements if you need documentation for an employer or project; do not assume additional benefits or renewal conditions.
8. How long is the course, what does it cost, and where is it held?
The course lasts five days and the stated price is £1,050 + VAT. Scheduled centre-based delivery is at the Fibre Optics Training Centre in Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 6BG. Review available dates and the current booking details when planning attendance. Wear suitable clothing; all other PPE, including safety glasses, is provided. Check joining information before travelling. Organisations booking several learners can discuss their requirements with Fibre Optics Training, while individuals can ask for guidance on whether the course matches their objectives.
9. Will completing the course automatically give me an ECS card?
No. ECS lists this award for its Network Infrastructure Installer (Level 3) – Fibre route, but the card requires a separate application. Applicants must also provide an employer or company statement confirming at least 12 months’ installation experience, or other evidence of experience, and hold a current ECS Health, Safety and Environmental Assessment. Check the official requirements before applying. A beginner can attend this course without having already accumulated the experience needed for the card.
10. What can I study afterwards, and is team training available?
Choose further learning around the work you plan to undertake. Advanced OTDR and fault-finding training develops testing depth, while ribbon fibre training focuses on specialist preparation and mass fusion splicing. Data cabling training can broaden your capability into copper structured cabling. Fibre Optics Training also welcomes corporate enquiries for teams. Discuss existing experience, learning objectives, location and assessment requirements so suitable options can be considered without assuming every course or accreditation is included in a tailored programme.