Fibre Optic Installation and Testing Engineer Level 3
This intensive 10-day programme combines professional fibre optic installation with advanced testing and fault finding. Delivered at our specialist training centre in Crewe, the course combines theoretical learning with extensive practical training. You will work with professional fibre installation and testing equipment, including fusion-splicing equipment, light sources, power meters and optical time-domain reflectometers (OTDRs).
The programme leads to two regulated Open Awards Level 3 qualifications and develops the skills required to install, splice, terminate and test fibre optic systems, interpret results and prepare documentation for client handover.
About this course:
Modern fibre networks require engineers who can install cabling correctly, verify its performance, diagnose faults and provide clear evidence that a system is ready for handover.
This course combines installation and advanced testing in one practical programme. Training covers single-mode and multimode fibre systems used across telecommunications, broadband networks, enterprise infrastructure and data centres.
The course is designed to develop job-ready skills through a combination of technical instruction, practical workshop activities and project-based assessment.
What is involved in this course
The programme begins with fibre installation before progressing to advanced fibre testing. You will learn how to test fibre networks accurately, select appropriate testing methods and use professional equipment correctly.
Training includes:
Insertion-loss measurements and Tier 1 testing
Tier 2 OTDR testing
Unidirectional and bidirectional OTDR testing
Fibre end-face inspection in line with industry standards
Setting up and testing GPON, XG-PON and XGS-PON systems
Setting up OTDR equipment correctly
Reading and interpreting OTDR graphs
Understanding SLM and iOLM
Health and safety when working with fibre optics
Testing requirements for a 120 km fibre link
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
✔️ Explain fibre optic principles, terminology and applications
✔️ Identify different fibre types and select them for appropriate environments
✔️ Prepare internal and external fibre optic cables
✔️ Install fibre optic cabling safely and correctly
✔️ Perform fusion splicing and fibre termination
✔️ Build fibre jointing and splicing enclosures
✔️ Install fibres into patch panels and optical distribution frames
✔️ Inspect fibre connections and connector end faces
✔️ Read network diagrams and understand common network topologies
✔️ Calculate optical link loss budgets
✔️ Carry out Tier 1 insertion-loss measurements
✔️ Configure and operate an OTDR correctly
✔️ Perform unidirectional and bidirectional Tier 2 testing
✔️ Interpret OTDR traces, events and test results
✔️ Understand SLM and iOLM testing methods
✔️ Identify and locate faults within fibre networks
✔️ Configure and test GPON, XG-PON and XGS-PON systems
✔️ Plan a 120 km single-mode fibre link
✔️ Specify the optical hardware required for a telecommunications link
✔️ Record test results and prepare professional handover documentation
Suitable for:
✔️ New Entrants ✔️ Experienced Fibre Engineers ✔️ Planners and Designers ✔️ Project Managers
Course modules:
Our Level 3 course is designed to support your career development by providing the practical skills and industry knowledge needed to begin a new role with confidence and progress within the fibre optic and telecommunications industries.
The course combines theoretical and practical training covering single-mode and multi-mode fibre systems. Throughout the programme, you will develop the skills and knowledge required for professional fibre optic installation, testing and fault finding.
Successful completion leads to two recognised Open Awards Level 3 qualifications: one covering fibre optic installation and testing, and another covering advanced OTDR testing.
Certification Information:
Successful learners will achieve:
Open Awards Level 3 Award in Fibre Optics Installation and Testing (RQF) – QAN 603/7800/1
Open Awards Level 3 Award in Advanced OTDR Testing (RQF) – QAN 603/7804/9
Assessment is based on a portfolio of evidence, including practical activities, observations, questioning and project work. The portfolio is externally quality-assured by Open Awards.
Entry Requirements
No formal qualification is required before starting this programme. However, a basic understanding of fibre optic installation and testing is recommended.
Learners should be comfortable completing practical workshop activities and producing written test records and assessment evidence.
Career Progession:
After completing this course, you can progress to further technical training, such as the Level 3 External Planning and Design Course.
Price:
£1,995 + VAT
Duration:
10 Days
Course Dates
Frequently Asked Questions
What skills will I develop during the Fibre Optic Installation and Testing Engineer Level 3 course?
During the course you will develop practical skills used by fibre engineers in the field, including preparing fibre cables, performing fusion splicing, terminating fibres in patch panels, and testing installed fibre links using professional test equipment. Training typically also covers how to interpret test results and ensure installations meet industry performance standards.
Why is fibre optic testing an important part of network installation?
Testing ensures that newly installed fibre networks are operating correctly before they are handed over to the client. Engineers use tools such as optical loss test sets and OTDR equipment to measure signal loss, identify faults, and confirm that the fibre link meets required performance standards.
What types of fibre optic systems will I learn about during the training?
Learners gain an understanding of the different fibre types used in telecom infrastructure, including single-mode and multimode fibre, along with how these systems are used in broadband networks, enterprise installations, and data centre environments.
How does this course help prepare learners for telecom engineering roles?
The training combines theory with hands-on practice so learners understand both how fibre networks work and how to install them correctly. Level 3 telecommunications training is designed to prepare engineers to work on real fibre infrastructure projects and follow recognised industry installation standards.
Where does the training take place?
Training takes place at the Fibre Optics Training centre in Crewe, Cheshire, where learners train in a hands-on workshop environment using professional fibre installation and testing equipmen