Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework

Program Title:	Telecommunications and Fiber Optics Technician
Program Type:	Career Preparatory
Career Cluster:	Arts, A/V Technology & Communication

Career Certificate Program	
Program Number	K600300	
CIP Number	0647010306	
Grade Level	30, 31	
Program Length	460 hours	
Teacher Certification	Refer to the Program Structure section.	
CTSO	SkillsUSA	
SOC Codes (all applicable) 	For program SOC codes, please see the Program and Course Tables section of the CTE Program Resources page linked below.	
CTE Program Resources 	http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/program-resources.stml	
Basic Skills Level	Computation (Mathematics):	9	Communications (Reading and Language Arts):	9	

Purpose

This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Arts, A/V Technology & Communication career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of the Arts, A/V Technology & Communication career cluster. 

The content includes but is not limited to fundamentals of telecommunications systems, fiber optic cable installation and maintenance, network
infrastructure design, signal transmission principles, and troubleshooting techniques for both copper and fiber-based systems. Students will gain
hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and equipment, learn to interpret technical diagrams and specifications, and develop skills in project management and customer service. The program also covers safety protocols, industry regulations, and emerging technologies in the field of telecommunications. Upon completion, students will be well-prepared for entry-level positions in the telecommunications industry and will have the opportunity to pursue industry certifications such as the Fiber Optics Association (FOA) Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT), Electronics Technicians Association (ETA) Fiber Optics Installer (FOI) and CompTIA Network+ certifications.

Additional Information relevant to this Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is provided at the end of this document.

Program Structure

This program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of four (4) occupational completion points.

This program is comprised of courses which have been assigned course numbers in the SCNS (Statewide Course Numbering System) in accordance with Section (s.) 1007.24(1), Florida Statutes (F.S). Career and Technical credit shall be awarded to the student on a transcript in accordance with s.1001.44(3)(b), F.S.

To teach the course(s) listed below, instructors must hold at least one of the teacher certifications indicated for that course.

The following table illustrates the postsecondary program structure:

OCP	Course Number	Course Title	Teacher Certification	Length	
A	TCN0300	Telecommunications Fundamentals	TELCOM 7G	115 hours	
B	TCN0310	Network Cabling and Installation		115 hours	
C	TCN0312	Fiber Optics and Splicing Techniques		115 hours	
D	TCN0320	Advanced Telecommunications Systems		115 hours	

National Standards (NS)

Programs identified as having Industry or National Standards have been crosswalked with the corresponding standards and/or benchmarks. Industry or National Standards for the Telecommunications and Fiber Optics Technician program can be found using the following links:
https://www.thefoa.org/,  https://www.comptia.org/certifications/network  and https://www.etai.org/fiber_cabling.html.

Florida’s Career Readiness Skills for CTE Programs  

Employability Skills	
01.0	Apply academic skills to workplace scenarios.	
01.01	Use reading skills.	
01.02	Use writing skills.	
01.03	Use mathematical strategies and procedures.	
01.04	Use scientific principles and procedures.	
02.0	Design a solution to an industry problem.	
02.01	Use critical thinking.	
02.02	Use creativity.	
02.03	Make sound decisions.	
02.04	Solve problems.	
02.05	Reason. 	
02.06	Plan and organize.	
03.0	Manage resources within an industry project	
03.01	Manage time.	
03.02	Manage money or resources.	
03.03	Manage materials.	
03.04	Manage personnel.	
04.0	Oversee the subcomponents, operations and output of a technical or organizational system.	
04.01	Manage systems.	
04.02	Monitor systems.	
04.03	Improve systems.	
05.0	Use information for decision making.	
05.01	Locate information.	
05.02	Organize information.	
05.03	Use information.	
05.04	Analyze information.	
05.05	Communicate information.	
06.0	Apply relevant technology to workplace scenarios to aid productivity.	
06.01	Use technology.	
07.0	Interpret and express interpersonal communication.	
07.01	Communicate verbally.	
07.02	Listen actively.	
07.03	Comprehend written material.	
07.04	Convey information in writing.	
07.05	Communicate nonverbally.	
07.06	Interpret nonverbal communication.	
08.0	Interact with others to accomplish workplace goals.	
08.01	Collaborate with others in a team.	
08.02	Respond to customer needs.	
08.03	Exercise leadership.	
08.04	Negotiate to resolve conflict.	
08.05	Respect others.	
09.0	Manage personal behavior to maximize productivity and professional growth.	
09.01	Demonstrate responsibility and self-discipline.	
09.02	Adapt and show flexibility.	
09.03	Work independently.	
09.04	Demonstrate a willingness to learn.	
09.05	Demonstrate integrity.	
09.06	Demonstrate professionalism.	
09.07	Take initiative.	
09.08	Display positive attitude.	
09.09	Take responsibility for professional growth.	
Job Attainment	
10.0	Find, assess and apply to job opportunities.	
10.01	Identify online job posts relevant to his or her career aspirations.	
10.02	Compare and contrast the job posts’ required qualifications, job duties, compensation, benefits and employers. 	
10.03	Define what information, documentation and writing prompts are required for the positions.	
11.0	Communicate personal competence, character and fit for a job opportunity.	
11.01	Develop a resume.	
11.02	Write a cover letter.	
11.03	Curate a professional portfolio that includes work products.	
11.04	Prepare for and experience a mock job interview.	
12.0	Cultivate and leverage relationships to professionally advance.	
12.01	Request a signed reference letter, letter of recommendation and/or an online skill/professionalism endorsement. 	
12.02	Develop a plan to cultivate a professional digital footprint.	
12.03	Develop a networking plan for a specific industry of interest.	

Standards
After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to perform the following:

01.0	Demonstrate knowledge of workplace safety practices.
02.0	Apply basic work practices and customer service skills.
03.0	Demonstrate proficiency in basic DC circuitry.
04.0	Demonstrate proficiency in basic AC circuitry.
05.0	Explain electrical hazards and safety procedures.
06.0	Identify and use common hand and power tools in telecommunications.
07.0	Explain industry code of conduct and regulatory compliance.
08.0	Demonstrate basic understanding of telecommunications systems architecture.
09.0	Identify types of cables and connectors used in telecommunications.
10.0	Demonstrate proficiency in cable installation techniques.
11.0	Install, terminate, and test twisted pair cabling systems.
12.0	Install, terminate, and test coaxial cable systems.
13.0	Demonstrate proficiency in aerial and underground cable placement.
14.0	Apply proper cable management and cable bonding practices.
15.0	Use cable testing equipment to validate network connections.
16.0	Troubleshoot and repair basic cable system faults.
17.0	Demonstrate knowledge of network topologies and configurations.
18.0	Explain building construction impacts on cable routing and installation.
19.0	Demonstrate understanding of fiber optic transmission principles.
20.0	Identify fiber optic cable types and connectors.
21.0	Demonstrate proficiency in fiber optic cable preparation and termination.
22.0	Perform fiber optic splicing techniques (fusion and mechanical).
23.0	Test and validate fiber optic connections using industry-standard equipment.
24.0	Install and configure fiber distribution systems.
25.0	Troubleshoot and repair fiber optic systems.
26.0	Apply safety practices specific to fiber optic installations.
27.0	Explain the principles of wavelength division multiplexing.
28.0	Demonstrate proficiency in hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) systems.
29.0	Explain digital signal processing in telecommunications.
30.0	Demonstrate understanding of wireless telecommunications technologies.
31.0	Install and configure various telecommunications services (voice, data, video).
32.0	Perform advanced troubleshooting of complex telecommunications issues.
33.0	Demonstrate proficiency in using specialized test equipment.
34.0	Explain emerging trends and technologies in telecommunications.
35.0	Prepare technical documentation and reports.
36.0	Demonstrate understanding of telecommunications project management.
37.0	Prepare for industry certifications relevant to telecommunications.

Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title:	Telecommunications and Fiber Optics Technician
Career Certificate Program Number:	K600300

Course Number:  TCN0300 
Occupational Completion Point:  OCP A 
Telecommunications Fundamentals – 115 Hours	
01.0	Demonstrate knowledge of workplace safety practices.  The student will be able to:	
01.01	Identify common workplace hazards in telecommunications.	
01.02	Demonstrate proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).	
01.03	Explain OSHA regulations relevant to telecommunications.	
01.04	Perform a job safety analysis for common telecommunications tasks.	
02.0	Apply basic work practices and customer service skills.  The student will be able to:	
02.01	Demonstrate professional communication with customers.	
02.02	Explain the importance of work ethics in telecommunications.	
02.03	Practice time management and job prioritization.	
02.04	Role-play common customer interaction scenarios.	
03.0	Demonstrate proficiency in basic DC circuitry.  The student will be able to:	
03.01	Measure voltage, current, and resistance using a multimeter.	
03.02	Calculate power in DC circuits using Ohm's law.	
03.03	Construct and analyze series and parallel DC circuits.	
03.04	Troubleshoot basic DC circuit faults.	
04.0	Demonstrate proficiency in basic AC circuitry.  The student will be able to:	
04.01	Explain the characteristics of AC signals.	
04.02	Measure AC voltage and current using appropriate instruments.	
04.03	Describe the behavior of capacitors and inductors in AC circuits.	
04.04	Analyze simple AC circuits.	
05.0	Explain electrical hazards and safety procedures.  The student will be able to:	
05.01	Identify potential electrical hazards in telecommunications work.	
05.02	Demonstrate proper lockout/tagout procedures.	
05.03	Explain grounding and its importance in electrical safety.	
05.04	Perform a risk assessment for electrical work.	
06.0	Identify and use common hand and power tools in telecommunications.  The student will be able to:	
06.01	Demonstrate proper use of cable strippers, crimpers, and punch-down tools.	
06.02	Operate power drills and fish tape for cable installation.	
06.03	Use tone generators and probe kits for cable tracing.	
06.04	Maintain and inspect tools for safety and functionality.	
07.0	Explain industry code of conduct and regulatory compliance.  The student will be able to:	
07.01	Describe the importance of customer privacy in telecommunications.	
07.02	Explain FCC regulations relevant to telecommunications work.	
07.03	Demonstrate understanding of ethical considerations in the industry.	
07.04	Discuss the impact of non-compliance on business operations.	
08.0	Demonstrate basic understanding of telecommunications systems architecture.  The student will be able to:	
08.01	Explain the components of a basic telecommunications network.	
08.02	Describe the function of central offices and local exchanges.	
08.03	Identify different types of telecommunications services (voice, data, video).	
08.04	Explain the concept of the "last mile" in telecommunications.	
09.0	Identify types of cables and connectors used in telecommunications.  The student will be able to:	
09.01	Distinguish between different types of copper cabling (Cat5e, Cat6, coaxial).	
09.02	Identify common fiber optic cable types (single-mode, multi-mode).	
09.03	Explain the appropriate use cases for various cable types.	
09.04	Demonstrate proper cable handling and storage techniques.	
	
Course Number:  TCN0310
Occupational Completion Point:  OCP B 
Network Cabling and Installation – 115 Hours	
10.0	Demonstrate proficiency in cable installation techniques.  The student will be able to:	
10.01	Plan cable routes considering building structure and existing utilities.	
10.02	Install cable support systems (J-hooks, cable trays).	
10.03	Demonstrate proper cable pulling techniques.	
10.04	Label and organize cables according to industry standards.	
11.0	Install, terminate, and test twisted pair cabling systems.  The student will be able to:	
11.01	Terminate RJ45 connectors on Cat5e/Cat6 cables.	
11.02	Perform cable certification tests using appropriate test equipment.	
11.03	Install and terminate patch panels and wall plates.	
11.04	Troubleshoot common twisted pair cabling issues.	
12.0	Install, terminate, and test coaxial cable systems.  The student will be able to:	
12.01	Prepare coaxial cable ends for termination.	
12.02	Install F-type and BNC connectors on coaxial cable.	
12.03	Test coaxial cable installations for signal quality.	
12.04	Implement proper grounding techniques for coaxial systems.	
13.0	Demonstrate proficiency in aerial and underground cable placement.  The student will be able to:	
13.01	Explain safety considerations for aerial work.	
13.02	Demonstrate proper techniques for lashing aerial cable.	
13.03	Install underground conduit and pull boxes.	
13.04	Perform cable pulling in underground conduits.	
14.0	Apply proper cable management and cable bonding practices.  The student will be able to:	
14.01	Implement proper cable bundling and tie-wrap techniques.	
14.02	Install and ground bonding blocks.	
14.03	Demonstrate cable routing in telecom closets and data centers.	
14.04	Explain the importance of maintaining bend radius in cable installation.	
15.0	Use cable testing equipment to validate network connections.  The student will be able to:	
15.01	Operate cable analyzers to certify installations.	
15.02	Use Time Domain Reflectometers (TDR) to locate cable faults.	
15.03	Perform continuity and polarity tests on various cable types.	
15.04	Interpret and document test results.	
16.0	Troubleshoot and repair basic cable system faults.  The student will be able to:	
16.01	Diagnose common physical layer issues in networks.	
16.02	Repair damaged cable jackets and conductors.	
16.03	Replace faulty connectors and terminations.	
16.04	Document troubleshooting steps and resolutions.	
17.0	Demonstrate knowledge of network topologies and configurations.  The student will be able to:	
17.01	Explain common network topologies (bus, star, ring, mesh).	
17.02	Describe the OSI model and its relevance to cabling.	
17.03	Implement basic network configurations.	
17.04	Explain the impact of cabling on network performance.	
18.0	Explain building construction impacts on cable routing and installation.  The student will be able to:	
18.01	Interpret basic architectural and electrical drawings.	
18.02	Identify common building materials and their impact on signal propagation.	
18.03	Explain techniques for cable routing through different building structures.	
18.04	Demonstrate knowledge of fire stopping requirements for cable installations.	

Course Number:  TCN0312 
Occupational Completion Point:  OCP C
Fiber Optics and Splicing Techniques – 115 Hours	
19.0	Demonstrate understanding of fiber optic transmission principles.  The student will be able to:	
19.01	Explain the basic principles of light transmission in optical fibers.	
19.02	Describe the differences between single-mode and multi-mode fibers.	
19.03	Discuss bandwidth and attenuation in fiber optic systems.	
19.04	Explain the role of optical transmitters and receivers.	
20.0	Identify fiber optic cable types and connectors.  The student will be able to:	
20.01	Distinguish between loose tube and tight buffered fiber cables.	
20.02	Identify common fiber connector types (SC, LC, ST, FC).	
20.03	Explain the characteristics and use cases of various fiber types.	
20.04	Demonstrate proper handling and cleaning of fiber optic connectors.	
21.0	Demonstrate proficiency in fiber optic cable preparation and termination.  The student will be able to:	
21.01	Properly strip and clean fiber optic cables.	
21.02	Cleave fibers using precision cleavers.	
21.03	Terminate fibers using epoxy and crimp-on connectors.	
21.04	Polish fiber optic connectors to industry standards.	
22.0	Perform fiber optic splicing techniques (fusion and mechanical).  The student will be able to:	
22.01	Prepare fibers for splicing.	
22.02	Operate a fusion splicer to join fibers.	
22.03	Perform mechanical splices using various splice technologies.	
22.04	Protect splices using heat shrink sleeves and splice enclosures.	
23.0	Test and validate fiber optic connections using industry-standard equipment. The student will be able to:  	
23.01	Use Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) for cable testing.	
23.02	Perform end-to-end attenuation testing using a light source and power meter.	
23.03	Conduct visual fault location using visual fault locators.	
23.04	Interpret and document fiber optic test results.	
24.0	Install and configure fiber distribution systems.  The student will be able to:	
24.01	Install fiber distribution panels and splice trays.	
24.02	Implement proper cable management in fiber installations.	
24.03	Configure passive optical networks (PON).	
24.04	Demonstrate knowledge of fiber to the premises (FTTP) architectures.	
25.0	Troubleshoot and repair fiber optic systems.  The student will be able to:	
25.01	Diagnose common fiber optic transmission problems.	
25.02	Locate fiber breaks and high-loss events using OTDR.	
25.03	Perform emergency fiber repairs in the field.	
25.04	Implement redundancy in fiber optic networks.	
26.0	Apply safety practices specific to fiber optic installations.  The student will be able to:	
26.01	Demonstrate safe handling of optical power sources.	
26.02	Explain proper disposal of fiber optic materials.	
26.03	Use appropriate eye and skin protection when working with fibers.	
26.04	Implement safety procedures for working with fiber cleaves and shards.	
27.0	Explain the principles of wavelength division multiplexing.  The student will be able to:	
27.01	Describe the concept of WDM and its benefits.	
27.02	Explain the differences between CWDM and DWDM.	
27.03	Discuss the components used in WDM systems.	
27.04	Calculate channel capacity in WDM systems.	
28.0	Demonstrate understanding of fiber optic transmission principles.  The student will be able to:	
28.01	Explain the basic principles of light transmission in optical fibers.	
28.02	Describe the differences between single-mode and multi-mode fibers.	
28.03	Discuss bandwidth and attenuation in fiber optic systems.	
28.04	Explain the role of optical transmitters and receivers.	
29.0	Identify fiber optic cable types and connectors.  The student will be able to:	
29.01	Distinguish between loose tube and tight buffered fiber cables.	
29.02	Identify common fiber connector types (SC, LC, ST, FC).	
29.03	Explain the characteristics and use cases of various fiber types.	
29.04	Demonstrate proper handling and cleaning of fiber optic connectors.	

Course Number:  TCN0320 
Occupational Completion Point:  OCP D
Advanced Telecommunications Systems – 115 Hours	
30.0	Demonstrate proficiency in hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) systems.  The student will be able to:	
30.01	Explain the architecture of HFC networks.	
30.02	Install and configure cable modems and set-top boxes.	
30.03	Troubleshoot signal quality issues in HFC systems.	
30.04	Perform RF measurements in coaxial portions of HFC networks.	
31.0	Explain digital signal processing in telecommunications.  The student will be able to:	
31.01	Describe analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion.	
31.02	Explain modulation techniques (QAM, OFDM).	
31.03	Discuss the impact of compression on signal quality.	
31.04	Demonstrate understanding of error correction techniques.	
32.0	Demonstrate understanding of wireless telecommunications technologies.  The student will be able to:	
32.01	Explain basic principles of radio frequency (RF) transmission.	
32.02	Describe cellular network architectures (4G, 5G).	
32.03	Install and configure Wi-Fi networks.	
32.04	Perform basic troubleshooting of wireless systems.	
33.0	Install and configure various telecommunications services (voice, data, video).  The student will be able to:	
33.01	Set up Voice over IP (VoIP) systems.	
33.02	Configure data services on customer premises equipment.	
33.03	Install and troubleshoot digital video services.	
33.04	Explain QoS requirements for different services.	
34.0	Perform advanced troubleshooting of complex telecommunications issues.  The student will be able to:	
34.01	Use protocol analyzers to diagnose network issues.	
34.02	Troubleshoot inter-service interference problems.	
34.03	Diagnose and resolve intermittent connectivity issues.	
34.04	Perform root cause analysis on complex system failures.	
35.0	Demonstrate proficiency in using specialized test equipment.  The student will be able to:	
35.01	Operate spectrum analyzers for RF analysis.	
35.02	Use protocol analyzers for data network troubleshooting.	
35.03	Perform bit error rate testing (BERT) on digital circuits.	
35.04	Conduct VoIP quality testing using appropriate tools.	
36.0	Explain emerging trends and technologies in telecommunications.  The student will be able to:	
36.01	Discuss the evolution towards all-IP networks.	
36.02	Explain concepts of software-defined networking (SDN)	
36.03	Describe the Internet of Things (IoT) and its impact on telecommunications	
36.04	Discuss emerging 5G and beyond technologies	
37.0	Prepare technical documentation and reports.  The student will be able to:	
37.01	Create as-built documentation for installations.	
37.02	Write clear and concise technical reports.	
37.03	Develop and maintain network diagrams.	
37.04	Document standard operating procedures (SOPs).	

Additional Information

Laboratory Activities

Laboratory investigations that include scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, emerging technologies, tools and equipment, as well as, experimental, quality, and safety procedures are an integral part of this career and technical program/course. Laboratory investigations benefit all students by developing an understanding of the complexity and ambiguity of empirical work, as well as the skills required to manage, operate, calibrate and troubleshoot equipment/tools used to make observations. Students understand measurement error; and have the skills to aggregate, interpret, and present the resulting data. Equipment and supplies should be provided to enhance hands-on experiences for students.

Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)

CTSOs are co-curricular career and technical student organizations providing leadership training and reinforcing specific career and technical skills. Career and Technical Student Organizations provide activities for students as an integral part of the instruction offered. Other CTSOs not listed in this curriculum framework or recognized by the Florida Department of Education are permissible provided they support student mastery over the standards and benchmarks of this curriculum framework.

Cooperative Training – OJT

On-the-job training is appropriate but not required for this program. Whenever offered, the rules, guidelines, and requirements specified in the OJT framework apply. 

Basic Skills

In Career Certificate programs offered for 450 hours or more, in accordance with Rule 6A-10.040, F.A.C., the minimum basic skills grade levels required for postsecondary adult career and technical students to complete this program are: Computation (Mathematics) and Communications (Reading and Language Arts). These grade level numbers correspond to a grade equivalent score obtained on a state designated basic skills examination.  

Adult students with disabilities, as defined in s.1004.02, F.S., may be exempted from meeting the Basic Skills requirements (Rule 6A-10.040, F.A.C.). Students served in exceptional student education (except gifted) as defined in s. 1003.01, F.S., may also be exempted from meeting the Basic Skills requirement. Each school district and Florida College System Institution must adopt a policy addressing procedures for exempting eligible students with disabilities from the Basic Skills requirement as permitted in s. 1004.91, F.S.

Accommodations

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities to meet individual needs and ensure equal access. Postsecondary students with disabilities must self-identify, present documentation, request accommodations if needed, and develop a plan with their counselor and/or instructors. Accommodations received in postsecondary education may differ from those received in secondary education. Accommodations change the way the student is instructed. Students with disabilities may need accommodations in such areas as instructional methods and materials, assignments and assessments, time demands and schedules, learning environment, assistive technology and special communication systems. Documentation of the accommodations requested and provided should be maintained in a confidential file.

Note: postsecondary curriculum and regulated secondary programs cannot be modified.