Certification

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BICSI Installer 2, Optical Fiber® (INSTF®) 

Your company and employees are more marketable with the skills learned through the BICSI Cabling Installation Program.

BICSI Installer 2, Optical Fiber (INSTF) candidates are tested on their ability to understand and apply a comprehensive collection of installation-specific information. Achieving your INSTF designation will demonstrate your ability to:

  • Successfully interpret drawings, plans and specifications.
  • Properly test and troubleshoot optical fiber installations.
  • Discuss media selection and implications for implementation on the network.
  • Make recommendations based on applicable codes, standards and best practices.
  • Interpret the job plan and scope of work as well as perform retrofits and upgrades for existing infrastructure.

BICSI Installer 2, Optical Fiber Credentialing Process

  • Why

    Why Get Certified?

    • Recognized by the ICT Community and Employers
    • Provides a Unique Skillset to an ICT Installer and Technician
    • Uses the Latest Technologies, Methods and Best Practices
    • Critical in Modern High Bandwidth Applications
    • Engineered by Installation Experts
    • Recognized Globally
    • Built with Your Career in Mind
    • Meets the Highest Standards

  • Decide

    Experience and Knowledge Requirements

    Individuals preparing to sit for the Installer 2, Optical Fiber exam must possess at least two years of verifiable ICT industry installation experience within the last five years.

    Participants sitting for the Installer 2, Fiber exam must be able to distinguish between different colors, possess manual dexterity to complete fine motor tasks, stand for extended periods of time, climb ladders, and lift and carry items weighing up to 50lbs. 

  • Prepare

    Exam Preparation

    It is strongly recommended that examinees:

  • Apply

    Examination Application Process

    • Submit non-refundable exam application fee

    This must be received by BICSI's Credentialing Department for review and processing no later than 15 business days prior to the exam date. An exam application may be expedited if received 5-14 business days prior to the exam date.

    The final exam application and fee deadline is 5 business days prior to the exam date. Exam applications will not be processed after the deadline. After the exam application is approved, it is valid for one year.

  • Test

    Examination

    The Installer 2, Optical Fiber exam is currently based on the BICSI’s ITSIMM and is a two-part exam—hands-on and written.

    To become a BICSI Installer 2, Optical Fiber, you must successfully pass both parts. The exam is 120 minutes in length.

    Note: For Exams taking place at BICSI Headquarters in Tampa, the hands-on exam will take place on the last day of class and the written exam will take place the following morning at BICSI headquarters. For exams not taking place in Tampa,  the hands-on exam will take place on the last day of the class.  After successfully passing the hands-on exam, you will be provided a voucher and instructions for scheduling and payment of the written exam at a Pearson Vue testing center of your choosing.

    Hands-On Examination

    The Installer 2, Optical Fiber hands-on exam is given the last day of the IN250 course, which is generally on a Friday afternoon (see course schedule). The hands-on performance exam consists of completing six tasks to industry standards, within a 20-minute per-task time limit. Proctors will give the pass/fail results on site.

    If you fail to successfully complete one of the hands-on exam tasks, you will be given the opportunity to retest on that task on the same day at no additional cost, time permitting. If you fail the same task twice or fail two hands-on tasks, the hands-on exam will need to be retaken on another date.

    Written Examination

    The Installer 2, Optical Fiber written exam is given the day after the IN250 course, generally on a Saturday morning (see course schedule). The exam is 120 minutes in length and consists of 100 questions drawn from BICSI’s ITSIMM. The format of the exam is closed-book and multiple choice (with questions based on both knowledge and application). 

  • Recertify

    After Passing the Installer 2, Optical Fiber Examination

    Once you successfully pass both the hands-on and written exam, your credential will be valid for three full years from the date that you passed the last portion of the exam. Within 30-45 business days of passing the exam, you will be mailed a congratulations letter, a registration card for you to carry in your wallet and a certificate suitable for framing.

    Suggested Program Advancement

    It is recommended that you further your career by advancing to the Installer 2, Copper and/or Technician credential(s) (dependent upon experience) during the time you are a BICSI Installer 2, Optical Fiber. 

    Renewal Requirements

    In order to maintain your credential, there are required benchmarks to accomplish during each three-year registration/renewal period. The following must be completed and received by the Credentialing Department on or before your credential expiration date:

    1. Proof of completion of 15 continuing education credits (CECs)

    2. Completed INSTF Recertification Form (PDF) or ONLINE

    3. Renewal Fee

  • Get Started!

    Log into your Credential Dashboard to get started.

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INSTF

 

“The [IN250] instructor [in Uganda] was well prepared, knowledge and practical. He is social and interactive, and he fits in well with a new environment.”

– Allan Sabiiti
United Nations (UNAMID)
Entebbe, Uganda

“I can honestly say that after taking the Installer 2, Optical Fiber course and being promoted to an Information Systems Specialist 2, I saw a $10,000 annual increase in pay. Today, I’m the only Fiber Technician employed by the state of West Virginia.”

– James R. Bowles, INST1, INSTC, INSTF, TECH, Information Systems Specialist 2
State of West Virginia Office of Technology
Charleston, West Virginia, USA

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