Certified Outside Plant Technician (COPT®)

Program Overview


Learn how to construct high capacity, high quality external fibre optic networks to meet the demand of smart technologies of the future, and the importance of Fibre To The Everything (FTTx).

Big data is getting bigger, the development of smart technology devices and the concepts of the Internet of Things (IoT), smart homes, smart buildings and smart cities are driving a significant demand for wider network accessibility. Improvements in wireless technology and the increased deployment of wireless access points along with the rollout of small-cell technology (5G) aims to meet the growing demand for access. Underpinning all of this, as well as the UK government strategy for a ‘full fibre broadband’ access, is the need for a significant growth in the national fibre optic network structure.

The five-day Certified Outside Plant Technician (COPT®) program is a comprehensive program perfect for those with 2-3 years’ experience within network infrastructure who wish to extend their knowledge, practical hands-on skills, qualifications and certifications into deployment of fibre optic connectivity in the external environment.

Learners can take their existing network cabling knowledge and skills to the next level by gaining a valuable insight into external fibre network distribution strategies, infrastructure components and installation methods. Passive Optical Networking (PON) features heavily as the primary delivery technology for fibre broadband to the home. Methods used for distribution will also feature, exploring the benefits and rationale behind the choice to distribute services underground or overhead.

Focused practical hands-on sessions are incorporated throughout this program, including the implementation of in-line splicing, high fibre-count distribution, Multi Dwelling Unit (MDU) cabinet installation and customer connection drops. Blown fibre practices also feature.

The duration of this program is five days; the content is comprehensive and detailed allowing network infrastructure professionals to have the potential to add real value to their skills by including these complex areas in their product/service portfolio. A COPT® will be undaunted when dealing with complex external fibre networks, able to rationalise the network structure and understand the functions of installed components.

A certified COPT® also considers the requirements for compliance, having a full understanding of national and international regulations, codes and standards. During the program learners will be provided a valuable opportunity to access the latest industry standards.

Following this program, you are encouraged to continue your professional development by advancing your knowledge and skills to gain further official certifications and qualifications by progressing through The Global Digital Infrastructure Education Framework which maps education programs to career advancement throughout the network infrastructure and data centre sectors.

The COPT® program is classroom-based and led by one of CNet’s expert Instructors.

Role of the COPT®

  • Planning external plant
  • Construction of external pathways
  • Working in the OSP environment

Regulations, Standards, Codes, and Industry Best Practices

  • Applicable BSEN Standards
  • New Roads and Streetworks Act 1991
  • Working in confined spaces
  • Working at height

Fundamentals of Outside Plant Pathways Underground

  • Route planning
  • Pit and chamber construction
  • Ducts and sub-ducts
  • Building entry methods
  • Blown fibre tubing
  • Pathway security
  • Installation methods

Fundamentals of Outside Plant Pathways Overhead

  • Route planning
  • Telegraph poles and other support structures
  • Route stability
  • Environmental clearances
  • Wayleaves and pole sharing
  • Pole route construction
  • Installation practices

Passive Optical Networks

  • Types; GPON, EPON, GEPON
  • Wavelengths and bandwidth
  • PON architecture
  • PON components
  • PON distribution methods

Testing External Fibre Optic Networks

  • Tier 1 and Tier 2 testing requirements in the OSP environment
  • Effects of passive splitters
  • PON test methodology
  • HD/TDR test functionality

Fibre To The Everything (FTTx)

  • Fibre to the node
  • Fibre to the curb
  • Fibre to the building
  • Fibre to the antenna
  • Fibre to the home

This program is designed for individuals experienced within the network cabling installation environment who wish to extend their hands-on practical skills, knowledge, qualifications and certifications in relation to fibre optic technology and infrastructure in the external environment.

A minimum of two years experience within the network infrastructure sector is required. Successful completion of the Certified Network Cable Installer (CNCI®) program would be advantageous. If you would like to discuss your experience or suitability for this program please contact us.

Learners are required to have:

  • A webcam and microphone enabled laptop with unrestricted wireless internet connectivity and a pre-installed web browser
  • A suitable application for reading/annotating PDFs and a suitable application for editing standard office documents such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel

Learners will gain the knowledge and practical skills to confidently install, test and certify fibre optic installations in the external environment.

  • Internationally and industry recognised Pearson BTEC Level 4 Professional Award in Certified Outside Plant Technician
  • Official Certified Outside Plant Technician (COPT®) certification
  • Use of COPT post nominal title e.g. John Smith COPT
  • Use of the official COPT® digital badge
  • Use of the COPT® logo
  • Continual Professional Development (CPDs)
  • 5 IEEE Continual Education Units (CEUs)
  • Develop broader fibre knowledge and skills to gain greater opportunities in
    the industry
  • Undertake work with much higher fibre counts using different termination techniques, building confidence with experience
  • Increase technical knowledge and understanding of fibre network complexity
  • Develop a broader installation capability, increasing business opportunities
  • Reassurance that you are developing a capable and reliable workforce, encouraging independence and reducing cost of failure
  • Confidence that with greater network knowledge, your technicians can be more engaging with your customers, able to establish good working relationships and promote future growth
  • Certified Network Infrastructure Design Professional (CNIDP®) – designed for telecommunications and data communications engineers with at least 5 years’ experience within the network cabling design and installation environment, and those wishing to extend their skills, knowledge, qualifications and certifications in relation to the planning and design of cable systems within different environments
  • Certified Telecommunications Project Management (CTPM®) – gain the ability to ensure that data centre projects are correctly managed and delivered to meet the business needs
  • Certified Wireless Infrastructure Technician (CWIT®) – designed for individuals experienced within the network infrastructure installation environment wishing to extend their hands-on practical skills, knowledge, qualifications and certifications in relation to generic wireless installation within diverse environments
  • Certified Network Infrastructure Technician (CNIT®) – for individuals within the network cabling installation environment wishing to extend their hands on practical skills, knowledge, qualifications and certifications in relation to cable installation within different environments
  • Certified Data Centre Technician Professional (CDCTP®) – beneficial to technical personnel who are responsible for the day-to-day smooth operation of the mission critical environments within these facilities
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