Fiber to the home (FTTH), also called fiber to the premises (FTTP), is the installation and use of optical fiber from a central point directly to individual buildings such as residences, apartment buildings and businesses to provide high-speed internet access.

Certification consists of demonstrating knowledge and familiarity with FTTH Passive Optical Network (PON) and Active Ethernet (AE) architectures, Outside Plant design, and deployment technologies. Certification is not directed at specific vendor’s products or equipment, rather to certify professional competencies.

Admission to this program is based on several factors. You must complete our online application form, which can be found here. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with multiple course start dates throughout the year. Limited spots are available in each training cohort.

Basic Requirements
• High school diploma or equivalent, including Grade 12 English
• Ability to distinguish between colors (for marked utilities)
• Intermediate computer skills
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Familiarity with the telecom industry and fiber optic installation (preferred)
• Comfortable working around underground utility services
• Strong safety awareness and adherence to safe work practices
• Able to work independently and outdoors in all weather
• Good communication skills and ability to work in a team
• Self-motivated and reliable

Course Requirements
• Intermediate to expert knowledge level
• Understanding of fiber optic theory and terminology
• Field experience required
• Formal training such as FTTx OSP Design

Physical Requirements
• Able to hear and respond to emergency signals and instructions
• Repetitive physical activity including sitting, lifting, stooping, kneeling, crawling, etc.
• Capable of lifting at least 15 pounds
• Able to work outdoors for long periods
• May require confined space entry
• Must be able to wear personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Must be able to climb ladders and work at heights
• Capable of working extended hours and variable shifts

Additional Notes
• Many roles require meeting specific physical and health standards, including vision
• A criminal record check may be required
• Co-op placements may have additional prerequisites
• Certification may require written assessments and industry-related tests

Tuition for this program is broken down as the following for anyone who completes the work commitment:

• Course Fee $0.00 USD (No tuition cost for CUTI program applicants when committing to work placement)
• Paid Practicum Fee $0.00 USD

The total value of the in-class/in-field components of this training program is $6800.00 USD. In this cohort, successful trainees will complete paid practicums and job placements with real companies in the utilities industry, who will be sponsoring course fees for trainees who complete the Paid Practicum & 3-month Full Time Employment.

• If you successfully complete the training program, the 3-month paid practicum, and the minimum
  3-month full-time employment component of this program (total commitment ~7-8 months), you will not be
  responsible for any fees.
• If you do not complete the training, paid practicum, or 3-months of full-time employment, you will be
  responsible for all of part of the course fee, based on the Terms & Conditions agreement.
• You may take this course without the desired outcome of employment, in which case, you will be
  responsible for all course fees.

Above fees based on 2025 program start dates. Contact us to confirm fees for other start dates.

This 3-day course covers the following topics:

• Introduction to FTTH
• Optical Fiber
• Optical Cables
• Connectors and Splitters
• Active Ethernet versus Passive Optical Network
• Fundamental Fiber Planning
• Futureproofing
• PON Design Options
• Fiber to the Building
• Single-family Residential Area Design Options
• Connectorization Options
• Rural Areas
• WDM-PON
• Design Steps
• Specifications
• Miscellaneous

This 3-day program is broken down as follows:

The FTTH Network Design course has been developed with 16 hours of classroom lecture and 8 hours of hands-on design exercises to teach attendees to deal with critical issues such as customer take rate and density to outside plant design.

Once certification is achieved, trainees will be able to:

• Create their own FTTH network designs
• Apply learned objectives to distributed split
• Apply learned objectives to centralized split
• Apply learned objectives to home run
• Apply learned objectives to point-to-point systems
• Understand customer take rate
• Understand density to outside plant design
• Collaborate with engineering team, construction teams and other designers

In addition, some benefits of completion include:

• Gaining a thorough understanding of utility construction, operations, and design
• Gaining confidence in dealing with customers and clients
• Learning to work independently and within a team setting
• Going to different work sites everyday
• Growing knowledge of different companies while working on-site at different projects
• Keeping physically active and getting to work outdoors
• Gaining knowledge of different areas in local cities/regions
• Being able to travel to other provinces/areas

Career Opportunities

Where you could work includes:

• Utility Construction Companies: INTUS Construction

Contact Our Information Hub
Haven’t applied yet and have questions?
Contact our Information Hub for details on programs, how to apply, and more.
info@cuti.ca
Phone: (647) 494-4882