Training FAQ's

KITCO Fiber Optics has been a nationally recognized leading provider of commercial and military fiber optic training since 1992. Our training division was created to share our broad industry knowledge and our hands-on training and advanced certification programs have become the hallmarks of our superior reputation. KITCO’s trainers have strong credentials including advanced industry certifications and substantial field experience, and we have trained thousands of students worldwide on termination, splicing and testing fiber systems. We develop curriculum and provide training worldwide for the U.S. Armed Forces and we have been awarded our third consecutive 5-year contract as the U.S. Navy’s sole shipboard fiber optic trainer. Utilizing this experience we provide the only commercially available shipboard training course which teaches fiber principles in strict adherence to Navy standards, and we are working closely with the Army and Marines to develop battlefield maintenance and aircraft fiber optic support training. In recognition of our significant contributions to military training efforts worldwide, KITCO was named in 2009 for the fourth consecutive year to the Military Training Technology “Top 100” List. KITCO offers a turn-key solution for your training requirements by providing all the necessary tools, test equipment, manuals and consumables, and our vast industry experience and curriculum development allows us to tailor training courses for your specific needs. All of our instructors are ETA certified (Fiber Optic Installer, Fiber Optic Technician and Fiber Optic Fabricator) and also hold certifications from many of the fiber optic connector and fiber cable manufacturers including: Tyco Electronics; Delphi Connection Systems; Corning Cabling Systems; JDSU; OCC; General Cable; Strand Technologies; Fitel Fusion Splicers; and 3M. KITCO’s training classes are approved for CEC’s (Continuing Education Credits) by the Electronic Technicians Association and BICSI.

Over the years we have trained more than 10,000 students worldwide and have earned an outstanding reputation for both our commercial and military fiber optic training. Previous attendees of our courses have included employees from Boeing, Cox Communications, Delphi Connection Systems, FedEx, Lockheed Martin, Lucent Technologies, NASA, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, and Verizon, as well as the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army and Coast Guard (to name a few).

Not only do our classes provide our students with the best training available, we also offer valuable industry recognized certifications. Upon successful completion of applicable requirements, our commercial students earn 3M Factory, NetTest or Acterna Certification, as well as a KITCO certificate confirming their skills and course participation. In addition, students have the option to obtain the Certified Fiber Optic Installer and Technician Certificates awarded in conjunction with the Electronics Technicians Association (ETA). Participants will also earn BICSI Continuing Education Credit (CEC) hours. Our shipboard course provides the opportunity for factory certification from Delphi Connection Systems.

WHERE ARE YOUR COURSES HELD?
Unless you request on-site training, our courses are held at our training site in Virginia Beach. Our corporate address is: KITCO Fiber Optics, 5269 Cleveland Street, Suite 110, Virginia Beach, VA 23462.
For directions click here.

DO YOU DO ON-SITE TRAINING ?
Absolutely. We can send one of our instructors to your training location and bring our equipment with us. Contact us if you have a group of people and request a quote.

I CAN'T FIND WHAT I AM LOOKING FOR. ARE THE COURSES IN THE BROCHURE THE ONLY COURSES YOU OFFER?
Absolutely not! Give us a call and let's talk about your training requirements. We can always customize training and offer you a tailor-made course. Whether you want training for specific manufacturers, cable assemblies or connectors, we can do it all. Give KITCO Fiber Optics' Training Coordinator a call at 757-216-2222 or toll free at 866-643-5220.

You can also contact us via e-mail: training@kitcofo.com. We will be happy to provide a quote and further information for any of our standard courses or a custom course designed to meet your needs.

I HAVE A GROUP OF PEOPLE WHO NEED TRAINING, BUT NONE OF THE DATES WORK FOR US. CAN YOU SET UP AN ADDITIONAL COURSE FOR ANOTHER DATE?
Definitely! If we have a classroom and an instructor available, we can always set up an additional class for you.

DO I NEED TO BE ENLISTED IN THE MILITARY TO TAKE A MILITARY TRAINING COURSE?
No, while our military classes are taught in strict adherence to mil standards, the classes are open to U.S. Military and civilian personnel with proof of U.S. citizenship.

I DON'T HAVE ANY EXPERIENCE IN FIBER OPTICS - CAN I STILL ATTEND THE COURSE?
Absolutely! Most of our students have no or very limited experience with fiber and our training courses are designed for all levels of experience.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME WHEN I TAKE THE COURSE(S)?
Nothing! KITCO provides all of the course materials and products used during the training.

HOW MUCH DO THE COURSES COST?
Our training courses range from $395.00 to $2295.00. As an option, you may also sign up for the ETA Fiber Optics Installer and/or the ETA Fiber Optics Technician exams. ETA exams cost $150.00 each. The registration form and our Training Brochure contain detailed pricing information.

HOW CAN I PAY FOR THE COURSE?
Unless otherwise agreed, the full payment is due two weeks before the course starts. We accept credit cards, money orders, cash, checks and wire-transfers. Net 30 Terms are offered to customers with previously approved credit applications.

HOW DO I ENROLL IN A COURSE?
Once you have decided which course you would like to attend, complete the registration form on our website. Or you can print out the registration form from page 8 of our training brochure . Once you have filled in the details, fax the form to KITCO, attention Training Coordinator, Fax: 757-518-9700, or attach and e-mail it to training@kitcofo.com Our training coordinator will then confirm your participation and give you more details about the upcoming course.

HOW LONG DO THE COURSES LAST?
KITCO Fiber Optics' courses range from 1 Day to 5 Days. The course hours are from 8am to 5pm with a 1 hour lunch break.

WHO WILL TEACH THE COURSE?
All KITCO instructors are full-time employees with both extensive hands-on field experience and significant classroom expertise in all areas of fiber optics.

WHAT CERTIFICATIONS WILL I RECEIVE?
This depends on the type of course you attend. KITCO Fiber Optics offers completion certificates from:

• KITCO Fiber Optics
• 3M
• NetTest or Acterna
• Delphi
• Continuing Education Credits for the BICSI RCDD or LAN Specialist program
• ETA Certifications with successful completion of the exams (optional)

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF BEING CERTIFIED?
ETA certifications offer a great opportunity to become certified in a relatively short time. They are internationally recognized and are a real, official certification.

HOW CAN I RENEW MY ETA CERTIFICATION?
ETA certifications are valid for 4 years. If you have worked with fiber for the last four years, all you need to bring us is a letter from your employer to confirm this fact. You can then take the ETA Installer Exam (FOI) again, for a renewal fee of $150.00. If you have not worked with fiber during the last few years, you need to take our 2 Day Refresher Course and retake the ETA Fiber Optic Installer Exam (FOI).

I HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS, WHOM SHOULD I CALL?
Give KITCO Fiber Optics' Training Coordinator a call at 757-216-2222 or toll free at 866-643-5220 or contact us by e-mail: training@kitcofo.com