BICSI (www.bicsi.org) has under–taken a makeover of the ITS Cabling Installation Program, with three new installation courses and credentials having specialized emphasis on copper and optical fiber. The changes are designed to help ITS professionals keep up with the constant innovations, trends and emerging technologies in cabling installation.
"It is important for ITS installers to continue to expand their knowledge of the industry and learn new skills in order to advance professionally in the field," explains Richard Dunfee, RCDD, OSP, BICSI's director of professional development. "In connection with new material in the fifth edition Information Transport Systems Installation Methods Manual, these new courses and credentials will give them a more comprehensive knowledge base to be successful."
First developed in 1996, the ITS Cabling Installation Program focuses education on BICSI best practices and hands–on skills instruction for the installation, termination, splicing, testing and retrofitting of copper and optical fiber cable. Upon completion of each course, students have the option to take an exam for certification.
"The program is vendor–generic and allows students the opportunity to learn about multiple types of support structures, connectors, splicing equipment and testers," says Janet Gresham, BICSI ITS technician and master instructor/subject matter expert. "With this opportunity and information, contractors can make educated decisions about which type of equipment will work best for customers and their specific projects."
New courses and descriptions:
IN225: BICSI ITS Installer 2, Copper Training Course—Whether a new installation or existing premise, this course provides the foundations of a copper–based structured cabling system installation and gives students a competitive distinction by allowing them to showcase their skills as a copper system specialist. It requires at least one year of previous ITS industry experience. After passing the exam, individuals will receive the BICSI ITS Installer 2, Copper credential.
IN250: BICSI ITS Installer 2, Optical Fiber Training Course—This course provides students the necessary skills to handle the cabling systems of today and tomorrow. It requires at least two years of previous ITS industry experience. Students completing this course will be able to distinguish themselves as an expert of optical fiber cabling installations. After passing the exam for this course, individuals will receive the BICSI ITS Installer 2, Optical Fiber credential and are given the option of sitting for the Fiber Optic Association (FOA) exam and certification.
TE350: BICSI ITS Technician Training Course—Developing full expertise and experience is the goal of this new course. Through study of specialized systems and advanced topics of splicing, testing, and troubleshooting copper and optical fiber structured cabling systems, students will be able to take their performance to the next level as a structured cabling systems technician. It requires that applicants have at least three years of ITS industry experience, which includes fiber and copper installation. After passing the exam, individuals will receive the BICSI ITS Technician credential.
The goal of BICSI's Installation Credentialing Program is to produce highly competent cabling installers in a minimal amount of time and at a reasonable cost. The program provides varied levels of increased knowledge and experience: ITS Installer 1; ITS Installer 2; ITS Installer 2, Copper; ITS Installer 2, Optical Fiber; and ITS Technician. Individuals successfully completing the program will be experienced in the proper installation of data, voice and video cabling within the confines of a commercial building structure.
Upon completion of training, program participants will be able to conduct site surveys, pull wire/cable, and terminate and test copper and optical fiber cable to the highest level of specification (currently Category 6). The program offers core skills training, registration examinations, and structured on–the–job training to provide a career path for cabling installers and meet the diverse needs of the telecommunications cabling industry.