Industry Recognized Credentials for Telecommunications and Fiber Optics

Essential Safety IRC(s)

For this program area, students must (1) be prepared to take and (2) be provided with an opportunity to achieve at least one of the listed Essential Safety Credentials.

CertificationCertifying Organization
OSHA 10 - ConstructionOSHA

Essential Industry IRC(s)

All programs must (1) prepare all students in the program to take, and (2) provide an opportunity for them to achieve, at least one essential credential.

    Credentials on the essential list are included based on the following criteria:
    1. The certification must have high-value currency in the market, which can be gained through various processes including transparency initiatives, general awareness, endorsements and validations, regulations, hiring policies and practices, and/or procedures that can be used to translate the credential into academic credit.
    2. Must lead to improved hiring outcomes and/or increased earnings for students who attain the credential.
    3. Credentials required for employment in program field must be included.
CertificationCertifying Organization
Electronic Technician Association

Supplemental IRC(s)

Programs may choose to differentiate and expand upon their program by offering additional credentials.

Credentials listed as Supplemental/Specialized may include:

  1. Credentials that are endorsed by local or regional industry associations or workforce boards
  2. Must be attainable for students in the program who master the competencies outlined in the relevant Career Technical Education Framework such as an advanced/stacked credential above the essentials
  3. May be equipment, tool, software or process specific if valued by industry.
CertificationCertifying Organization
Certified Fiber Optic TechnicianThe Fiber Optics Association, Inc.
Certified Premises Cabling TechnicianThe Fiber Optics Association, Inc.
Certified Fiber Optic Splicer (CFOS/S)The Fiber Optics Association, Inc.
Certified Fiber Optic Designer (CFOD)The Fiber Optics Association, Inc.
Fiber Optics Specialists CertificationsThe Fiber Optics Association, Inc.
CompTIA A+ CertificationCompTIA
CompTIA Network+ CertificationCompTIA
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)CISCO
Cisco Certified Technician (CCT)CISCO
Google Data AnalyticsGoogle
Google Project ManagerGoogle
Google IT SupportGoogle