Fiber Optic Hands-On Class in the DC Metro Area
Learn fiber termination, fusion splicing and testing with one-on-one coaching from technicians who do it in the field every week — on real equipment, at your own bench.
Real fiber skills, taught by working field techs
Fiber work is one of the most in-demand skills in IT and low-voltage — and the hardest to learn from videos. In this class you'll spend most of your time with your hands on the glass: stripping, cleaving, splicing, terminating and testing until you can do it confidently on a job site.
DC Metro IT Help technicians bring 20+ years of network cabling and fiber work across Washington DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia — data centers, office buildings, carrier hand-offs and campus networks.
Class details
- FormatIn-person, hands-on lab · one-on-one coaching
- Length3 sessions · 5 hours of hands-on practice each (15 hours total)
- Next datesScheduled around registered students — we'll contact you to set your session dates
- LocationAlexandria, VA area · confirmed when you register
- TuitionProvided when you register
- Includes3 hands-on sessions · tools & materials
What you'll learn
Fiber fundamentals
Single-mode vs. multimode, cable types, connector styles (LC, SC, ST, MPO) and how light moves through the glass.
Safety & handling
Fiber shard safety, laser safety, proper handling, bend radius and job-site best practices.
Cable prep & termination
Stripping, cleaving and terminating with field-installable connectors — repeated until it's second nature.
Fusion splicing
Hands-on time on a fusion splicer: prep, cleave, splice, heat-shrink and organize splices in trays and enclosures.
Cleaning & inspection
Inspect and clean end faces the right way — the #1 cause of failed links on real jobs.
Testing & documentation
Visual fault locator, light source & power meter loss testing, OTDR basics and how to read and document results.
Built for techs who want to add fiber to their toolbox
- IT and network technicians moving into fiber and structured cabling
- Low-voltage and security installers who want to take on fiber jobs
- MSP, NOC and field-service techs who need hands-on fiber confidence
- Career changers and veterans starting in telecom and IT infrastructure
- Companies training a team of technicians (private classes available)
You'll leave able to
- Identify fiber types and connectors on sight
- Prep, cleave and fusion-splice fiber with low loss
- Terminate field-installable connectors
- Clean, inspect and test a link with a VFL and power meter
- Read basic OTDR traces and document test results
Reserve your seat
Class FAQ
How is the class scheduled?
The class is 3 sessions with 5 hours of hands-on practice each. Dates are set around registered students: reserve your seat, tell us the days and times that work for you, and we'll contact you to confirm your schedule and tuition.
Do I need experience to take the class?
No. The class starts with the fundamentals and builds to hands-on splicing and testing. IT and low-voltage techs who already pull cable will move faster, but beginners are welcome.
Are tools and materials provided?
Yes. You'll work with real fiber, connectors, cleavers, a fusion splicer and test equipment during class. Just bring yourself, closed-toe shoes and a notebook.
Is the training one-on-one?
Yes. Every student gets one-on-one coaching at their own bench — the instructor works beside you on the splicer and test gear until you can do each step confidently on your own. Private one-on-one sessions are also available.
Do you train teams or companies?
Yes. MSPs, contractors and IT departments can book private group training for their technicians. Email us with your team size and preferred dates.
To learn more about what we do, visit dcmetro-ithelp.com.
Prefer to talk it through?
Call us about class dates, group training for your team, or fiber work you need done in the field.