BICSI Installer 2 Fiber study plan

Define and correctly use core fiber terms: core, cladding, buffer, strength member, jacket, and numerical aperture

Calculate decibel loss and power budgets from given milliwatt and dBm values without a calculator aid

Compare multimode (OM1–OM5) and single-mode transmission behavior, including modal dispersion and attenuation at 850/1300/1310/1550 nm

Diagram the paths of light through step-index versus graded-index fiber and explain how each affects bandwidth

Select the correct fiber cable type and jacket rating for a described environment (riser, plenum, outdoor, aerial, direct-burial)

Identify the internal construction layers of a loose-tube and tight-buffered cable from a written description and state the purpose of each

Match connector styles (LC, SC, ST, MPO) and polish geometries (PC, UPC, APC) to their typical applications and mating rules

Explain bend radius, crush resistance, and tensile rating as cable specifications and how each number is used on the job

Plan a cable route that respects conduit fill, bend radius, and separation from power conductors

Sequence the steps of an indoor pull: pre-survey, pull planning, lubricant choice, tension monitoring, and slack management

Describe correct support hardware and spacing for horizontal and backbone cable, including J-hooks, trays, and innerduct

Explain how to protect fiber during aerial and underground installation, including messenger attachment and conduit placement

Demonstrate the mechanical splice and fusion splice sequences from memory, stating the purpose of each cleaning and cleaving step

Evaluate a cleave and splice-loss result and decide whether to accept, re-cleave, or re-splice

Prepare cable ends for termination: jacket stripping lengths, buffer removal, and strength-member trimming

Install and polish or field-terminate one connector style following a published procedure without skipping a step

Assemble a complete termination kit list for a given connector type and explain what each tool is used for

Diagnose common termination defects such as air gaps, end-face scratches, epoxy voids, and offset cores from a written symptom description

Apply the correct inspection criteria for connector end-faces and decide pass or fail

Explain the difference in handling and loss expectations between field-installable, splice-on, and pigtail termination methods

Set up and explain the reference method for an OLTS test, including one-jumper versus three-jumper referencing

Compute a link loss budget and compare measured results against it to declare pass or fail

Interpret OTDR traces by identifying events, splices, reflective connectors, and the end of fiber

Distinguish between testing for loss, length, and polarity, and select the right instrument for each

Apply laser safety, eye protection, and fiber-shard handling rules to a described work area and list the specific controls required

Identify the code and standard sources that govern installation, grounding, and fire-rated cable selection, and state what each covers

Explain confined-space, ladder, and elevated-work precautions relevant to a fiber installation

Produce job documentation that records as-built routing, test results, and labeling

Re-derive every formula from memory and re-solve missed problems from weeks 1 through 7

Complete timed practice sets weighted to the published domain percentages and log the score per domain

Review the personal error log and rewrite the ten most-missed concepts in your own words

Rehearse the full installation workflow from survey to closeout as a single narrative without notes