Studying for Fiber Optics Installer certification from Electronics Technicians Association? You'll need three things: a little luck, a lot of coffee, and a copy of Fiber Optics Installer and Technician Guide by Bill Woodward and Emile Husson. This 450-page exam prep guide covers everything from power gains to bending losses, and an interactive CD-ROM of sample questions gives you a preview of the real exam. Get the book, and then worry about the java and rabbit's foot.

Want to test your fiber optic know-how? Put away your notes and take this quiz.

  1. A 50% reduction in signal strength is a loss of _____.

    A. 3 dB
    B. 3 dBm
    C. 7 dB
    D. 7 dBm

  2. Fiber optic cable should always be pulled by the _____.

    A. jacket
    B. buffer
    C. coating
    D. strength member

  3. A _____ splice doesn't produce a back reflection on the OTDR trace.

    A. fusion
    B. epoxy
    C. mechanical
    D. cured

(See answers below)

Answers: 1. A, 2. D, 3. A