Certified Network Cable Installer (CNCI®)
Program Overview
Demonstrate the highest levels of knowledge, skills and competency in network cable infrastructure. Undertake copper and fibre cabling installation, termination and testing to the highest quality whilst complying to industry best practice and standards to ensure a right first-time approach.
The Certified Network Cable Installer (CNCI®) has become the industry preferred certification for network cable installation and is specified as a requirement on many job profiles and installation project contracts. In addition, manufacturers, major installation companies, associations and consultants endorse the certification, knowing that it provides the right level of technical knowledge, competence and confidence to the industry. In recognition of the CNCI® certification, many manufacturers also award accreditations towards their product warranties.
The comprehensive ten-day program for copper and fibre (can be undertaken separately) offers the perfect mix of technical knowledge and practical activities for both copper and fibre component installation, termination and testing. Official CNCI® certification proves that an individual is certified to undertake network cable infrastructure projects to the highest calibre whilst working to the current national and international industry standards and industry best practice. During the program learners will be provided a valuable opportunity to access the latest industry standards.
Having successfully completed this program, and with the appropriate level of experience, it is highly recommended that you continue your professional development by advancing your knowledge and skills to gain further official certifications and qualifications by progressing through The Global Digital Infrastructure Education Framework which maps education programs to career advancement throughout the network infrastructure and data centre sectors.
The CNCI® program is classroom-based and led by one of CNet’s expert Instructors.
CNCI® Copper Cabling
Introduction to Structured Cabling
- Cable media types
- Network topologies
- Categories
LAN Hardware
- PCs, switches, routers
Installing Structured Cabling
- National and international standards
- Interpreting drawings
- Risk evaluation
- Working in containment routes
- Cable installation, cable termination
- Tool and equipment selection
Network Overview
- What is a network?
- Characteristics of a network
- Resource sharing
Signal Theory
- Electrical principals
- DC current principals
- Analogue vs digital
Health & Safety
- Legislation
- Workplace risk
- Electrical safety
- Working at heights
- Working in confined spaces
Standards
- Why standards?
- Standards bodies BSI, ISO, CENELEC, TIA/EIA
- Categories and classes
Fire Safety
- Why fire stop?
- Types of fire stopping
- Three pillars of fire stopping
- Construction Product Regulation (CPR)
Documentation & Labelling
- Floor plans
- Naming conventions
- Symbols
- Records
Testing & Commissioning
- Continuity testing
- Certification/acceptance testing
- Level IV testing
- Saving of results to database
- O&M manuals
Practical
- Patch cord manufacture
- Cable installation
- Termination techniques UTP/STP
- Patch panel/outlet termination, Cat 5e/Cat6
Fluke CCTT (Copper)
- Copper certification (DSX)
- Set up DSX
- Test using DSX
- Troubleshoot
- Test standards/limits
- DSX Diagnostics
- HDTDX and HDTDR
CNCI® Fibre Optic Cabling
Safely Working with Fibre/General safety
- LED, VCSEL, laser safety
- Fibre preparation hazards, disposal of sharps
- Hazardous substances
- OSP safety, pits, gas detection
- General safety
Network Overview
- History of fibre
- Advantages
- What is a network?
- Benefits of a network
- Topologies
- Why a network?
Hardware
- Cable construction
- LED, VCSEL, laser sources
- Switches, routers, media convertors
Theory of Light Transmission
- Optical windows
- Electromagnetic spectrum
- Transmission
- Media choice
Cable
- Construction
- Choice of cable
- Installation practices
- Patchcords
Enclosures
- ODF
- 19” Splice tray
- Slack fibre management, protection, patch field
Standards
- Standards bodies ISO, CENELEC, TIA/EIA
- Classifications
- Application distances
Connectors
- Connector types
- Functionality
- Density (SFF)
Outside Plant (OSP)
- Fibre backbone in the LAN
- Hardware
- Media choice
Fibre Splicing
- Safety
- Fusion Splicer Setup and operation
- Singlemode programs
- Multimode programs
- Splicing in patch panels
Fibre Termination
- Safety
- Pigtail manufacture
- Techniques, cold cure, mechanical splice, fusion splice
- End-face inspection techniques
Fluke CCTT (Fibre)
- Tier 1 fibre certification (CertiFiber® Pro)
- Tier 2 fibre certification (OptiFiber® Pro)
- Encircled Flux (EF)
- End Face Inspection
- Set a reference
- OTDR event types
- OptiFiber® Pro link testing
The CNCI® program is 10 days in duration, however it can be split into two units and taken separately:
- Certified Network Cable Installer – Copper Cabling is a 5 day unit
- Certified Network Cable Installer – Fibre Optic Cabling is a 5 day unit
The CNCI®program is perfect for individuals wishing to acquire the very latest skills and knowledge to enable them to complete both copper and fibre cable installation projects to the highest standards. It is relevant to new entrants to the network cable infrastructure sector in addition to those already working within the cable installation environment wishing to formalise their knowledge and skills.
No previous experience is required to attend this program.
Learners are required to have:
- A laptop or suitable device with unrestricted wireless internet connectivity and a pre-installed web browser
- A suitable application for opening and reading PDFs. Typically, your device's in-built PDF reader is sufficient
Successful learners will have the knowledge and skills to confidently install, test and certify a complete copper and fibre cable installation. This forms part of the entry level requirement into the Global Digital Infrastructure Education Framework which allows learners to progress their knowledge, education and skills in line with their career within these fast moving industries. View The Global Digital Infrastructure Education Framework.
- Internationally and industry recognised Pearson BTEC Level 3 Award in Certified Network Cable Installer (Copper)
- Internationally and industry recognised Pearson BTEC Level 3 Award in Certified Network Cable Installer (Optical Fibre)
- Official Certified Network Cable Installer (CNCI®) certification
- Use of the CNCI post nominal title, e.g. Martin Smith CNCI
- Use of the official CNCI® digital badge
- Use of the CNCI® logo
- Eligibility towards an ECS (Electrotechnical Certification Scheme) Network Infrastructure Installer (Level 3) card (only available in the UK)
- Continual Professional Development (CPDs)
- 10 IEEE Continued Education Units (CEUs)
- Fluke CCTT® certification
- Become an elite certified network cable installer
- Demonstrate the highest levels of knowledge, skills and expertise in network infrastructure installation
- Confidently install copper and fibre cable correctly in accordance with industry best practice and in compliance with national and international standards
- Demonstrate a sound knowledge of personal health and safety risks and take practical steps to mitigate them
- Become proficient at selecting the correct products to effectively construct pathways and containment systems to support cable infrastructure
- Install copper and fibre network cable infrastructure projects on time and within budget, maximising profit potential
- Possess the skills and aptitude to test and certify installed copper and fibre cable infrastructure in accordance with the correct test criteria
- Gain competitive edge and add value to tender responses with a certified and qualified workforce
- Knowledge that employees have a full and rounded knowledge in network infrastructure installation, improving competency and productivity
- Reduced time and material wastage as employees are equipped to carry out tasks in an accurate and timely manner
- Deliver infrastructure installation projects to the highest quality standards resulting in increased client satisfaction and potential repeat business
- Confidence that health and safety best practice is being employed, mitigating the risk of potential red card action or loss of time due to injuries
- Reassurance that capacity limits are not exceeded, therefore ensuring value for money and conformance to client requirements
- Meet contractual requirements reducing sign off and project hand over times
- Ensures that network infrastructure is fully serviceable and meets the transmission requirements of the network