Exam Questions And Correct Answers

Fiber Optic Association (FOA) Certified Fiber Optic Specialist (Splicing) Practice Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary purpose of fiber optic splicing?

a) To clean connectors

b) To permanently join two optical fibers

c) To test fiber continuity

d) To polish fiber ends

Rationale: Splicing joins two optical fibers to create a continuous

optical path with minimal loss and reflection.

• Which type of splicing uses heat to fuse fibers together?

a) Mechanical splicing

b) Fusion splicing

c) Connector splicing 1 / 4

d) Chemical bonding

Rationale: Fusion splicing uses an electric arc to melt and fuse fiber

ends into a single continuous strand.

• What is the typical insertion loss of a good fusion splice?
• 0.5 to 1.0 dB
• 1.0 to 2.0 dB
• 0.05 to 0.1 dB
• 0.2 to 0.5 dB

Rationale: High-quality fusion splices typically have losses between

0.05 and 0.1 dB.

• What is the purpose of a cleaver in fiber splicing?

a) To polish fiber ends

b) To produce a flat, perpendicular end face

c) To coat the fiber

d) To heat the splice

Rationale: Cleaving ensures a precise, smooth end face required for

low-loss splicing.

• Which component aligns fibers automatically during fusion splicing?

a) Microscope

b) Fusion sleeve

c) Fusion splicer core alignment system

d) Fiber cleaver 2 / 4

Rationale: Core alignment systems automatically position fiber cores

for accurate fusion.

• What is the acceptable reflectance level for a fusion splice?
• -20 dB
• -35 dB
• -45 dB
• -60 dB or better

Rationale: A good fusion splice typically exhibits reflectance below -

60 dB, indicating minimal reflection.

• What is the typical splice protection method?

a) Rubber tubing

b) Heat-shrink splice protector with strength member

c) Tape wrapping

d) Fiber coating

Rationale: Heat-shrink protectors reinforce and protect spliced fibers

from bending and stress.

• What is the purpose of the V-groove in a fusion splicer?

a) To heat fibers

b) To apply pressure

c) To hold and align fibers in place

d) To clean fiber ends

Rationale: V-grooves maintain fiber alignment during the fusion

process. 3 / 4

• Before splicing, what should be done to fiber coatings?

a) They should be stripped

b) They should be polished

c) They should be shortened

d) They should be re-coated

Rationale: Fiber coatings must be stripped to expose the glass for

fusion.

• Why is fiber cleaning critical before splicing?

a) It helps polish the fiber

b) It prevents contamination that increases loss

c) It makes fibers flexible

d) It reduces fusion temperature

Rationale: Clean fibers ensure a low-loss, reliable splice connection.

• What solvent is commonly used for cleaning fiber ends before

splicing?

a) Acetone

b) Soap and water

c) Isopropyl alcohol (99%)

d) Ethanol

Rationale: Isopropyl alcohol effectively removes dust and oils

without damaging fiber.

• / 4