Updated July 2026 by Milcom Institute (RTO 6859).
What does a fibre splicing technician do?
A fibre splicer joins optical fibre cables by fusion splicing (melting fibres together with an electric arc) or mechanical splicing, then terminates, tests and documents the joints. The work spans NBN and carrier backbone networks, FTTP lead-ins, data centres and private fibre builds. Precision matters: a good splice loses less than 0.05 dB of signal.
What training do I need to become a fibre splicer in Australia?
The core credential is the Optical Fibre Splicing course (ICTCBL330, nbn Skill 13) — from $925 with Milcom Institute. A typical pathway:
- ACMA Open Registration — the baseline cabling licence (from $775).
- Optical Fibre endorsement (ICTCBL322) — authorises fibre cabling work (from $550).
- Fibre Hygiene – Skill 9 — mandatory clean-handling accreditation for nbn work (from $225).
- Fibre Splicing – Skill 13 — the specialist splicing accreditation.
- Fibre Testing – Skill 12 — testing and fault-finding rounds out the skill set (from $575).
Save with combined packages: Skills 9+13, Skills 12+13 or all three fibre skills.
How long does it take to become qualified?
The formal training stack can be completed in one to two weeks of course time. Building speed and consistency on a fusion splicer takes practice on the job — most technicians are productive within a few months of field work.
What can fibre splicers earn in Australia?
Fibre technicians commonly earn between $70,000 and $100,000+ per year depending on experience, location and whether they subcontract; specialist splicers on major infrastructure projects can earn more. Demand remains strong as nbn upgrades, 5G backhaul and data centre builds expand Australia’s fibre footprint.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need my own fusion splicer?
Employees usually use company equipment. Subcontractors typically invest $2,000–$10,000+ in a fusion splicer, OTDR and toolkit once established.
Is fibre splicing hard to learn?
The technique is very learnable in a hands-on course; the discipline is in cleanliness and consistency — which is why Skill 9 (fibre hygiene) is trained first.
Can I get accredited without doing the course?
Experienced workers may qualify via fibre direct assessment instead of full training.
Start your fibre career: call Milcom Institute on 1300 369 320 or browse all telecom short courses.
