Navy NEC · Communications
747A Central Office Exchange Technician
A Navy Enlisted Classification: a skill designation sailors hold in addition to their rating.
Overview
A Central Office Exchange Technician installs, tests, and maintains digital and fiber optic cable circuits and lines for telephone systems and C4 computer systems. This technician supports single-line and multiline telephone systems and associated equipment, and monitors and analyzes digital switching performance through logs and operational reports.
Core Skills
- fiber optic cabling
- digital circuit testing
- telephone exchange maintenance
- switching system monitoring
- network fault isolation
- c4 system support
- technical log analysis
- cable termination
- preventive maintenance
Civilian Software & Tools
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- Apache Struts
- Cisco IOS
Civilian Career Paths
- Telecommunications
- Network Engineering
- Network Operations
Training & Development
Getting Started
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- FOA Certified Fiber Optics Technician
- ETA International Fiber Optics Installer
Career Growth
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- BICSI Technician Certificate
- Certified Telecommunications Network Specialist
- BICSI Registered Communications Distribution Designer® (RCDD®)
Also Common
- Cisco Certified Technician (CCT) Routing and Switching
What the Work Involves
- Demonstrate equipment to customers and explain its use, responding to any inquiries or complaints.
- Test circuits and components of malfunctioning telecommunications equipment to isolate sources of malfunctions, using test meters, circuit diagrams, polarity probes, and other hand tools.
- Test repaired, newly installed, or updated equipment to ensure that it functions properly and conforms to specifications, using test equipment and observation.
- Climb poles and ladders, use truck-mounted booms, and enter areas such as manholes and cable vaults to install, maintain, or inspect equipment.
- Assemble and install communication equipment such as data and telephone communication lines, wiring, switching equipment, wiring frames, power apparatus, computer systems, and networks.
Related Occupations
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers
- Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
- Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: vocational training or an associate degree.
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
Report an error on this page