New! TCO Certification CTA-2026
Certified Telecommunications Analyst

Detailed CTA-2026 Outline

Part 1: Fundamentals

The first part is seven modules that cover the fundamentals of telecom, filling gaps, explaining concepts and establishing a solid knowledge base.  First is a high-level pass with a big-picture view and introducing all of the course topics.  Then we progress in a logical order: how telecom circuits are provisioned by carriers, telecom fundamentals, followed by IP packet network fundamentals.  Then you'll learn about the Internet as a business: ISPs, web services like AWS, cloud computing and data centers.  We'll understand public key and private key encryption, and how they are used to implement virtual private networks and SD-WAN, and the Dark Web. The fundamentals also include digital media: how voice is digitized, digital video, digital images, digital quantities and digital text. We conclude with the fundamentals of Voice over IP and SIP.

1. Introduction to Broadband Converged IP Telecommunications

We begin with a comprehensive big-picture introduction to broadband telecom: the concepts of convergence and broadband, today's telecom network, the parts of the network, the three key technologies: Ethernet, IP and MPLS, what they are and what each does.  You'll learn how a circuit is implemented end-to-end, and identify today's standard residential, business and wholesale services.

A. Introduction

B. Convergence

C. Broadband

D. Today's Broadband Converged IP Telecommunications

E. The Network Core

F. Network Protocols: Ethernet, IP and MPLS

G. Network Access: The Last Mile

H. Anatomy of a Service

I. Inside the Network Cloud

J. Network Equipment: Routers, Switches and Multiplexers

K. Carrier Interconnect: Internet and Phone Calls

L. Residential, Business and Wholesale Services

2. Telecom Fundamentals

Next, we'll ensure you have a solid foundation in the fundamental ideas of telecom: the elements of a circuit; terminals, clients, servers and peers; how bits are represented on fiber with pulses; and how bits are represented with modems on wireless, cable TV and DSL.  Then we'll understand how capacity is shared to carry many users' traffic on common facilities: Frequency Division Multiplexing, Time Division Multiplexing, overbooking and Bandwidth on Demand.

A. Communication Circuit Model

B. Terminals, Clients, Servers and Peers

C. Analog vs. Digital Pulses

D. Modems and Modulation: Bits in Frequency Channels

E. Frequency-Division Multiplexing: Coax and Fiber

F. Time-Division Multiplexing (TDM)

G. Statistical TDM: Overbooking and Bandwidth on Demand

3. Network Fundamentals

In this module, we'll ensure you also have a solid foundation in the fundamentals and jargon of the network.  Today's converged telecom network is based on what used to be called "data communications": packets in frames.   Without bogging down on details, we'll review basic circuit configurations, understand how routers relay packets from one circuit to another, and how the packets are actually transmitted from one device to another in frames.  You'll fill gaps and get up to speed on IP packets, MAC frames and MPLS labels, what each is for and how they work together.

A. Point-to-Point Circuits: Serial and Parallel

B. Multidrop Circuits: Point to Multipoint

C. LANs and Broadcast Domains

D. Framing and Error Control

E. Frames & MAC Addresses

F. Networks, Routers and IP Addresses

G. Carrier Packet Network Services

H. IP Packets vs. MAC Frames

I. IP Address vs. MAC Address: SFO - NYC via AT&T

J. IP Packets

K. TCP, UDP and Port Numbers

L. MPLS Labels

4. The Internet, Cloud Computing and Data Centers

The Internet, which started out as a way to send text email messages, is now worldwide converged broadband communications.   In this module, we'll understand what exactly an Internet Service Provider does, and how they get packets delivered world-wide.  We'll review web clients, browsers and apps, web servers, then understand the huge business of web services, cloud computing and data centers.

A. A Network to Survive Nuclear War

B. The Inter-Net Protocol

C. Internet Service Providers (ISPs)

D. Domain Name System (DNS)

E. Web Clients: Browsers and Apps

F. Web Servers: HTTP, HTTPS, HTML

G. Web Services and Cloud Computing

H. Data Centers

5. Encryption: Certificates, VPNs, SD-WANs and the Dark Web

Encryption plays a key role in many of today's telecom and network technologies and services.  We'll begin by understanding symmetric key encryption vs. asymmetric key encryption, public key encryption (PKI) and private key encryption.  Then we'll explore implementations, including digital certificates for secure web browsing, digital signatures for authentication, IP VPNs and SD-WANs for secure point-to-point Internet communications, country-spoofing VPNs, and basics of anonymizer VPNs and the Dark Web.

A. Public Key and Private Key Encryption

B. Digital Certificates, SSL and TLS

C. Digital Signatures

D. IP VPNs

E. SD-WANs

F. Country-Spoofing VPN Service

G. Anonymizer VPN Service: Tor Virtual Circuits

H. The Dark Web

6. Digital Media: Voice, Video, Images, Quantities, Text

The converged network carries all media: voice, video, text and images in packets. An essential first step is digitizing the media, representing it using 1s and 0s, to be carried in said packets.  We'll understand how voice is digitized and reconstructed, and the G.711 64 kb/s standard.  The same principles apply to images and video in formats like jpg and mp4 video.  We'll review binary and hexadecimal, and finish with unicode for text and emojis.

A. Analog and Digital: What Do We Really Mean?

B. Continuous Signals, Discrete Signals

C. Voice Digitization (Analog → Digital Conversion)

D. Voice Reconstruction (Digital → Analog Conversion)

E. Digital Voice: 64kb/s G.711 Standard

F. Digital Video: H.264 / MP4, HD, 4K

G. Digital Images: JPG, GIF, PNG

H. Digital Images in Emails: MIME

I. Digital Quantities: Binary and Hex

J. Digital Text: ASCII and Unicode

7. Fundamentals of Voice over IP

In this module, you'll learn the fundamental ideas and behind VoIP, SIP and all the other jargon. We'll explain VoIP phone system components and operation, and how voice communications in packets works end-to-end, microphone to speaker. We'll sort out SIP, softswitches / call managers, SIP Trunking, VoIP on LANs and WANs, VoIP phones, Softswitch as a Service (SaaS) in the Cloud, along with a peek at The Future.

A. The Big Picture

B. Business VoIP Phones

C. Voice in IP Packets

D. Soft Switches / SIP Servers / Call Managers

E. Media Servers: Video Servers

F. Gateways

G. Voice over IP over LANs and WANs

H. Key VoIP Standards

I. Where All of This is Headed: Broadband IP Dial Tone

Part 2: Telecom Technologies

In the second part of the course, we explore the three main technologies for transmitting information from one place to another, grouped into wireless, fiber and copper.  We'll cover wireless spectrum, mobile network components and operation, 4G LTE, 5G, fixed wireless broadband home internet, Wi-Fi and satellites.  Then you'll learn optical basics, and how networks are built with point-to-point fibers running Optical Ethernet, wave-division multiplexing, fiber in the core, metro and to the premise.  We'll finish with copper-wire technologies: DSL and POTS on twisted pair, Hybrid Fiber-Coax cable TV systems, T1 and the categories of LAN cables.

8. Wireless: Spectrum, Mobility, 5G and IoT, Wi-Fi and Satellite

In this module, you will learn all about wireless transmission.  We'll identify the components and basic principles of operation of a mobile network.  You'll understand the requirements for coverage, capacity and mobility, and why cellular radio systems are used. You'll learn how mobile to PSTN phone calls are connected, how mobile Internet works, roaming and virtual operators.  You'll learn about 4G LTE and 5G for mobile, and fixed wireless broadband internet. We'll cover Wi-Fi and the latest standards, and finish with satellite communications.

A. Radio Fundamentals

B. Spectrum

C. Mobile Network Components and Operation

1. Towers

2. Transceivers

3. Backhaul

4. Mobile Switches & MTSOs

D. Cellular and Handoffs

E. PSTN Phone Calls using the Phone App ("Voice Minutes")

F. Mobile Internet ("Data Plan")

G. Mobile Operators, MVNOs and Roaming

H. Spectrum-Sharing Technologies: FDMA, TDMA, CDMA, OFDMA

I. 4G LTE

J. 5G New Radio (NR) and New Bands

K. Wi-Fi: Wireless LANs & 802.11 Standards

L. Wi-Fi Security and WPA3

M. LEO and GEO Satellites

9. Fiber Optics: Fibers, Wavelengths, DWDM, Optical Ethernet, PONs

The core of the converged network is routers connected point-to-point to other routers with fiber.  Telephone companies that used to pull copper access wires to every home in a suburb are investing to pull an access fiber to every home.  In this module, we'll cover the basics of fiber, the makeup of fiber cables, wavelengths and WDM.  You'll understand how Optical Ethernet is used to actually implement the fiber connections, and how OE is used in the core, in metro areas, and fiber to the premise via Passive Optical Networks (PONs).

A. Fiber Basics

B. Fiber Optics and Fiber Cables

C. Optical Wavelengths, Bands and Modes

D. Wave-Division Multiplexing: CWDM and DWDM

E. Optical Ethernet

F. Core Network Nodes

G. Metropolitan Area Networks

H. Fiber to the Premise: PONs and Optical Ethernet

10. Copper: Legacy PSTN & POTS, DSL, Cable Modems, T1 and LAN Cables

Before wireless and fiber, two copper wires were used as the physical access circuit for telephone and cable TV service in suburbs and cities. Today, these wires are used to deliver broadband.  In this module, we'll understand how DSL broadband service runs on twisted pairs put in place for analog POTS telephone service; how cable modems move broadband on coaxial cable; and how both are delivered as fiber to the neighborhood then copper to the premise.  To finish up, we'll review digital on copper wires: LAN cables and T1s.

A. The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)

B. Legacy Channelized CO Circuit Switches, PBXs and Remotes

C. Analog Circuits

D. The Voiceband

E. Plain Ordinary Telephone Service (POTS)

F. DTMF Address Signaling

G. DSL: Beyond the Voiceband

H. DSLAMs

I. Fiber to the Neighborhood (FTTN), DSL to the Premise

J. VDSL2 Bands and Profiles

K. Hybrid Fiber-Cable Carriers: FTTN & Coax to the Premise

L. DOCSIS and Cable Modem Standards

M. T1 and E1

N. LAN Cables and Categories

Part 3: The Telecom Network

In the third part of the course, we understand the telecom network and the telecom business.

We begin with how and where connections physically take place for phone calls, for Internet traffic and CLEC services, who operates the facilities, and where the money is.

The next four modules are devoted to the nuts and bolts of the converged broadband IP telecom network:  Ethernet, IP, and MPLS, starting with the OSI Reference Model and its layers to provide a structure for the discussion.

The final module completes the course with a survey of communication, information and network security topics, all necessary parts of telecommunications and the telecom network.

11. Carrier Connections and The Telecom Industry

To allow communications between customers of different carriers, the carriers must implement physical connections between their networks.  In this module, we'll review how the Internet is actually implemented with peering and transit agreements at Internet Exchanges. You will also learn about toll centers and POPs: how and where local exchange service providers connect together and to other carriers for phone calls with a PSTN phone number; and SS7 to set up the calls.  We'll finish by reviewing VoIP connections, and understanding where a CLEC fits into the picture with equipment collocated in wire centers.

A. IX: Interconnect for Internet Traffic

B. Wireline Long-Distance Competition: LECs and IXCs

C. Switched Access and POPs

D. Wireless and CATV Local Exchange Carriers

E. Inter-Carrier Call Setup: SS7

F. VoIP at Carriers and Session Border Controllers

G. SIP Trunking

H. PSTN VoIP Interconnection at the Toll Center

I. COs and Wire Centers

J. CLEC: Local Competition – Dark Fiber and Collocation

12. The OSI Layers and Protocol Stacks

There are so many functions that must be performed to interoperate systems, a structure is required to organize the functions so that separate issues can be treated separately.  We'll begin the fourth part of the course with the most commonly-used structure, the ISO Open Systems Interconnection 7-Layer Reference Model.  You'll learn what a layer is, the purpose of each layer, examples of protocols like TCP and IP used to implement layers, and gain a true understanding of how a protocol stack works for applications like web surfing and VoIP.

A. Protocols and Standards

B. ISO OSI Reference Model

C. OSI 7-Layer Model

D. Physical Layer: 802.3, DSL, DOCSIS

E. Data Link Layer: 802 MAC

F. Network Layer: IP and MPLS

G. Transport Layer: TCP and UDP

H. Session Layer: POP, SIP, HTTP

I. Presentation Layer: ASCII, Encryption, Codecs

J. Application Layer: SMTP, HTML, English …

K. Protocol Stacks

L. Protocol Stack in Operation: Babushka Dolls

M. Standards Organizations

13. Ethernet, LANs and VLANs

Ethernet is used in all parts of the network for point-to-point links between devices, implementing Layers 1 and 2 of the OSI model together. In this module, we'll review the basic principles of Ethernet and LANs, how it was formalized in the 802 series of standards, the concepts of MAC addresses, MAC frames and broadcast domains.  You'll understand how LAN switches, also called Layer 2 switches, connect devices, and how VLANs separate devices as a basic network security function.

A. MAC Addresses, MAC Frames and Broadcast Domains

B. Ethernet and 802 Standards

C. LAN Switches, a.k.a. Layer 2 Switches

D. VLANs

14. IP Networks, Routers and Addresses

This module is devoted to IP, used to implement the network layer, Layer 3.  We begin with IP addressing: IPv4 address classes, subnets, DHCP, static and dynamic addresses, public addresses, private addresses and NAT.  We use the simplest IP network to explore how routers implement the network by relaying packets from link to link, and also act as a point of control to deny communications based on IP address and/or port number.  We'll complete the module with IPv6 addressing.

A. IPv4 Address Classes

B. Subnets and Masks

C. DHCP, Static and Dynamic Addresses

D. Assigning Subnets to Broadcast Domains

E. IP Network: Routers Connected with Dedicated Lines

F. Routers and Customer Edge

G. Public and Private IPv4 Addresses

H. Network Address Translation

I. Carrier-Grade NAT

J. IPv6

K. IPv6 Address Allocation and Address Types

15. MPLS and Carrier Networks

IP packets will be used to carry everything, including phone calls and television.  But IP in itself does not include any way to prioritize or manage traffic to guarantee call quality or picture quality.  In the core of a carrier's network, MPLS is used to implement those functions.  In this module, you'll learn the basics of carrier networks and the important concept of a Service Level Agreement.  Then you'll gain a practical understanding of how MPLS works and how it is used by carriers to implement VPNs, different Classes of Service, service integration and traffic aggregation.

A. Carrier Packet Network Basics

B. Service Level Agreements and Class of Service (CoS)

C. Provider Equipment at the Customer Premise

D. Virtual Circuit Technologies

E. MPLS

F. MPLS VPNs for Business Customers

G. MPLS and Diff-Serv to Support Classes of Service

H. MPLS for Service Integration

I. MPLS for Traffic Aggregation

16. Security Risks and Measures

We complete the course with an overview of communication, information and network security. We'll begin with an overview of security areas and targets. We'll cover phishing and extortion, and what is actually done with data from "breaches".  Next, we'll explore the risks and measures taken and best practices in network security, firewalls and ports, viruses, trojans and exploits.

A. Security Areas, Risks and Policy

B. Attacker Objectives

C. Phishing

D. Using Stolen Usernames and Passwords

E. Social Engineering

F. Authentication and Passwords

G. Network Security: Segmentation and Perimeters

H. Packet Forwarding vs. Packet Filtering

I. Port Filtering

J. Firewalls & Firewall Proxies

K. Stateful Packet Inspection Firewalls

L. Viruses

M. Trojan Horses and Spyware

N. Exploits, Zero-Day Exploits & National Vulnerability Database

What You Get With CTA-2026 Certification

1. The certification exam
The certification exam is a closed-book multiple choice exam for each module completed online in the myTeracom  Learning Management System. You may repeat module exams until you pass - which means guaranteed to pass if you're willing to do the learning.

Plus, on achieving a passing grade:

2. Your certificate, suitable for framing
A full-color TCO Certificate suitable for framing is automatically awarded by the Learning Management System on completion of the required exams.

It can be immediately printed on any color printer and framed by student as desired, with no shipping charges. It can also be attached to the electronic version of the student's CV.

An original hard copy of your Certificate, signed, sealed and framed can be ordered separately.

3. A personalized Letter of Reference / Letter of Introduction
You also receive a personalized Letter of Reference / Letter of Introduction explaining the courses you took and the knowledge you have, and inviting anyone you give it to to contact us as a reference... excellent addition to your CV.

4. Right to display the TCO logo
You'll have the right to display a high-resolution copy of the TCO logo on your résumé, business card, LinkedIn profile, web page, blog, or email signature.

5. TCO Certification Designation
Passing the Certified Telecommunications Analyst, you will be able to state that you:
- "are a Certified Telecommunications Analyst",
- "hold Certified Telecommunications Analyst CTA-2026 certification from the Telecommunications Certification Organization",
- are "certified as a Telecommunications Analyst by the Telecommunications Certification Organization",
- are a "Telecommunications Certification Organization (TCO) Certified Telecommunications Analyst",
- are "TCO-certified",
and may sign your name
- "Richard Smith, CTA," or "Jane Smith, Certified Telecommunications Analyst"

Register for Instructor-Led
CTA-2026 BOOT CAMP          Coming Soon: Self-Paced Online
CTA-2026 Certification Package

Benefits of Certification For Individuals

One benefit of TCO certification is differentiating yourself from the rest of the crowd when applying for a job or angling for a promotion.

The knowledge you gain taking Teracom's Online Courses, confirmed with TCO Certification, is foundational knowledge in telecommunications, IP, networking and wireless: fundamental concepts, mainstream technologies, jargon, buzzwords, and the underlying ideas - and how it all fits together.

This type of knowledge and preparation makes you an ideal candidate to hire or promote to a task, as you will be able to build on your knowledge base to quickly get up to speed and work on a particular project - then have the versatility to work on subsequent projects.

TCO Certification will help demonstrate you have this skill... a desirable thought to have in your potential manager's mind.

Benefits of Certification For Employers

Teracom certification packages are an extremely cost-effective way of implementing consistent, comprehensive telecommunications and network technology fundamentals training, ensuring that both existing resources and new hires are up to the same speed, with a common vocabulary, framework and knowledge base.

The course exams provide concrete measurements of competency in key knowledge areas.

Management can view reports on the progress and results of team members, and export results to Excel with the click of a button. These reports identify skills strengths and deficiencies, and are a demonstration of meeting managerial objectives of team building and return on investment.

Get this training for your whole team. The scalable myTeracom Learning Management System can register and manage all of your people through courses, exams and certificates.

For larger organizations, the courses and exams can also be licensed and deployed on your LMS.

Technical Level and Intended Audience

Our training has been taught to wide acclaim across North America since 1992 and is designed for the non-engineering professional needing an overview and update, and for those new to the business needing to get up to speed quickly on telecommunications, data communications, IP, MPLS, wireless, networking, Voice over IP (VoIP) phone systems, SIP and security.

Our emphasis is conveying the key concept-level knowledge in plain English - which you can't get reading trade magazines or talking to vendors. We put in place a solid, valuable and long-lasting understanding. It is our goal to bust the buzzwords, demystify the jargon, and cut through the double-talk to present a clear, cohesive picture.

Based on Teracom's proven instructor-led training courses developed and refined over more than twenty years providing training for organizations including AT&T, Verizon, Bell Canada, Intel, Microsoft, Cisco, Qualcomm, the CIA, NSA, IRS, FAA, US Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force and hundreds of others, Teracom online courses are top-notch, top-quality and right up to date with the topics and knowledge you need.