ETA SPO specialist in precision optics exam guide exam help

ETA Specialist in Precision Optics (SPO) is for precision optics technicians who produce, test, and handle optical components in infrared, visible, and ultraviolet ranges used in lasers and sophisticated electro-optical systems for defense, homeland security, aerospace, biomedical equipment, digital displays, renewable energy production, and nanotechnology. ETA describes SPO technicians as integrating precision optical components into electro-optical systems, maintaining them, and handling, storing, and transporting them properly.

ETA Press lists SPO as a stand-alone certification with maintenance required, a 4-year term, hands-on required, 225 questions, a 75% passing score, and 2 hours allowed to test. ETA also notes that the knowledge component comprises three separate exams totaling 225 questions and that those three exams must be taken within a 2-year period. Preparation should cover technician-level precision optics plus specialist-level applied mathematics, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, scientific method, precision and tolerance, optics principles, light as rays, waves, and photons, reflection, refraction, Snell's law, total internal reflection, prisms, optical component fabrication, shaping, polishing, coating, optical instruments, dimensional verification, tolerances, fabrication and testing of wider optic types and coatings, optical component assembly, cleanroom procedures, optical adhesives and epoxies, coating fabrication, CAD drawings, optical layout schematics, safety, and hands-on fabrication/test performance.