The document discusses the application of the pre-existing fiber test procedures for PMD measurement in fiber to the special case of fiber components. Special precautions are required to avoid several potential problems, and these problems and precautions are described for each of the applicable procedures. This document does not describe the test procedures in detail, merely the variations required for component measurements. In particular, for amplifiers and also narrowband devices, specific precautions are given.

This FOTP also does not apply to components that have in excess of 10 dB of polarization-dependent loss (PDL).