Fiber optic cable assembly and fabrication method using sequentially arranged boots for multi-fiber ferrule

At least one group of loose optical fibers is restrained at multiple locations during fabrication of a fiber optic cable assembly using rear and front ferrule boots, thereby avoiding a need for traditional ribbonizing techniques. The group(s) of loose optical fibers are inserted through one or more apertures defined in each of the rear ferrule boot and the front ferrule boot, and inserted through at least one group of bores defined in a ferrule. A rear portion of the ferrule receives at least a portion of the front ferrule boot. A manufacturing fixture including a removable jig may retain a rear ferrule boot and a medial section of the group(s) of loose optical fibers, while the front ferrule boot and a terminal section of the group(s) of loose optical fibers are positioned outside the fixture for further processing. A fiber optic cable assembly including front and rear ferrule boots, as well as methods of fabrication, are further provided.