Aspects and techniques of the present disclosure relate to a fiber optic connector assembly including a fiber optic connector with a front end and a back end. A ferrule positioned at the front end. The ferrule has a distal end face with a central region and recessed regions on opposite sides of the central region. The assembly includes a dust cap mounted on the ferrule. The dust cap has an open end and an opposite closed end. The fiber optic connector assembly also includes a tape member that covers the central region of the ferrule. The tape member can be secured to the dust cap such that when the dust cap is removed, the tape member simultaneously comes off with the dust cap.