If you’re looking to start a career in coding, but don’t know where to begin, this might be for you. This course is aimed at absolute beginners that have never done any coding before and are unsure of which programming language to focus on. The course is structured to allow you to choose a specific programming language to learn and ultimately a career path to choose. As an example, you have the opportunity to learn coding to build websites, analyse data, develop artificial intelligence, create databases, and build games, plus much more.
Early on in the course, you’ll learn what coding is, what certain types of languages are used for, and the types of careers available through learning those languages. The focus then shifts to you. At this point, you’re asked a series of questions to help determine the best direction in the course for you. The answers you give effectively help to offer suggestions on the pace of the course for you, and the programming language to learn.
Learn what code is and how it’s used in our daily lives.
At any point in time, you can switch direction by choosing a different language to learn. You may find that you start off learning to code with the purpose of analysing data, only to find out that you want to develop websites instead, which may require you to shift to a different language. Another feature of the course is that you’re not confined to learning just one language.
How does this course work?
The course is comprised of two main parts, which are self-paced. Part one covers foundational learning as described above. Part two is effectively a second course that is geared toward gaining a Microsoft certification. The language you choose to study in part one, will determine which Microsoft certification course you will take in part two.
The certifications available include: the Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA); the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA); and the Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD). The certification titles include:
- MTA: Introduction to Programming Using Python
- MTA: HTML5 Application Development Fundamentals
- MTA: Software Development Fundamentals
- MCSA: Web Applications
- MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Administration
- MCSA: SQL 2016 Business Intelligence Development
- MCSD: App Builder
Below is a course roadmap with an example of two paths you can take. As illustrated, you can start the course, choose SQL to learn, then in part 2, progress onto the MCSA: SQL 2016 Business Intelligence (BI) Development; or choose Python to learn, then progress onto the the MTA: Introduction to Programming Using Python.
What will I learn from this course?
By the end of part one of this course, you’ll be able to understand programming, write basic code, grasp programming concepts, think like a programmer, understand the tools in coding, have a better idea of careers available in coding, and gain practical experience by creating portfolio-worthy projects. In part one, you’ll be guided through each step. You’ll learn the right thing at the right time. By the time you reach part two of the course, you’ll have a clearer understanding of what certification you want to work towards.
About the Microsoft certifications
Upon completion of part two of this course, you’ll receive one or more Microsoft acclaim badges similar to the ones shown above. These can be added to your CV or social media profile for prospective employers to see. You’ll also receive one or more official Microsoft certifications validating your coding skills. Scroll further down the page to see an example of a Microsoft certification.
Watch this video to understand how ‘Acclaim’ badges can help you stand out from the crowd.
How do the part 2 course resources work?
The part 2 certification course element is made up of four main resources as shown below. Each certification course has as its own set of resources, i.e. 1 x online course and/or textbook, 1 x practice lab, 1 x MeasureUP practice exam, 1 x official exam. Each resource is designed to work in conjunction with each other to ensure the successful path to certification. Where necessary, you will complete one course and exam, then repeat the process for the remaining courses. Please note the MTA courses require you to take only one course and exam to gain the Microsoft certification. Once you have passed the exam/s, you will receive your certification from Microsoft. Read below to learn more about the resources in this course.
Access to video based online learning material. Tutors use diagrams and illustrations to teach the classes, as well as giving demonstrations of equipment. Lessons are pre-recorded allowing you to fast-forward, rewind and pause at any time throughout the lessons. Videos can be viewed on different devices including a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, and smart phone. Please note that some Microsoft courses do not contain video course material. In place of these, you be studying from a textbook.
The hands-on live practice labs allow you to experience practical application of course concepts in an authentic online environment 24/7, all from the comfort of your home or office. The lab environment allows you to test and apply your skills as you learn. These labs also come with tasks challenging what you have learnt. To learn more about practice labs, click here.
MeasureUP Practice Exams
After working your way through each text book and practice labs, you should be ready to start revising for your official exams. To do this, we provide you with MeasureUP practice tests. MeasureUP are the official provider to Microsoft for practice tests. These are the closest experience to the actual exam you’ll be taking. Scroll down to learn more about MeasureUP and the practice tests.
Official Microsoft Exams
Having confidently passed the practice tests, you will be ready to sit the official Microsoft exams – which we will book on your behalf. These are known as an ‘online, web-proctored exams’. This means they can be taken at home. One of the requirements of taking these exams is that you must have a web camera so a proctor can observe you during the exams. This is to ensure no cheating takes place.
An example of a Microsoft certification you can gain through this course.
How long will it take me to complete part 2 of this course?
Part 2 of this course comprises of around 35 hours of video tutorials (where applicable), as well as 25+ hours of live practice lab material; and 50+ hours of practice test material. How soon you can complete the course is dependent on several factors such as the amount of time you can dedicate to the course each week, and how quickly you absorb information. Learners can complete a course within this bundle from anywhere between 1-6 hours. Revision for each exam will take a minimum of 2 weeks. We recommend you spend at least 9 hours on the course per week to be able to finish it within 3 and a half months. You will have full access to the course material and resources for 12 months and must take your exams within this period.
What do I need?
Your course can be done from any where in the world. If you decide to move to a different city or even country, you can continue with the course from wherever you are. All you need is a device such as a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, smart phone, and an internet connection.
MeasureUP practice tests
As part of this course, you will get access to MeasureUP practice tests to help prepare you for the Microsoft exams as part of this bundle. MeasureUP practice tests are endorsed by Microsoft and used as the official practice tests of Microsoft certification exams.
Features of MeasureUP practice tests:
- Questions are similar to exam questions, allowing you to test your knowledge of exam objectives
- Detailed explanations for both correct and distractor answers reinforce the material
- ‘Study Mode’ covers all objectives ensuring topics are covered
- ‘Certification Mode’ (timed) prepares students for exam taking conditions
- Instant, drill-down score reports tell you exactly the areas to focus on
Watch this video to learn more about MeasureUP practice tests.
How do I book my exams?
When you’re ready to sit your exams, email email@example.com with your request along with the title of the exam you wish to take. We will then send you an email with instructions on how to complete your exam booking.
Non-cancellation of course
Please note that this course is not covered by our standard 7 day guarantee/cancellation/refund policy.