IBM Mainframe Developer Professional Certificate Course Syllabus

This professional certificate program is designed to equip learners with foundational to intermediate skills in IBM mainframe development, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice using real IBM Z tools and environments. The course spans approximately 8 weeks with a total time commitment of 40–50 hours, featuring interactive labs, coding exercises, and a capstone project that simulates real-world mainframe workflows. Learners will gain proficiency in core technologies including z/OS, COBOL, JCL, VSAM, TSO/ISPF, and Db2, preparing them for roles in enterprise computing sectors such as banking, insurance, and government.

Module 1: Introduction to Enterprise Computing

Estimated time: 5 hours

• History and evolution of mainframe computers
• Basics of enterprise computing environments
• Role of mainframes in modern business infrastructure
• Interactive assessments and system simulation exercises

Module 2: Introduction to z/OS and IBM Z

Estimated time: 6 hours

• IBM Z hardware architecture and capabilities
• Key features of the z/OS operating system
• Workload management and system operations
• Visual walkthroughs and command-based labs on z/OS

Module 3: Getting Started with Mainframe on IBM Z

Estimated time: 6 hours

• Using TSO (Time Sharing Option) for interactive processing
• Navigating ISPF (Interactive System Productivity Facility)
• Introduction to Unix System Services on z/OS
• Hands-on practice with online emulators for TSO/ISPF and UNIX commands

Module 4: Introduction to COBOL Programming

Estimated time: 12 hours

• COBOL syntax and program structure
• Implementing conditionals and loops in COBOL
• File handling techniques in COBOL applications
• Writing, compiling, and debugging COBOL programs in a virtual lab

Module 5: Working with VSAM and JCL

Estimated time: 12 hours

• Understanding VSAM file structures and cataloging
• Creating and managing VSAM datasets
• Writing and submitting batch jobs using JCL
• Debugging JCL scripts and job outputs

Module 6: Introduction to Db2 on z/OS

Estimated time: 12 hours

• Fundamentals of relational databases and SQL
• Executing queries in Db2 on z/OS
• Integrating Db2 with COBOL using embedded SQL
• Using host variables and handling database results in applications

Module 7: Final Capstone Project

Estimated time: 8 hours

• Design and develop a complete mainframe application
• Integrate COBOL, JCL, VSAM, and Db2 components
• Test, debug, and submit the workflow for evaluation

Prerequisites

• Familiarity with basic programming concepts
• Basic understanding of operating systems
• Access to a web browser and internet connection for lab environments

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Understand mainframe architecture and z/OS operations
• Navigate and use TSO/ISPF and Unix System Services effectively
• Write, compile, and debug COBOL programs
• Create and manage batch jobs using JCL and VSAM files
• Develop database-driven applications using Db2 and embedded SQL