IBM z/OS Mainframe Practitioner Professional Certificate Course Syllabus

This IBM z/OS Mainframe Practitioner Professional Certificate Course is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in enterprise mainframe computing using real-world tools and simulations on IBM Z systems. The program spans approximately 7 weeks with a mix of conceptual learning and hands-on practice, requiring about 4-6 hours per week. Learners will gain practical experience with core z/OS components, including TSO/ISPF, JCL, datasets, UNIX System Services, and RACF security administration. Through interactive labs and simulations, students will build job-ready skills for entry-level roles in IT environments that rely on mainframe technology.

Module 1: Introduction to Enterprise Computing

Estimated time: 4 hours

• Mainframe history and evolution
• IBM Z architecture and hardware components
• Role of mainframes in enterprise IT
• Interactive system walkthroughs and quizzes

Module 2: Getting Started on Mainframe with z/OS Commands and Panels

Estimated time: 6 hours

• Introduction to TSO/ISPF interface
• Navigating ISPF panels and menus
• Executing basic z/OS commands
• Creating and managing data sets

Module 3: Data Sets and Data Access on z/OS

Estimated time: 6 hours

• Understanding sequential datasets
• Partitioned datasets (PDS) and members
• VSAM dataset fundamentals
• Data access methods and file organization

Module 4: Job Control Language (JCL) and Utilities on z/OS

Estimated time: 12 hours

• JCL syntax and structure
• Writing and submitting batch jobs
• Using utilities: IEBGENER, IEFBR14, SORT
• Debugging and troubleshooting JCL errors

Module 5: Introduction to UNIX Systems on z/OS

Estimated time: 5 hours

• z/OS UNIX file system structure
• Navigating the z/OS shell environment
• UNIX command execution and file manipulation
• Integration of UNIX with z/OS services

Module 6: Security on z/OS with RACF

Estimated time: 5 hours

• Introduction to RACF and its role in z/OS
• User authentication and group management
• Defining access control policies
• Configuring basic RACF profiles and permissions

Prerequisites

• Basic computer literacy
• Familiarity with command-line interfaces
• No prior mainframe experience required

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Explain the role and architecture of IBM Z mainframes in enterprise computing
• Use TSO/ISPF, JCL, and z/OS commands to manage system resources
• Create, access, and manage various dataset types including VSAM and PDS
• Write, execute, and debug JCL scripts for batch processing
• Configure basic security settings using RACF for user access control