Programming Fundamentals Course | Telerik Academy

PROGRAMMING FUNDAMENTALS COURSE

Your easy and risk-free programming start

From zero knowledge to developer -
your journey begins here

Krassen Valkov
Alpha C# alumni
From student to software
engineer
Your career transformation journey
Fundamentals optional
Beginner? Prepare for the Alpha entrance exam with us
Entrance Exam
Complete your Alpha application and pass the entrance exam
Alpha Program
Study in Alpha, the leading 6-month practical IT career kickstart training
New Career
Graduate from Alpha with the skills to launch your junior dev career

WHO IS IT FOR

Start as an absolute beginner 

Discover if programming is your passion! Try our risk-free fundamentals — whether testing if programming is for you or preparing for the Alpha entrance exam, this course is the best first step in your coding journey.

Zero coding experience needed - write your first lines with us
Open to all backgrounds and experience levels
Basic computer skills desired: internet use and computer operation
Basic English language proficiency

LEARNING OUTCOMES

What you'll learn in Fundamentals?

Join the course, and you'll start coding in no time. If you like it, Alpha is your next step towards an IT career.

  • Programming basics, including variables, functions and loops
  • How to develop simple programs
  • Essential tools like Git, IDEs and more
  • How to use ChatGPT and Copilot for learning
  • How to ace the Alpha entrance exam

WHY CHOOSE

Why the Fundamentals course?

  • Explore programming fast and effortlessly - on your own or in a group
  • Proven success - guiding 16,000+ individuals into programming competence
  • It's your road to Alpha and an IT career

You already have the fundamentals?

Already mastered the fundamentals? You are ready for Alpha – our 6-month program crafted to propel you into a junior developer career. 

Can you solve these tasks in a limited amount of time?

PERSONALIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE

Start programming in two quick steps

Exploring programming or gearing up for Alpha? Choose the steps that
suit you best, get the same great results. 

1. Choose your starting technology

Don't worry, you can't go wrong, all are excellent choices!

java
Java

Ideal for large-scale, enterprise and web apps. A primary language for Android.

js
JavaScript

Best for front-end web development, interactive pages, and apps. Suitable for back-end.

csharp
C#

Microsoft-backed, ideal for .NET, Windows, web apps, and Unity game development.

python
Python

Excellent for web development, data analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.

QA
QA

Ideal for the naturally curious seeking an IT career beyond traditional programming.

2. Choose the best format for you

Java Fundamentals
Self-paced
Instructor-led
Commitment
Learn individually, at your own pace
Fixed classes with required participation
Schedule
Fully flexible - no set schedule, 5-6 hours weekly for self-preparation. Complete in 4-8 weeks based on your progress
7 online sessions (3-4 hrs. each) with required attendance, plus 4-5 hrs. weekly for self-preparation and assignments
Support
Community of mentors
Small buddy groups with mentors and lead trainer
Best for
Self-disciplined and motivated people with busy schedules willing to explore programming
People who prefer to learn in a guided way, featuring live interactions with instructors and peers
Enroll by
Any time
Apr 14
Course starts
Start any time with full access to the self-paced materials
Fixed start Apr 23 (6:00 pm - 9:00 pm) with following sessions Apr 27 (10:00 am - 1:00 pm), 30 (6:00 pm - 9:00 pm), and May 11, 18 (10:00 am - 1:00 pm), May 23 (6:00 pm - 9:00 pm) and Jun 1 (10:00 am - 1:00 pm)
Alpha Exam Date*
Early Bird: Apr 9
Regular: June 4
Regular: June 4
*The Alpha exam is only required if you plan to enroll in the 6-month Alpha program after the fundamentals course, which prepares you for a junior developer career
Curriculum

46 interactive lessons | 114 exercises | 1 project | 42 hours

  • Programming basics, including viables, functions, and loops
  • How to develop simple programs
  • Essential tools like IDEs and other
  • How to use ChatGPT for learning
  • How to ace the Alpha entrance exam
Course outcomes
  • Learn programming fundamentals
  • Develop simple programs
  • Gain confidence in pursuing programming as a career
  • Prepare for the Alpha entrance exam
Get started**:
Java
Self-paced Fundamentals
Enroll now
Java
Instructor-led Fundamental

Enrollment has closed. Explore our Self-paced course!

 

JavaScript Fundamentals
Self-paced
Instructor-led
Commitment
Learn individually, at your own pace
Fixed classes with required participation
Schedule
Fully flexible - no set schedule, 5-6 hours weekly for self-preparation. Complete in 4-8 weeks based on your progress
7 online sessions (3-4 hrs. each) with required attendance, plus 4-5 hrs. weekly for self-preparation and assignments
Support
Community of mentors
Small buddy groups with mentors and lead trainer
Best for
Self-disciplined and motivated people with busy schedules willing to explore programming
People who prefer to learn in a guided way, featuring live interactions with instructors and peers
Enroll by
Any time
Apr 7
Course starts
Start any time with full access to the self-paced materials
Fixed start Apr 16 (6:00 pm - 9:00 pm) with following sessions Apr 20 (10:00 am - 1:00 pm), and 25, 30 (6:00 pm - 9:00 pm), and May 11, 18 (10:00 am - 1:00 pm), and May 23 (6:00 pm - 9:00 pm)
Alpha Exam Date*
Early Bird: Apr 9
Regular: June 4
Regular: June 4
*The Alpha exam is only required if you plan to enroll in the 6-month Alpha program after the fundamentals course, which prepares you for a junior developer career
Curriculum

46 interactive lessons | 114 exercises | 1 project | 42 hours

  • Programming basics, including viables, functions, and loops
  • How to develop simple programs
  • Essential tools like IDEs and other
  • How to use ChatGPT for learning
  • How to ace the Alpha entrance exam
Course outcomes
  • Learn programming fundamentals
  • Develop simple programs
  • Gain confidence in pursuing programming as a career
  • Prepare for the Alpha entrance exam
Get started**:
JavaScript
Self-paced Fundamentals
Enroll now
JavaScript
Instructor-led Fundamental

Enrollment has closed. Explore our Self-paced course!
C# Fundamentals
Self-paced
Instructor-led
Commitment
Learn individually, at your own pace
Fixed classes with required participation
Schedule
Fully flexible - no set schedule, 5-6 hours weekly for self-preparation. Complete in 4-8 weeks based on your progress
7 online sessions (3-4 hrs. each) with required attendance, plus 4-5 hrs. weekly for self-preparation and assignments
Support
Community of mentors
Small buddy groups with mentors and lead trainer
Best for
Self-disciplined and motivated people with busy schedules willing to explore programming
People who prefer to learn in a guided way, featuring live interactions with instructors and peers
Enroll by
Any time
Jun 10
Course starts
Start any time with full access to the self-paced materials
Fixed start Jun 18 (6:00 pm - 9:00 pm) with following sessions Jun 22, 29 (10:00 am - 1:00 pm), Jul 4, 11 (6:00 pm - 9:00 pm) and Jul 20 and 27 (10:00 am - 1:00 pm)
Alpha Exam Date*
Early Bird: Jun 11
Regular: Aug 6
Regular: Aug 6
*The Alpha exam is only required if you plan to enroll in the 6-month Alpha program after the fundamentals course, which prepares you for a junior developer career
Curriculum

46 interactive lessons | 114 exercises | 1 project | 42 hours

  • Programming basics, including viables, functions, and loops
  • How to develop simple programs
  • Essential tools like IDEs and other
  • How to use ChatGPT for learning
  • How to ace the Alpha entrance exam
Course outcomes
  • Learn programming fundamentals
  • Develop simple programs
  • Gain confidence in pursuing programming as a career
  • Prepare for the Alpha entrance exam
Get started**:
C#
Self-paced Fundamentals
Enroll now
C#
Instructor-led Fundamentals
Enroll now

 Starts on Jun 18

Python Fundamentals
Self-paced
Instructor-led
Commitment
Learn individually, at your own pace
Fixed classes with required participation
Schedule
Fully flexible - no set schedule, 5-6 hours weekly for self-preparation. Complete in 4-8 weeks based on your progress
7 online sessions (3-4 hrs. each) with required attendance, plus 4-5 hrs. weekly for self-preparation and assignments
Support
Community of mentors
Small buddy groups with mentors and lead trainer
Best for
Self-disciplined and motivated people with busy schedules willing to explore programming
People who prefer to learn in a guided way, featuring live interactions with instructors and peers
Enroll by
Any time
Mar 31
Course starts
Start any time with full access to the self-paced materials
Fixed start Apr 9 (6:00 pm - 9:00 pm) with following sessions Apr 13, 20, 27, and May 11, 18 (10:00 am - 1:00 pm), and May 23 (6:00 pm - 9:00 pm)
Alpha Exam Date*
Early Bird: Apr 2
Regular: May 28
Regular: May 28
*The Alpha exam is only required if you plan to enroll in the 6-month Alpha program after the fundamentals course, which prepares you for a junior developer career
Curriculum

46 interactive lessons | 114 exercises | 1 project | 42 hours

  • Programming basics, including viables, functions, and loops
  • How to develop simple programs
  • Essential tools like IDEs and other
  • How to use ChatGPT for learning
  • How to ace the Alpha entrance exam
Course outcomes
  • Learn programming fundamentals
  • Develop simple programs
  • Gain confidence in pursuing programming as a career
  • Prepare for the Alpha entrance exam
Get started**:
Python
Self-paced Fundamentals
Enroll now
Python
Instructor-led Fundamentals

Enrollment has closed. Explore our Self-paced course!
QA Fundamentals
Instructor-led
Commitment
Fixed classes with required participation
Schedule
7 online sessions (3-4 hrs. each) with required attendance, plus 4-5 hrs. weekly for self-preparation and assignments
Support
Small buddy groups with mentors and lead trainer
Best for
People who prefer to learn in a guided way, featuring live interactions with instructors and peers
Enroll by
This course has already started
Reserve your spot for the next one
Course starts
This course has already started
Reserve your spot for the next one
Alpha Exam Date*
Regular: Feb 27
*The Alpha exam is only required if you plan to enroll in the 6-month Alpha program after the fundamentals course, which prepares you for a junior developer career
Curriculum

46 interactive lessons | 114 exercises | 1 project | 42 hours

  • Programming basics, including viables, functions, and loops
  • How to develop simple programs
  • Essential tools like IDEs and other
  • How to use ChatGPT for learning
  • How to ace the Alpha entrance exam
Course outcomes
  • Learn programming fundamentals
  • Develop simple programs
  • Gain confidence in pursuing programming as a career
  • Prepare for the Alpha entrance exam
Get started**:
QA
Instructor-led Fundamentals
Notify me
or
Get ready on your own
Get ready for the entrance exam with our free self-preparation materials.
Also, test your skills with these mock exams

 **To access your preferred Fundamentals course, choose the corresponding Alpha program after pressing Enroll.

Meet our alumni

Our alumni jumpstart their careers in some
of the best tech companies.

The trainer's approach was incredibly human! If their actions could speak, they'd say something akin to: "Hello, I'm here as your friend to make sure your training is fully clear, enjoyable, and stress-free." It was a 10/10 experience."

georgi mateevIvelin Banchev
from Web Developer & SEO to an Alpha student

I want to express my gratitude to the trainers and the mentors for providing me with this learning experience. The ecosystem you have created integrates seamlessly and comes together to form a cohesive and well-structured learning environment.

georgi mateevAdrian Baltov
from Economics and Finance graduate to an Alpha student

I went through the fundamentals course, which greatly helped me. It truly gives you an idea about the programming language and if it’s something you’d like. You also get to solve tasks very similar to the ones during the entrance exam.

14+
years experience
97%
would recommend us
97%
credit us for their success
99%
job-seeking graduates
hired
100%
consider their Telerik Academy education a good investment

Ready to start?

Choose your first step and your coding adventure today!

FAQ

I'm new to tech - do I need any programming experience to take the programming fundamentals course?
No, you don't need any prior programming experience to take the course. However, basic English and computer skills are desired, such as using a computer and browsing the internet. We welcome anyone motivated to learn and interested in pursuing a career in programming, regardless of their background or experience level. 
What is the difference between Self-paced and Instructor-led?
In the Self-paced Fundamentals course, you have the flexibility to learn at your own pace, making it ideal for self-disciplined individuals. This option allows you to enroll anytime and start learning immediately. You must dedicate around 5-6 hours per week to review the materials.

 

On the other hand, the Instructor-led Fundamentals course offers structured online sessions with a fixed class schedule and required participation. This suits those who prefer a guided learning approach with live interactions in smaller groups. If you opt for this option, keep track of the application deadlines.  

Both options provide:

  • The same course outcomes. 
  • Focusing on mastering programming fundamentals 
  • Crafting simple programs 
  • Gaining confidence for a programming career 
  • Preparing for the Alpha entrance exam <
What will I learn in the programming fundamentals course?
The course covers the basic building blocks of programming, including variables, data types, control structures, functions, algorithms, and how to use ChatGPT and Copilot for learning. Throughout the course, you'll apply these concepts by writing simple programs using one of the following programming languages (depending on your chosen course): Java, JavaScript, Python, C#, or QA. 
How do I apply to the Fundamentals course?
Applying to the Fundamentals course is easy! First, choose your desired starting technology and preferred format (Self-paced or Instructor-led). Then, select the corresponding Alpha program from the application form page. Follow the steps to complete your application. Once submitted, you'll receive an email with further information and next steps. Don't worry if you still need to decide whether to continue with Alpha after the Fundamentals course—you can make that decision later. However, it's worth noting that Alpha is designed to take your fundamentals knowledge to the next level, preparing you for a career in IT. While the Fundamentals course is free, there is tuition for Alpha. 
What is Telerik Academy Alpha?

With our 6-month practical program Telerik Academy Alpha with JavaScript, Python, Java, C#, or QA, we turn traditional education upside down. We have introduced a new training method to help you prepare for a career start in the software industry faster, better and more efficiently.

By leveraging innovative teaching techniques and methodologies, we bring a personal training approach to everyone through 880+ hours of tech and soft skills training, working on real-world projects, and building your own dev portfolio. In Alpha, you’ll learn in a small group, and our trainers serve as your personal mentors and coaches, helping you build upon your strengths and attain all the skills needed to land your dream job in IT. 

Is the fundamentals course a mandatory step for entering Alpha?
No, it’s not mandatory. However, we highly recommend taking a fundamentals course to prepare for the entrance exam and assess whether programming is your career path. If you already have solid fundamentals, verify your skills here and see if you are ready for the Alpha entrance exam. 
Does the fundamentals course guarantee I get into the Alpha program? 
The course will prepare you with the skills needed for the 6-month IT career start program Alpha. However, to be accepted, you will need to successfully complete the entrance exam for the program. 
Is the programming fundamentals course a lightweight version of Alpha?

No, the free programming fundamentals course is not a lightweight version of Alpha. While it covers the basics of programming, Alpha is a comprehensive 6-month program designed to simulate a work environment and provide practical experience in various technologies.

Alpha covers technical and soft skills like working in teams, meeting with partners, and building complex real-world applications. The program is intense and will prepare you for a tech career. At the same time, the free programming fundamentals course is a great starting point to assess your interest and motivation for programming and prepare for the Alpha entrance exam. 

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