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IBM Z 101: A Journey into the Mainframe World

By Zyad Abdelhafiz posted Fri August 08, 2025 12:32 PM

  

The IBM Z 101 Certificate is more than just a digital badge, it’s an entry ticket into the world of enterprise computing, where mission-critical systems run in the background of our daily lives. 

What is it?

This credential certifies that the earner has developed critical skills in IBM Z hardware, operating systems, and software, particularly z/OS. It’s not just theory; through hands-on labs on a live IBM Z server, earners gain real-world experience. The program prepares you for roles such as:

  • Mainframe Application Developer

  • System Programmer

  • System Administrator

  • Database Administrator (DBA) Practitioner

You’ll work with industry-standard tools and languages including Ansible, Zowe, Docker, REXX, COBOL, VSAM, TSO, and more.

Skills You’ll Gain:

  • Application Development

  • Enterprise Software Expertise

  • IBM Z Commands & Panels

  • JCL (Job Control Language)

  • Mainframe Security

  • Python Scripting

  • System Administration

  • TSO (Time Sharing Option)

Your Two-Week Roadmap 

Week 1:

Day 1:

  • Successfully complete the AP Computer Science Principles course

  • Earn the Exploring Emerging Tech Badge

Day 2:

  • Complete the Introduction to Enterprise Computing course

  • Complete the Essentials application course

Day 3, 4:

  • Earn the Introduction to IBM z/OS Badge

  • Complete the IBM z16 Single Frame hardware tour

Day 5, 6, 7:

  • Complete IBM Z Xplore – Concepts

  • Complete IBM Z Xplore – Advanced

Week 2:

  • Earn the Introduction to System Programming on IBM Z Badge

  • Earn the Introduction to z/OS Commands and Panels on IBM Z Badge

  • Earn the Introducing z/OS Unix System Services Badge

With steady focus, you can finish this certification in about two weeks. At the end of these two weeks, by following the plan I followed myself, you’ll complete the certification and earn the badge. You can see what the finished achievement looks like here: My IBM Z 101 Badge on Credly

Where Can I Learn?

For more detailed learning resources and to start your IBM Z 101 journey, visit the official learning site: mainframeskillsdepot.ibm.com/learn/ibm-z-101.


Reference:

IBM Z 101 Certificate – Official Page

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