COBOL Intermediate
Master COBOL programming with this Open Source course designed for aspiring mainframe developers and IT professionals maintaining legacy systems. It solves the critical industry challenge of shrinking COBOL expertise, where 71% of mainframe teams are understaffed. You’ll gain hands-on skills in COBOL syntax, file handling, JCL integration, and debugging on z/OS, directly addressing the demand for advanced programming skills cited by 55% of enterprises.
This training prepares you for real-world mainframe roles using the Open Mainframe Project’s official COBOL curriculum. Koenig’s Guaranteed-to-Run scheduling and 30-day lab access ensure flexible, hands-on practice. Build confidence to modernize core banking, insurance, and government systems, positioning yourself for high-impact roles in critical infrastructure.
Training Formats & Pricing
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Course Overview
The COBOL course by Open Source delivers comprehensive training in one of the most enduring programming languages, widely used in mainframe environments across finance, government, and enterprise sectors. Designed for aspiring mainframe developers, software engineers transitioning to legacy systems, and IT professionals maintaining critical business applications, this program equips learners with foundational to advanced COBOL skills. With over 220 billion lines of COBOL code still powering 95% of ATM transactions and 71% of mainframe teams reporting understaffing, demand remains strong despite the language's age. This course prepares candidates for real-world development and maintenance roles where COBOL expertise is essential, particularly in industries where system stability and transaction integrity are paramount.
Participants gain hands-on experience with key tools and technologies including GnuCOBOL (the open-source COBOL compiler), Hercules emulator for z/OS simulation, IBM Z Xplore for cloud-based mainframe access, and 3270 terminal emulators for authentic interface interaction. The lab environment, accessed via ibm.biz/cobollabs or local GnuCOBOL installation, enables students to build, compile, and debug COBOL programs using standard workflows involving JCL, ISPF, and batch processing. Learners complete practical projects such as developing a file-processing payroll system, implementing indexed file handling with Berkeley DB, and simulating real-world banking transaction modules—mirroring the exact tasks performed by COBOL developers in production environments.
While there is no formal vendor certification for open-source COBOL, this training aligns with industry-recognized competencies required for mainframe programming roles and prepares learners for enterprise-specific assessments. COBOL programmers command competitive salaries, with averages reaching $84,879 and contractors earning up to $180 per hour due to severe talent shortages. Koenig Solutions enhances learning through Guaranteed-to-Run scheduling and optional 1-on-1 training, ensuring personalized support and flexible access to expert instructors. Graduates emerge ready to step into high-impact roles maintaining and modernizing mission-critical systems, positioning themselves at the forefront of legacy system sustainability and digital transformation initiatives.
What You'll Learn
Prerequisites
- Basic understanding of programming concepts such as variables, data types, control structures, and file handling.
- Familiarity with any procedural programming language (such as C, Pascal, or Fortran) is beneficial but not mandatory.
- Ability to navigate and operate within a command-line interface or integrated development environment (IDE) where COBOL is supported.
- Fundamental knowledge of computer operations, including file management and text editing.
- A willingness to learn and adapt to the unique syntax and structure of the COBOL language.
Certification Exam
Everything you need to know about the COBOL certification exam
What's Included in Your Training
Every enrollment comes packed with resources to maximise your learning and exam success
Exam Preparation Materials
Practice Test Questions (200+)
Certificate of Completion
Post-Training Support (30 days)
Session Recording Access
Free Rescheduling (7+ days notice)
Career Outcomes
of COBOL certified professionals report career advancement within 6 months
Salary Impact
Average salary increase reported after obtaining the COBOL certification
*Source: Glassdoor / LinkedIn 2025
Job Roles
- COBOL Developer
- Mainframe Programmer
- Legacy Systems Analyst
- Senior COBOL Engineer
- Mainframe Application Developer
- Systems Programmer
Companies Hiring
and 5,000+ organizations worldwide seeking COBOL certified professionals
Course Student Reviews
Real results from IT professionals who trained with Koenig — rated 4.9/5 from 18,400+ verified reviews.
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“SC-900 and SC-300 back to back — both cleared first try. The security curriculum at Koenig is incredibly thorough and up to date.”
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“Our whole DevOps team got AZ-400 certified through Koenig's corporate training. Smooth logistics and top-tier MCTs throughout.”
AZ-400 Team Training ✓ Verified -
★★★★★
“Passed AZ-104 on first attempt. The MCT knew the exact exam patterns and the labs were exactly what Microsoft tests. Worth every penny.”
AZ-104 Certified ✓ Verified -
★★★★★
“I trained 15 of my team members for SC-200. Koenig's on-site delivery was seamless and all 15 passed within 3 months.”
Enterprise Client ✓ Verified -
★★★★★
“The 1-on-1 format was a game changer. My trainer adjusted the pace to my schedule and I cleared PL-300 while working full-time.”
PL-300 Certified ✓ Verified -
★★★★★
“From AZ-900 to AZ-305 in 6 months. Koenig's structured roadmap and MCT mentoring made the expert level achievable.”
AZ-305 Expert ✓ Verified -
★★★★★
“As an L&D head I've used 5 training vendors. Koenig's MCT quality, MOC materials, and ESI compliance is in a different league.”
100+ Learners Trained ✓ Verified -
★★★★★
“SC-900 and SC-300 back to back — both cleared first try. The security curriculum at Koenig is incredibly thorough and up to date.”
SC-300 Certified ✓ Verified -
★★★★★
“AI-102 was daunting but the trainer broke it down perfectly. Real Azure OpenAI labs made the difference. Highly recommend.”
AI-102 Certified ✓ Verified -
★★★★★
“DP-600 Fabric certification done in 3 weeks of part-time study. The customised schedule around my timezone was a lifesaver.”
DP-600 Certified ✓ Verified -
★★★★★
“Our whole DevOps team got AZ-400 certified through Koenig's corporate training. Smooth logistics and top-tier MCTs throughout.”
AZ-400 Team Training ✓ Verified
-
★★★★★
“Passed AZ-104 on first attempt. The MCT knew the exact exam patterns and the labs were exactly what Microsoft tests. Worth every penny.”
AZ-104 Certified ✓ Verified -
★★★★★
“I trained 15 of my team members for SC-200. Koenig's on-site delivery was seamless and all 15 passed within 3 months.”
Enterprise Client ✓ Verified -
★★★★★
“The 1-on-1 format was a game changer. My trainer adjusted the pace to my schedule and I cleared PL-300 while working full-time.”
PL-300 Certified ✓ Verified -
★★★★★
“Passed AZ-104 on first attempt. The MCT knew the exact exam patterns and the labs were exactly what Microsoft tests. Worth every penny.”
AZ-104 Certified ✓ Verified -
★★★★★
“I trained 15 of my team members for SC-200. Koenig's on-site delivery was seamless and all 15 passed within 3 months.”
Enterprise Client ✓ Verified -
★★★★★
“The 1-on-1 format was a game changer. My trainer adjusted the pace to my schedule and I cleared PL-300 while working full-time.”
PL-300 Certified ✓ Verified
-
★★★★★
“From AZ-900 to AZ-305 in 6 months. Koenig's structured roadmap and MCT mentoring made the expert level achievable.”
AZ-305 Expert ✓ Verified -
★★★★★
“As an L&D head I've used 5 training vendors. Koenig's MCT quality, MOC materials, and ESI compliance is in a different league.”
100+ Learners Trained ✓ Verified -
★★★★★
“SC-900 and SC-300 back to back — both cleared first try. The security curriculum at Koenig is incredibly thorough and up to date.”
SC-300 Certified ✓ Verified -
★★★★★
“From AZ-900 to AZ-305 in 6 months. Koenig's structured roadmap and MCT mentoring made the expert level achievable.”
AZ-305 Expert ✓ Verified -
★★★★★
“As an L&D head I've used 5 training vendors. Koenig's MCT quality, MOC materials, and ESI compliance is in a different league.”
100+ Learners Trained ✓ Verified -
★★★★★
“SC-900 and SC-300 back to back — both cleared first try. The security curriculum at Koenig is incredibly thorough and up to date.”
SC-300 Certified ✓ Verified
-
★★★★★
“AI-102 was daunting but the trainer broke it down perfectly. Real Azure OpenAI labs made the difference. Highly recommend.”
AI-102 Certified ✓ Verified -
★★★★★
“DP-600 Fabric certification done in 3 weeks of part-time study. The customised schedule around my timezone was a lifesaver.”
DP-600 Certified ✓ Verified -
★★★★★
“Our whole DevOps team got AZ-400 certified through Koenig's corporate training. Smooth logistics and top-tier MCTs throughout.”
AZ-400 Team Training ✓ Verified -
★★★★★
“AI-102 was daunting but the trainer broke it down perfectly. Real Azure OpenAI labs made the difference. Highly recommend.”
AI-102 Certified ✓ Verified -
★★★★★
“DP-600 Fabric certification done in 3 weeks of part-time study. The customised schedule around my timezone was a lifesaver.”
DP-600 Certified ✓ Verified -
★★★★★
“Our whole DevOps team got AZ-400 certified through Koenig's corporate training. Smooth logistics and top-tier MCTs throughout.”
AZ-400 Team Training ✓ Verified
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the COBOL training course
Is the COBOL certification exam included in the Koenig course fee, and what is the exam cost if separate?
What training formats does Koenig offer for COBOL, including Guaranteed-to-Run scheduling?
How long is lab access provided, and what environment is used for hands-on practice in COBOL training?
What is Koenig's rescheduling and cancellation policy for COBOL training?
What is the format, number of questions, passing score, and time limit for the COBOL certification exam?
How long is the COBOL certification valid, and what is the renewal process and cost?
What post-training support does Koenig provide after completing COBOL training?
What are the recommended prerequisites or experience needed for the COBOL certification?
What is the average salary for COBOL developers, and which roles benefit most from certification?
How does formal COBOL training compare to self-study for certification preparation?
Still have questions?
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Learn more about COBOL before you enroll
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