MainframeEDU
Intermediate Level Course

Intermediate Mainframe

Advance your skills with database integration, transaction processing, and practical real-world applications

8-Week Course
For Experienced Developers
€950 €1,150 Save €200
Enroll Now View Curriculum

Course Overview

What You'll Learn

  • Advanced COBOL programming techniques
  • DB2 database interactions and SQL
  • CICS transaction processing
  • JCL advanced techniques
  • Debugging and performance tuning
  • Mainframe testing methodologies

Course Format

  • 8 weeks (96 total hours of instruction)
  • Twice weekly live sessions (3 hours each)
  • Both in-person and remote options available
  • Extensive lab exercises with real-world scenarios
  • Bi-weekly projects and assessments
  • One-on-one technical mentoring sessions

What You'll Get

  • MainframeEDU Intermediate Certificate
  • Advanced course materials and reference guides
  • 1 year of access to practice environment
  • Industry-standard project portfolio
  • Technical interview preparation
  • Industry networking opportunities

Skills You'll Develop

Technical Skills

Advanced COBOL Techniques 90%
DB2 and SQL 85%
CICS Programming 85%
Advanced JCL 80%
Debugging & Troubleshooting 85%

Professional Development

System Integration Knowledge 90%
Problem-Solving Skills 95%
Technical Documentation 85%
Mid-Level Job Readiness 90%
Industry-Specific Knowledge 80%

Comprehensive Curriculum

1

Advanced COBOL Programming

  • COBOL Program Structure Review

    Comprehensive review of COBOL structure and syntax, ensuring a solid foundation for advanced concepts.

  • Advanced Data Handling Techniques

    Working with complex data structures, arrays, tables, and efficient memory management in COBOL programs.

  • Structured Programming Concepts

    Implementing modular design, reusable code components, and maintainable program structures.

  • File Handling and I/O Operations

    Advanced techniques for file processing, including VSAM files, sequential and random access methods.

2

DB2 and SQL Fundamentals

  • Introduction to DB2 for z/OS

    Understanding DB2 architecture, components, and its role in mainframe environments.

  • SQL Fundamentals

    Core SQL commands, syntax, and optimization techniques for mainframe database operations.

  • Data Definition Language (DDL)

    Creating and managing database objects, including tables, views, indexes, and constraints.

  • Data Manipulation Language (DML)

    Working with INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, and SELECT statements for effective data management.

3

DB2 Application Programming

  • Embedded SQL in COBOL

    Integrating SQL statements within COBOL programs for database interactions.

  • Host Variables and Indicators

    Managing data exchange between COBOL programs and DB2 databases, handling NULL values properly.

  • Cursor Operations

    Defining, opening, fetching, and closing cursors for efficient result set processing.

  • Error Handling in DB2 Applications

    Implementing robust error detection and recovery mechanisms for database operations.

4

CICS Fundamentals

  • Introduction to CICS

    Understanding the Customer Information Control System architecture, components, and business applications.

  • CICS Commands and Syntax

    Learning the essential command structure and execution flow in CICS applications.

  • Program Control and Communication

    Managing program flow, task control, and inter-program communication in CICS environment.

  • Terminal Interactions

    Handling screen mappings, user inputs, and terminal output operations.

5

CICS Application Programming

  • File Control Operations

    Managing data access and file operations within CICS applications.

  • Temporary Storage and Transient Data

    Utilizing CICS data storage mechanisms for temporary and semi-permanent data retention.

  • CICS-DB2 Integration

    Building applications that combine CICS transaction processing with DB2 database operations.

  • Error Handling and Recovery

    Implementing robust exception handling and recovery mechanisms in CICS applications.

6

Advanced JCL Techniques

  • JCL Procedures

    Creating and using cataloged and in-stream procedures for job standardization and reuse.

  • Conditional Processing

    Implementing IF/THEN/ELSE logic, return code evaluation, and dynamic job flow control.

  • Generation Data Groups (GDG)

    Managing data set versions, retention, and generational processing techniques.

  • Utility Programs

    Using IBM utilities for efficient data management, including SORT, IDCAMS, and IEBGENER.

7

Debugging and Performance Tuning

  • Debugging Tools and Techniques

    Using mainframe debugging tools to identify and resolve program issues efficiently.

  • COBOL Optimization Techniques

    Implementing code improvements for better performance and resource utilization.

  • DB2 Performance Considerations

    Optimizing SQL statements, indexing strategies, and database access patterns.

  • CICS Transaction Performance

    Analyzing and improving CICS application performance, response times, and resource usage.

8

Capstone Project & Professional Development

  • Integrated Application Development

    Building a comprehensive business application that incorporates COBOL, JCL, DB2, and CICS components.

  • Project Documentation

    Creating professional-grade documentation following industry standards and best practices.

  • Technical Interviews Preparation

    Practicing common mainframe technical interview questions and developing effective response strategies.

  • Career Advancement Strategies

    Developing professional skills and career planning for mid-level mainframe positions.

Who Should Take This Course

Our Intermediate Mainframe course is designed for individuals who already have foundational mainframe knowledge and are ready to advance their skills to the next level. This course is ideal for:

  • Graduates of our Mainframe Basics course seeking to build on their foundation
  • Junior mainframe developers looking to expand their skillset
  • IT professionals with programming experience transitioning to mainframe roles
  • Experienced developers seeking to add mainframe database and transaction processing skills

This course builds significantly on basic mainframe concepts and moves quickly into advanced territory. A strong foundation in mainframe concepts and basic COBOL programming is essential for success.

Prerequisites

  • Mainframe Fundamentals

    Strong understanding of mainframe architecture, JCL basics, and z/OS fundamentals (equivalent to our Mainframe Basics course).

  • COBOL Programming

    Proficiency with basic COBOL syntax, program structure, and simple application development.

  • Problem-Solving Skills

    Ability to approach programming challenges methodically and implement logical solutions.

  • Basic Database Concepts

    Familiarity with fundamental database concepts, though specific DB2 knowledge is not required.

Advancing Your Mainframe Career in Cyprus

The Intermediate Mainframe course offered by MainframeEDU in Cyprus represents a significant step forward for IT professionals looking to advance their careers in enterprise computing. As mainframe systems continue to form the backbone of critical financial, insurance, and government operations across Europe and the Middle East, the demand for skilled professionals who can navigate beyond the basics has grown substantially.

Our Cyprus-based training center has carefully crafted this intermediate curriculum to bridge the gap between foundational knowledge and the advanced skills required by today's enterprises. The program's focus on database integration with DB2, transaction processing with CICS, and advanced COBOL programming techniques directly addresses the most sought-after competencies in the current mainframe job market.

Cyprus's strategic position as a growing technology hub serving both European and Middle Eastern markets creates unique opportunities for mainframe professionals with intermediate-level skills. Financial institutions and multinational corporations with regional operations particularly value professionals who can maintain and enhance their critical transaction systems. Our connections with these organizations provide our graduates with direct pathways to these career opportunities.

What distinguishes our intermediate course is its practical, hands-on approach to learning. Rather than theoretical discussions, students develop real-world applications that solve actual business problems. This project-based methodology ensures that graduates can immediately contribute to their organizations with minimal additional training. The comprehensive portfolio developed throughout the course serves as tangible evidence of capabilities that significantly enhance employment prospects.

The course structure has been optimized based on feedback from industry partners and alumni working across various sectors. We've identified that the combination of database skills, transaction processing abilities, and advanced programming techniques represents the optimal skill package for mid-level mainframe developers. This specific combination has helped our graduates achieve an average salary increase of 35% following course completion.

For those considering career advancement in mainframe technology, our Intermediate Mainframe course represents a proven pathway to enhanced professional opportunities in Cyprus and beyond. The investment in these specialized skills continues to yield exceptional returns as organizations maintain their commitment to the reliability, security, and processing power that mainframe systems uniquely provide.

Take Your Mainframe Skills to the Next Level

Next Course Start Dates

May 25, 2025 (In-person)
June 15, 2025 (Online)
July 20, 2025 (In-person)
August 15, 2025 (Online)

Course Details

Limited to 14 students per cohort
96 hours of instruction over 8 weeks
Technical mentoring sessions included
Professional certificate upon completion

Pricing & Payment

Course Fee: €950 (Early registration)
Flexible payment options available
Alumni discounts available
Money-back guarantee (conditions apply)

Reserve Your Spot

Complete the form below to secure your place in our upcoming Intermediate Mainframe course.