Are you ready to start an intensive coding program so that you can start an entirely new career in tech? It can be scary and intimidating, but knowing how to prepare for a coding bootcamp can make you more confident in your decision to attend one of the best coding bootcamps. Once you prepare for your bootcamp, you’ll be ready to succeed.
Coding bootcamps are a fast and proven way to upskill for a tech job. These programs equip aspiring technology professionals with the experience they need to compete for the best tech jobs. To improve your chances of getting in, it’s a good idea to enroll in a coding bootcamp prep program.
Many coding bootcamps provide free or affordable coding bootcamp prep courses so people with no experience can learn how to prepare for coding bootcamp. These coding bootcamp prep courses introduce students to at least one programming language and help them get a head start on building programming skills. Keep reading to learn how to get into a coding bootcamp.
6 Tips on How to Prepare for a Coding Bootcamp
Choose the Right Coding Bootcamp Program
Most people attend a coding bootcamp because they are interested in pursuing a career in the tech industry. Once you prepare for bootcamp programs, ensure that the program you have applied to or plan on applying to aligns with your career goals. If you want a career in software engineering, Flatiron School has one of the best software engineering programs.
You also want to make sure that the coding bootcamp you’ve selected aligns with your educational preferences. An online program offers a flexible schedule, but an in-person program provides a different coding bootcamp experience. If you want experience collaborating with fellow students, choose a coding bootcamp that focuses on pair programming.
Do Coding Bootcamp Prep
The best coding bootcamp prep resources come directly from coding bootcamps themselves. While platforms like Udemy and edX are great resources, the coding bootcamp you choose to attend will likely have free or cheap coding bootcamp prep courses. These will help you learn how to prepare for coding bootcamp. Some bootcamps even encourage prospective students to complete coding bootcamp prep before starting the admissions process.
Coding bootcamp prep courses are online resources that provide aspiring coders and software developers with a strong foundation. Although completing a coding bootcamp prep course will take extra time, it’s an extra step you can take to be fully prepared for the first day of class in your immersive program. These prep courses are designed to give you a leg up, so you do not experience coding bootcamp burnout at the beginning of your new journey.
Set Up Your Dev Environment
Once you choose your program and prepare for your bootcamp, it’s important to set up your dev environment. This can mean a few different things, but in this case, you should prepare your computer for coding tasks. Once you learn how to prepare for a coding bootcamp, you need to choose what language and setup you want to use.
Make sure you choose the right software and tools for your operating system and programming languages. For example, if you use Windows, Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is a great tool. Visual Studio, Azure, and .NET are also good tools for people who are preparing for coding bootcamps.
Read About Coding
If you’ve been given anything to read to prepare for your coding bootcamp, read it. If you haven’t been given anything to read, or you’ve already read what they told you to, research and purchase some of the best books for learning to code.
The more you know, the more prepared you will be for your coding bootcamp. Find some beginner books on coding. Make sure you know what programming languages the coding bootcamp you picked will focus on. If you’re attending a software engineering coding bootcamp, check out books on Java, Python, and C++.
Update Your Resume
Take the time before your part-time or full-time bootcamp program starts to update your resume. That way, once you are done with your coding bootcamp, all you have to do is add that experience to your resume. It will save you time after your bootcamp and make the job search process easier. This is an important step when learning how to prepare for coding bootcamps.
A solid resume and the technical and soft skills you’ve learned at coding bootcamp will make tech companies interested in adding you to their team. With a clear idea of your career path, a strong resume, and help from coding bootcamp career services, you’ll be able to find a career in tech in no time.
Join Coding Communities
Online coding communities are a great place to meet people with similar career aspirations. Coding Discord servers are a casual option if you want a community of like-minded individuals. You might be able to hear about coding bootcamp graduation rates and graduate experiences. LinkedIn is also a great place to start building a network of industry professionals.
All of these tips can help you prepare for coding bootcamp. If you’re able to complete all five, you can graduate from a coding bootcamp and land a software development job in no time. Each will just take a few hours a day to complete and can benefit you greatly.
What Are Coding Bootcamp Prep Courses?
Coding bootcamp prep courses are courses designed to prepare students for an intensive coding bootcamp. These courses often cover the fundamentals of programming languages, computer science, data science, and software engineering. A bootcamp prep course is usually offered by your bootcamp, but you can also take prep courses on other platforms.
There are different types of prep courses. In a full stack bootcamp prep course, you will focus solely on the programming languages you need to learn full stack web development. This often includes JavaScript, Python, C#, and PHP. In a data science prep course, you would focus more on an introduction to data and how to use data science languages like SQL.
Many bootcamp prep courses are offered online, and many are free. They can help you prepare for bootcamp programs and other intensive classes. If you are looking for a free weekend of code school, you can check out these courses:
- Metis Bootcamp Admissions Prep
- The Tech Academy Intro to Coding Classes
- Codeworks Intro to JavaScript
- General Assembly Dash
Enrolling in a coding bootcamp prep course, whether you choose a free weekend of code school or a paid course, is a great way to get ready for coding bootcamp. Many bootcamps even offer their own prep courses, like the Hack Reactor bootcamp prep course, that can be taken right before you begin that bootcamp’s full program. Check out our list below for the best coding bootcamp prep courses in 2023.
The Best Bootcamp Prep Courses in 2023: An Overview
| Bootcamp Prep Course | Cost | Course Length | Locations |
| App Academy Prep | $995 – $3,795 | 4 weeks (40 hours) | San Francisco, New York City, Online |
| Codesmith CS Prep | $875 | 2 weeks | Online |
| First Step Coding Bootcamp Prep Course | $1,999 – $2,499 | 8 weeks | Boston, San Francisco, Online |
| Fullstack Academy Prep | $199 | 1 week, 3.5 weeks | Online |
| Hackbright Academy Software Engineering Prep Course | $249 (regularly $1,500) | 5 weeks | San Francisco |
| LEARN Academy Jumpstart | $249 | 3 days | Online |
| LearningFuze Root Prep Classes | $95 | 2 weeks part-time | Irvine, Online |
| Metis Data Science Bootcamp Prep | $750 | 6 weeks | Online |
| One Month Prep Courses | $299 (annual membership) | 5+ hours | Online |
| QuickStart Cybersecurity Bootcamp Prep | $2,950 | 8 weeks | Online |
| QuickStart Full Stack Web Development Bootcamp Prep | $1,500 | 6 weeks | Online |
| Software Guild Intro to Web Development | $10,000 | 60 hours | Online |
| Brainstation Coding Bootcamp Prep Course | Free | 12 video lessons | Online |
| Codeworks Intro to JavaScript | Free | 10 to 20 hours | Online |
| Flatiron School Bootcamp Prep Online | Free | Self-paced | Online |
| Fullstack Academy Intro to Coding | Free | 15 hours | Online |
| General Assembly Dash | Free | Self-paced | Online |
| Hack Reactor Bootcamp Prep | Free | Self-paced | Online |
| Metis Bootcamp Admissions Prep | Free | Varies | Online |
| Sabio Free Software Engineering Prep Courses | Free | Self-paced | Online |
| The Tech Academy Intro to Coding Classes | Free | Self-paced | Online |
| Vendition Sales Bootcamp Prep | Free | 1 week | Online |
Top Bootcamp Prep Courses in Detail
App Academy Prep
- Cost: $995 – $3,795
- Course Length: 4 weeks (40 hours)
- Locations: San Francisco, New York City, Online
App Academy offers a prep course connected to its full-scale bootcamps. Students who complete this pre-course are guaranteed a spot in App Academy, Galvanize, Actualize, Hack Reactor, Flatiron School, or Fullstack Academy. The bootcamp prep course costs between $995 and $3,795 total, depending on when and where you complete it. This is deducted from tuition if students choose to continue into an App Academy BootCamp.
Curriculum
During the first week, App Academy’s prep course covers an introduction to web development and JavaScript fundamentals. Week two continues with JavaScript concepts, debugging, functions, and coding bootcamp practice problems.
During the last two weeks, students attend intermediate JavaScript lessons. At the end of the program, students work on bootcamp applications. App Academy Prep is a great choice for anyone focused on learning JavaScript.
Codesmith CS Prep
- Cost: $875
- Course Length: 2 weeks
- Locations: Online
Codesmith CS Prep is a two-week online coding bootcamp preparation course. The program costs $875 and features live instructor-led lessons and multiple coding challenges. Students receive feedback and assistance from real people during course hours. The classes take place at different times to accommodate both EST and PST.
Curriculum
The course focuses on JavaScript fundamentals, intermediate JavaScript, computer science fundamentals, engineering skills, and project building. Students learn a wide range of topics to prepare them for the intense and varied curriculum of a software engineering or web development bootcamp. This prep course is a great way to learn how to prepare for a coding BootCamp.
First Step Coding Bootcamp Prep Course
- Cost: $1,999 – $2,499
- Course Length: 8 weeks
- Locations: Boston, San Francisco, Online
First Step Coding offers an in-person and online coding bootcamp prep course with locations in San Francisco, California, and Boston, Massachusetts. Along with the evening classes, a few additional hours of homework should be expected each week, and students have access to weekly one-to-one sessions with an instructor.
Students who later attend Rithm School or Startup Institute bootcamps receive a $1,500 tuition deduction for completing the First Step Coding prep course. Keep in mind that at the time of writing, courses were not being offered until further notice. First Step will resume its courses in late 2022.
Curriculum
First Step Coding focuses on HTML, CSS, and JavaScript in its bootcamp prep course. These languages, while primarily useful for web development, are also helpful for software engineering students. The curriculum focuses on hands-on activities and coding challenges. First Step Coding is currently not offering courses but will resume classes in late 2022.
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Fullstack Academy Prep
- Cost: $199
- Course Length: 1 week, 3.5 weeks
- Locations: Online
Fullstack Academy offers a flexible prep course with several scheduling options. The week-long and month-long programs cost $199 each. Students enrolled in the week-long course attend classes on weeknights and weekends. Classes in the month-long course run on weeknights for three-and-a-half weeks.
The week-long immersive program is an accelerated version of the month-long course. Fullstack Academy’s online prep course covers the same material using videos and coding challenges. Online students can also choose to complete the course on a self-paced schedule, which is free.
Students who attend the prep course are more than twice as likely to be accepted to Fullstack Academy’s main programs. Also, students who complete more than 90 percent of the prep course have their tuition deducted from the cost of a Fullstack Academy BootCamp.
Curriculum
Fullstack Academy’s bootcamp prep focuses on a wide range of topics to provide a well-rounded general full stack bootcamp prep course. The program covers functions, data types, loops, objects, arrays, coding languages, and popular developer tools. Fullstack Academy’s coding bootcamp prep course is designed to help students prepare for virtually any BootCamp.
Hackbright Academy Software Engineering Prep Course
- Cost: $249 (regularly priced at $1,500)
- Course Length: 5 weeks
- Locations: San Francisco, Online
Hackbright Academy, a San Francisco Bay Area-based women’s coding bootcamp, offers a five-week prep course with a part-time schedule. Hackbright Academy’s prep course costs $1,500 total, but $249 discounted courses are sometimes available. This program will prepare students for bootcamp interviews and tech bootcamps, which makes it a great choice to prepare for coding bootcamps.
Curriculum
In Hackbright Academy’s bootcamp prep course, students get to experience a bit of what life is like as a software engineer through hands-on learning. The curriculum focuses primarily on learning Python fundamentals. Students will learn logic, control flow, iteration, functions, debugging, data structures, and building projects with Python.
LEARN Academy Jumpstart
- Cost: $249
- Course Length: 3 days
- Locations: Online
LEARN Academy Jumpstart is a three-day coding bootcamp prep course that prospective students can take online. Students spend one weekend learning the fundamentals of web development and preparing for coding bootcamps. The program is designed to prepare students for a full-time immersive web development BootCamp.
Curriculum
The LEARN Academy Jumpstart bootcamp prep course covers the fundamentals of JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. These primary web development languages are essential in the field, so students spend the weekend mastering the skills they need to be successful in an advanced course.
LearningFuze Root Prep Classes
- Cost: $95
- Course Length: 2 weeks part-time
- Locations: Online, Irvine
LearningFuze offers full stack bootcamp prep courses to prepare students for its full-time development bootcamp. LearningFuze prep courses are available in-person at its Irvine, CA campus and online. The course runs on Saturday from 10am to 1pm on location, and on Monday and Wednesday from 7pm to 8:30pm for online students. In-person classes run for two weeks, and online classes run for 40 hours total.
Curriculum
LearningFuze Root students begin with a fundamental introduction to HTML, JavaScript, CSS, and Bootstrap. The program also covers industry best practices and essential development concepts. RootJS students focus on JavaScript in greater detail, working on projects, core concepts, and skill-building activities. All LearningFuze coding bootcamp prep programs focus on preparing students for its full coding bootcamp course curriculum.
Metis Data Science Bootcamp Prep
- Cost: $750
- Course Length: 6 weeks
- Locations: Online
Metis, a well-established coding bootcamp, offers online preparation courses online for prospective data science students. Metis designed the program to help students prepare for its immersive and intensive data science coding bootcamp. The prep course costs $750, and students who complete it earn a tuition discount at Metis. The program runs for six weeks.
Curriculum
The Metis data science bootcamp prep program covers the fundamentals of data science with an emphasis on Python programming. Students also develop complex data analytics skills, feature creation, plus model creation and validation. If you want to learn data science, this is your best option for preparing for your coding BootCamp.
One Month Prep Courses
- Cost: $299 (annual membership)
- Course Length: 5+ hours
- Locations: Online
One Month offers many bootcamp prep courses for coding bootcamps, covering several widely used coding languages. These prep courses run for five to six hours, though some programs include additional content.
Students watch video lectures and engage in activities designed to equip them with the coding skills necessary to succeed in a bootcamp. Students can access these courses through a $299 annual membership. One Month also offers several other non-bootcamp courses, covering everything from WordPress to Ruby.
Curriculum
One Month offers bootcamp prep courses that cover basic coding concepts, like Programming for Non-Programmers and HTML & CSS. One Month also offers a Python prep course, which is useful for aspiring software engineering and data science students. Other courses include Ruby, WordPress, SQL, and Project Management.
QuickStart Cybersecurity Bootcamp Prep
- Cost: $2,950
- Course Length: 8 weeks
- Locations: Online
QuickStart offers a bootcamp prep course designed to help students ready themselves for one of the best cyber security bootcamps. The course costs $2,950 and runs for eight weeks. QuickStart’s cyber security prep course is comprehensive and requires a 20-hour commitment each week. This course is the best way to learn how to prepare for a coding bootcamp in cyber security.
Curriculum
During the QuickStart bootcamp prep course, students learn the fundamentals of cyber security. The curriculum covers hardware architecture, network security, system security, operating systems, network management, and vulnerability assessments. This course is a great way to prepare for bootcamps in cyber security.
QuickStart Full Stack Web Development Bootcamp Prep
- Cost: $1,500
- Course Length: 6 weeks
- Locations: Online
QuickStart offers multiple bootcamp prep programs, including a full stack web development course. This option is the perfect way to learn how to prepare for a coding bootcamp. In the web development prep program, students work on assignments over a period of six weeks. Each week, students spend around 20 hours on coursework.
Curriculum
The QuickStart bootcamp prep course curriculum focuses on the core concepts of web development, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python. Students also focus on front end development concepts and responsive design.
Software Guild Intro to Web Development
- Cost: $10,000
- Course Length: 60 hours
- Locations: Online
Software Guild offers a highly comprehensive introductory web development course. This program, which could be considered a bootcamp, covers everything students need to know to qualify for an entry-level web development job. However, the course is beginner-friendly, which sets it apart from some other bootcamps. Currently, Software Guild offers its prep course online only.
Curriculum
Students in the Software Guild Intro to Web Development Course learn a wide range of web development coding languages, tools, and best practices. These include HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, which are fundamental to the web development process. Additionally, students learn how to use Git, which is an essential online resource for programmers and tech professionals.
The Best Free Coding Bootcamp Prep Courses
Brainstation Coding Bootcamp Prep Course
- Course Length: 12 video lessons
- Locations: Online
Brainstation’s coding bootcamp prep course is a great option for anyone interested in learning the basics of web development. Interested students can learn the foundations of front end, backend, and full stack web development through 12 short videos online. Although it’s designed for prospective students, it’s available to anyone for free.
Curriculum
This free bootcamp prep course is broken into five sections: The Origin Story, Front-End Development, Back-End Development, Full-Stack Development, and Next Steps. As you watch the videos, you will learn the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript as well as how to become a web developer.
Codeworks Intro to JavaScript
- Course Length: 10 to 20 hours
- Locations: Online
Codeworks offers a JavaScript coding bootcamp prep course for free. The online program is helpful for web development and software engineering students. The course runs for two weeks, and students with no coding experience are free to apply and learn. This free coding bootcamp prep course is a great choice if you’re short on time.
Curriculum
The course covers introductory JavaScript concepts and provides practice material. During the program, students learn coding concepts, data types, syntax, operations, classes, strings, and other JavaScript essentials.
Flatiron School Bootcamp Prep Online
- Course Length: Self-paced
- Locations: Online
Flatiron School offers a few different free online coding bootcamp prep programs. The courses are self-paced and no-obligation, which means you can finish this web development prep course whenever you want. Also, students who complete the program receive priority status for Flatiron School admissions. The program also offers coaching, admissions support, and interview prep.
Curriculum
Flatiron School’s bootcamp prep programs cover HTML, CSS, Ruby on Rails, API integration, and JavaScript. The curriculum is primarily designed to help students prepare for a web development course. These free coding lessons are a great way to prepare for your coding BootCamp.
Fullstack Academy Intro to Coding
- Course Length: 15 hours
- Locations: Online
This coding bootcamp prep course from Fullstack Academy teaches the fundamentals of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It’s a free coding bootcamp prep class for those with absolutely no previous coding experience. Fullstack Academy also has a paid coding bootcamp prep course that gives a more in-depth preparation for its full-time coding bootcamps.
Curriculum
In this free bootcamp prep course, you will learn web development basics like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The 15 hours of videos will accompany hands-on challenges that can help you prepare for a bootcamp. You can get ready for Fullstack Academy’s full program even if you’re a complete coding beginner.
General Assembly Dash
- Course Length: Self-paced
- Locations: Online
General Assembly offers an online free bootcamp prep class called General Assembly Dash. This web development bootcamp prep course offers a strong coding curriculum, hands-on project opportunities, and more.
Curriculum
General Assembly Dash focuses primarily on HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript. These languages are essential to any web development or software engineering curriculum, so the course is helpful for a range of potential bootcamp students. During the course, students put their skills to work designing landing pages, website features, and other hands-on projects.
Hack Reactor Bootcamp Prep
- Course Length: Self-paced
- Locations: Online
Hack Reactor offers a software engineering bootcamp prep course to prepare aspiring software developers for an immersive program. The online bootcamp prep course is self-paced, which means you can complete it on your own time. The self-paced program also features on-demand instructor assistance.
Roughly 75 percent of prep course students get accepted into Hack Reactor’s selective full-time bootcamps. You can increase your chances of being accepted by enrolling in the prep course and studying Hack Reactor interview questions and how to answer them.
Curriculum
Hack Reactor’s prep course focuses on JavaScript. Students use their new coding skills on a series of basic JavaScript coding challenges to help them learn hands-on. If you get stuck, you can use independent research to build your skills and prepare for bootcamp programs.
Metis Bootcamp Admissions Prep
- Course Length: Varies
- Locations: Online
In addition to its data science prep course, Metis also offers a free general bootcamp preparation program. The free online course allows students to study coding at their own pace and participate in challenges, activities, and other helpful learning assignments.
Curriculum
The free Metis bootcamp prep covers the basics of data science. During the course, students focus on linear algebra and calculus, along with statistics, probabilities, and more. Metis also offers a paid data science bootcamp prep course that covers more complex concepts.
Sabio Free Software Engineering Prep Courses
- Course Length: Self-paced
- Locations: Online
There are two free coding bootcamp prep courses available from Sabio. One covers HTML and CSS and the other covers JavaScript. These two courses are a great introduction to web development and software engineering. There is also a pre-work course, which is meant for Sabio students to learn how to prepare for a coding BootCamp.
Curriculum
The curriculum varies between these two courses, but each one starts with the basics. The videos will tell you what software to download and explain how coding languages work. As you complete the course, you’ll also have access to a Slack group that can help you when you get stuck. This free bootcamp prep course has everything you need.
The Tech Academy Intro to Coding Classes
- Course Length: Self-paced
- Locations: Online
The Tech Academy offers an online and self-paced coding bootcamp prep course to help prospective students get a taste of the full bootcamp. The Tech Academy’s prep courses are beginner-friendly and available for free. Students learn from video lectures and complete coding activities online.
Curriculum
This basic, self-paced online course covers basic coding skills on The Tech Academy’s own learning platform. The classes focus primarily on the essentials, and students have ample opportunity to practice with coding assignments and challenges.
Vendition Sales Bootcamp Prep
- Course Length: 1 Week
- Locations: Online
The Vendition sales bootcamp prep course is a one-week tech sales training program. The course offers a comprehensive sales training curriculum for people who want to start one of the best tech sales bootcamps. After completing the full bootcamp, students have the opportunity to pursue a fellowship with a Vendition hiring partner.
Curriculum
Vendition covers a large number of topics during the program, starting with an introduction to sales with the free prep course. Later, students learn best practices, prospecting, buyer profiles, networking, cold calling, and more. Toward the end of the course, students learn vital soft skills including time management.
How to Choose a Coding Bootcamp Prep Course
Choosing the best coding bootcamp prep program for you can be a daunting task. Thankfully, there are a few simple factors to consider to help you decide. Read below to learn how to prepare for coding bootcamp with a prep course.
1. Choose Your Schedule
Bootcamp prep courses aren’t as time-consuming as full-time bootcamps, but it’s still essential to find a course that fits your schedule. If you have a busy schedule, consider an online bootcamp course. Conversely, an in-person prep course can help you mentally prepare for an immersive BootCamp.
2. Personalize Your Curriculum
It’s important to consider your goals before applying to a bootcamp pre-course. If you want to become a software engineer, you need a different bootcamp (and prep course) than if you wanted to become a data scientist. Ensure that the bootcamp prep course covers the programming experience necessary for your career path.
3. Consider the Reputation
You should consider the reputation of a prep course before applying. Many excellent bootcamp prep courses are relatively new, which means they haven’t had time to establish a reputation. Nonetheless, do some digging and see how the online community is feeling, and make sure you’re comfortable with what you find.
Preparing for Coding Bootcamp: A Conclusion
To prepare for coding bootcamp, you have to learn the basics of coding and make sure you’re set up for career success after you graduate from the full program. Books, coding bootcamp prep courses, and online coding communities are all great resources to make the intensive process feel more manageable and ensure that you have a smooth ride after your bootcamp and can land a job quickly.
Completing a coding bootcamp prep course can make a big difference, and get you started on the right foot. Whether you are an international student or a local student, these boocamps are beneficial. With a solid foundation, you’ll be better prepared for the rigors of an immersive software engineering, web development, cybersecurity, or data science bootcamp. With some careful research and consideration, you can find the best bootcamp prep program to improve your chances of succeeding with your tech education.
How to Prepare for a Coding Bootcamp FAQ
Before your coding bootcamp, you should take a coding bootcamp prep course and complete any required coding bootcamp pre-work. This is because coding bootcamps can be hard. You should also make sure your career goals are clear because a huge part of a coding bootcamp is the career services. You can also learn how to prepare for a coding bootcamp by asking your peers what they would recommend.
Is it hard to get into coding bootcamp?
Yes, it is hard to get into some coding bootcamps. Coding bootcamps that have technical assessments as part of their admissions process are difficult to get into because they require you to have technical skills. Before you start, make sure you prepare for your coding bootcamp with a prep course.
How long does it take to complete a coding bootcamp?
It takes three to 12 months to complete a coding bootcamp. However, the length of the program will depend on what coding bootcamp you choose. Some coding bootcamps are short and intensive, while others are offered on a more flexible part-time schedule for working students.
Can you get a job after a coding bootcamp?
Yes, you can get a job after a coding bootcamp. In fact, the vast majority of coding bootcamps have dedicated career services teams to help students start successful careers in tech after graduating from their programs. Income share agreements and job guarantees are two ways coding bootcamps make promises to invest in providing their students with quality education.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
