Aprenda COBOL is an online COBOL/Mainframe programming training site with a Brazilian background, offering a complete learning path from beginner to more advanced levels. The curriculum is built around three modules: COBOL, JCL for Mainframe, and SQL. It is positioned as a way to help learners enter the mainframe systems field, which is still used by banks, financial institutions, and large enterprises. The website claims to have more than 1,300 students and a platform rating of 4.8/5, but it does not provide independently verifiable employment-rate data.
In terms of subject coverage, this is not a general programming course. Instead, it focuses on COBOL and related enterprise skills: COBOL fundamentals and practice, JCL for Mainframe batch processing, and relational database SQL. This combination is fairly aligned with the requirements of traditional banking core-system roles. As for the teaching format, the page only describes it as an online course and mentions access to content, updates, and a Telegram group. It does not clearly state whether classes are live, recorded, or 1-on-1, so the learning pace, level of interaction, and assignment-review process remain unclear.
Instructor Andre Costa’s background is one of the main selling points. The site describes him as a university teacher and IT professional with more than 30 years of programming experience, as well as the author of IBM COBOL Básico, with experience in banking systems and mission-critical projects. The course includes a completion certificate, a Telegram student group, 24/7 teacher support, and practical exercises. However, the certificate is described only as a “completion certificate,” with no indication that it is accredited by an industry association, vendor, or university. It is therefore better viewed as proof of learning rather than a strong professional credential.
The promotional price is $19.90/month, down from the original $99.90/month. It also offers a 3-day free trial and a 7-day money-back guarantee. If the course truly provides comprehensive coverage of COBOL, JCL, and SQL, along with long-term access, the entry cost is relatively low. However, since the site does not disclose total course hours, detailed syllabus information, the number of projects, or the expected learning timeline, its value for money ultimately depends on the actual depth of the content.
Its main advantage is its very focused direction. It may suit complete beginners looking to transition into IT, existing programmers who want to add COBOL skills, and learners hoping to work in banking or mainframe-system roles. The downsides are limited transparency, especially around the teaching format, the authority of the certificate, the scope of career support, and available payment methods. The salary ranges shown on the website should also be treated as market references, not employment guarantees.
The website does not provide information about access from mainland China, supported payment methods, or RMB settlement, so its actual accessibility is unknown. Pricing is in USD, which may require a bank card that supports international payments or another cross-border payment method. Chinese learners should also consider the language barrier, as the course appears to be taught in Portuguese. Alternatives include COBOL/Mainframe courses on Udemy, IBM-related mainframe learning resources, and SQL, computer fundamentals, and enterprise system development courses available on Chinese platforms.
⚠ This review is compiled from public sources and does not constitute a purchase recommendation. Verify all facts on the vendor's official site. Verify on aprendacobol.com official site.
aprendacobol.com is an Brazil Education provider. TG4G tracks its product information, an overall rating of 6.0/10, and a China-accessibility score of Unknown. Click "Visit Official Site" to reach aprendacobol.com directly.