Common Bootcamp Prerequisites

Before you apply to programs it helps to research typical bootcamp requirements. The good news is that while prerequisites vary, many coding bootcamps welcome true beginners.

To get the most out of your coding program, you do not need to be an expert. However, it helps to go in prepared at the level the bootcamp expects. This usually means familiarizing yourself with basic programming concepts. Many programs also recommend tutorials or prep courses.

Bootcamps typically accept most learners who show a commitment to learning new tech skills. Education, experience, and skill requirements are usually lower than a typical college degree requires.

Degree prerequisites are often more time-consuming and difficult than bootcamp requirements. Traditional college admission criteria include a minimum GPA, SAT/ACT scores, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Prerequisite courses vary by field.

The rest of this page goes into detail about common prerequisites for coding bootcamps, including educational requirements, work experience requirements, and skill requirements.

Educational Requirements for Bootcamps

Most bootcamps do not maintain strict educational requirements. However, relevant educational experience can increase your chances of acceptance and can make it easier to succeed in a bootcamp. Below, we explain four common educational requirements.

• High School Diploma or GED Certificate: A high school diploma or GED certificate is a common bootcamp requirement. However, some bootcamps welcome all applicants, regardless of educational background.
• Bootcamp Prep Courses or Pre-work: Coding bootcamp requirements often include bootcamp prep courses. Sometimes students must pay for prep courses separately from their bootcamp tuition. In other cases, bootcamp tuition covers pre-work. Learners can complete some prep courses free of charge.
• Independent Tech Education: Some bootcamps do not prescribe specific prerequisite courses. Instead, these programs expect students to complete general introductory coding coursework of their choice on their own.
• College Degree: Although not common, some bootcamps may require a college degree in a computer science-related field.

Work Experience Requirements for Bootcamps

Introductory coding bootcamp requirements typically do not demand a specific type or amount of work experience. However, some programs may include work experience requirements for new students. This can help bootcamps decide if applicants have the skills, character traits, and maturity to succeed.

Below, we describe some potential work experience requirements for bootcamps.

• Professional Experience: In some cases, professional experience may need to be relevant, and in others it may not.
• Professional Certifications: Some bootcamps may require applicants to hold a specific professional certification in an area relevant to the course of study.

Skill Requirements for Bootcamps

Some coding bootcamps require new students to hold specific skills. Learners can gain computer science skills before college in many ways. Below, we describe some common skill requirements.

• Coding Test: Many bootcamp applications include a coding assessment. This test measures how much students already know before starting a program. The assessment typically includes practice coding exercises.
• HTML and CSS: Bootcamp participants often need a basic understanding of HTML, a language used to format web pages. Basic knowledge of CSS, another one of the most popular web development languages, is another common bootcamp requirement.
• Critical Thinking: Coding bootcamp requirements often include the ability to think critically. To tackle programming problems, students need to analyze potential approaches and try different problem-solving techniques.
• Teamwork: Most bootcamps include some cooperative group work, a reflection of what to expect in the tech industry.
• Command Line Interface (CLI): Almost all developers use CLI, a text-based user interface. Many bootcamps require participants to get a grasp on CLI during pre-work.

What's Next?

Now that you know what to expect from typical coding bootcamp requirements, you can prepare to get the most from your experience. Depending on the bootcamp, this may include completing pre-work, taking a preparatory course, or practicing tech skills independently. Some bootcamps may recommend but not require prerequisites.

Coding bootcamp participants with prior work experience in tech or an academic background in a computer science-related field may not need to complete these types of preparation. In some cases applicants may not need to fulfill all bootcamp requirements to get into their bootcamp of choice, but it can help increase the chances of acceptance.

Even if not required to get into a program, meeting recommended or required prerequisites will likely help you to achieve your goals more easily. To learn more about choosing a bootcamp, getting accepted, and figuring out the cost, consult our guides below.

Questions About Coding Bootcamp Requirements

How much should I know before a coding bootcamp?

Coding bootcamp requirements vary by program, but most accept beginners with little relevant experience or education. To get the most out of your bootcamp experience, consider learning some basic programming skills on your own first.

Are bootcamps for beginners?

Most coding bootcamps welcome beginners. However, many expect students without a coding background to complete an introductory class before enrolling. Bootcamp participants who complete a coding tutorial before starting a program can increase their chances of success.

How do you prepare for a bootcamp?

The amount and type of preparation necessary varies by bootcamp. Some programs require students to complete a short introductory class or "pre-work." This provides a coding foundation and the chance to practice basic skills before the official bootcamp starts.

Is learning coding hard?

Learning to code takes time, effort, and patience, but most people who put in the work can succeed. Coding can seem intimidating for someone without a computer science background, but people from all walks of life can master basic coding skills.