CPA: Programming

Essentials in C++ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

CPA: Programming Essentials in C++

Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated August 25, 2016

FAQ Table of Contents

1. Who is sponsoring the course?

2. What are the main features of the course curriculum?

3. Why should I learn C/C++ ?

4. What is C/C++ actually used for?

5. How long will it take to complete the course?

6. Is there a Statement of Achievement?

7. What jobs align with this course?

8. Does the course align with any industry-recognized certification?

9. What is the value of the C++ Institute certification?

10. Is there any discount for the certification exam?

11. What are the prerequisites for this course?

12. Is instructor training or any certification required to teach this course?

13. Is there a downloadable option for CPA: Programming Essentials in C++?

14. Will the course be translated?

15. What are the recommended browsers for the course?

16. Do I need any additional equipment for the course?

17. Are there any instructor materials available?

18. Does the course include labs, quizzes, or assessments?

19. How does this course differ from other online courses?

20. What is the difference between the Networking Academy course and the version offered directly by the C++
Institute?

21. Who should I contact if I have questions about the content of the course?

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CPA: Programming Essentials in C++ | Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is sponsoring the course?

C++ Institute has developed the course CPA: Programming Essentials in C++ to enhance, develop and
support professional careers in C/C++ programming and related network technologies. C++ Institute is
offering this course to all institutions participating in the Cisco Networking Academy program for
Instructor-Led Training (available now) and Self-Paced Training (will be available in the future). The
course is offered free of charge. To learn more about C++ Institute, please visit www.cppinstitute.org.

2. What are the main features of the course curriculum?

The course CPA: Programming Essentials in C++ covers the following subjects:

Introduction to compiling and software development,

Basic scalar data types, operators, flow control, streamed input/output, conversions,
Declaring, defining and invoking functions, function overloading,
Data aggregates,
Strings processing, exceptions handling, dealing with namespaces,
Object-oriented approach and its vocabulary,
Dealing with classes and objects, class hierarchy and inheritance,
Defining overloaded operators, self-defined operators, exceptions,
Fundamentals of STL.

Students who complete the course will be able to accomplish coding tasks related to the basics of
programming in the C++ language, and to understand the fundamental notions and techniques used
in object-oriented programming. Furthermore, they will be ready to attempt the qualification CPA
C++ Certified Associate Programmer Certification from the C++ Institute.

3. Why should I learn C/C++ ?

There is no best programming language. Each language is better than others for certain things, and
which one you are using depends on what you want to do with it. Having said that, the fact remains,
though, that the world runs on C and C++. People use numerous C/C++ powered devices on a daily
basis, whether they realize it or not, and there are all the signs that C/C++ will remain omnipresent in
the future.

There are probably as many views on what the best language for beginners is as there are teachers of
programming. We are not saying C/C++ is the best choice; we are saying, however, that C/C++ is a good
choice. Why? Well, for several reasons: to name just a few, there have been millions or even billions
of lines of code written in C/C++, so it is particularly advantageous when you are starting your
adventure with programming and looking for examples yes, the C/C++ languages are simple, readable
and flexible, and yes, they are versatile, portable, and fast; what is more, there is a large and very active
C/C++ community, which will lend you a hand whenever you encounter a programming challenge.
There is nothing more valuable at the start than support that comes from other programming
professionals.

The C/C++ languages have influenced and been the backbone of a number of other languages (for
example, Java derives much of its syntax from C/C++). They are very powerful programming tools.

Learning C/C++ gives you a wider perspective. First, it will give you a solid foundation and pave your
way to learning other programming languages much easier and much faster. And second, when you
code in C/C++, you actually have to understand everything you write. This means you will understand

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CPA: Programming Essentials in C++ | Frequently Asked Questions

everything the machine will do with your code, which, in turn, gives you full control over what the
machine will do and, consequently, gives you a better understanding of how it works.

Knowledge of C/C++ helps you delve into the details of programming and the language is a great
foundation for learning more and more. Do not forget that.

4. What is C/C++ actually used for?

Most of the operating systems are written in the C/C++ languages. These not only include Windows or
Linux (the Linux kernel is almost entirely written in C), but also Google Chrome OS, RIM Blackberry OS
4.x, Symbian OS, Apple Mac OS X, iPAD OS, Apple iPhone iPod Touch, and Cisco IOS (which is mainly
comprised of compiled C and C++ code).

Think of such Internet Browsers as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari,
Netscape Navigator, or Opera. They all, too, have been developed in C/C++.

And what about websites? Google? Facebook? Twitter? YouTube? Amazon? PayPal? Yes. They all have
been written, to a larger or smaller extent, in C/C++.

Think of Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, etc.) or e-mail clients (Microsoft
Outlook, Mozilla Thunderbird, IBM Lotus). Think of Multimedia players such as Winamp, Windows
Media Player, VLC media player, or Apple iPod software. Think of Database systems such as Oracle
database, MySQL, IBM DB2, Microsoft SQL Server, IBM Informix, SAP DB/MaxDB, or MongoDB. Think
of the examples of the Graphical User Interface, such as Microsoft Windows UI, Apple MacOS UI
(Aqua), or KDE. Finally, think of compilers and virtual machines for programming languages, such as
Microsoft Visual C++ Compiler, Microsoft Visual Basic Compiler, Microsoft Visual C# Compiler,
Microsoft .NET CLR, or Java Virtual Machine (JVM). Yes, they all have been developed in C/C++. And
yes, a variety of compilers and run-time environments for other programming languages have been
developed in C/C++, which means, for example, that it would not be possible to execute .NET or Java
applications without C/C++.

Do you remember Doom III, StarCraft, Master of Orion III, or Warcraft III? You have probably played
(or at least heard of) Diablo I or Diablo II? If you like computer games, then you must have heard of
Electronic Arts. All of these games have to do with C/C++ programming. The truth is that a large
majority of computer games and game engines have been developed in C/C++. Electronic Arts video
game engine and (probably) all Microsoft games are no exception.

Looking for more? Here are some other applications largely written in C/C++: Sun Microsystems
compilers, Solaris OS, Google File System, Google Earth and Picasa, Adobes Photoshop, Illustrator,
Acrobat Reader, InDesign, Intels chip design and manufacturing software, IBMs OS/400 and K42,
Microsofts DirectX, Exchange Server, and Visual Studio, CERN data analysis applications, Bloomberg,
Autodesks applications, e.g. Autodesk Maya, 12D, Vodaphone infrastructure, and FlightGear. Okay,
are you ready to learn some programming now?

5. How long will it take to complete the course?

The course is designed to be taught over a semester, but academies and instructors are encouraged
to use the courseware and teaching resources based on the actual needs of the academic institution
and students.

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CPA: Programming Essentials in C++ | Frequently Asked Questions

6. Is there a Statement of Achievement?

A Statement of Achievement will be issued to participants who successfully complete the CPA:
Programming Essentials in C++ course. The Statement of Achievement will acknowledge that the
individual has completed the course and is now ready to attempt the qualification CPA C++ Certified
Associate Programmer Certification, taken through Pearson VUE computer-based testing, at a 51%
discount.

To receive the Statement of Achievement, instructors must mark the student as having successfully
passed the course.

7. What jobs align with this course?

C++ is a general-purpose high-level programming language that is widely used for writing almost all
types of software. It is used for embedded and real-time systems, gaming, finance, telecom projects,
device driver development and many more applications. The most common jobs related to C++
programming are Software Developer, Software Engineer, System Engineer and Software Architect.

It is important to remember that a knowledge of programming is also one of the crucial skills for
network administrators. It helps them to better understand the functionality as well as the potential
of network devices. Network engineers and network administrators, with knowledge of programming
in at least one powerful C-like language (e.g. C++), are highly sought-after in the job market today for
the unique combination of their skills and ability to successfully deal with non-standard network issues.

8. Does the course align with any industry-recognized certification?

Yes, this course aligns with the C++ Institute CPA C++ Certified Associate Programmer Certification.
The CPA C++ Certified Associate Programmer Certification is a good starting point for individuals who
want to become professional (C++) developers.

9. What is the value of the C++ Institute certification?

With an increase in the need for IT positions and, at the same time, a rise in the number of
programmers and software developers, it is becoming more and more important to showcase and
validate your knowledge, especially when you are looking for a new job and are having to compete on
the job market with dozens or even hundreds of other applicants.

The C++ Institute certification can be a powerful weapon in the race for better employment, first-rate
expertise and greater competitiveness.

The certification can open doors to a better job and a better salary. It is a great motivator for self-
improvement and self-development. It is one of the key requirements set by an increasing number of
IT managers and, frequently, a standard criterion for candidates among recruiters.

The C++ Institute certification is proof to the employer that you possess the expertise necessary to
fulfil certain duties. At the same time, it is a sign for them that you are willing to expand your
knowledge. And because certified individuals directly contribute to an increase in a companys
efficiency, productivity and profit-making capacity, the C++ Institute certification is an asset for every
organization.

In the survey conducted online from June 22 to June 24, 2016, among individuals who had passed a
C++ Institute certification exam in the previous 24 months (The 2016 Value of C++ Institute Certification
Report prepared by Fundacja IT and C++ Institute):

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CPA: Programming Essentials in C++ | Frequently Asked Questions

83% of respondents said that obtaining a C++ Institute certification had directly translated into
receiving some career benefit.
62% of respondents said that obtaining a C++ Institute certification had a positive impact on
professional image and reputation.
49% of respondents said that earning a C++ Institute certification had helped them to do their
job more confidently.
41% of respondents claimed that learning new things was the biggest benefit from obtaining
a C++ Institute certification.
42% of respondents said they had experienced the first benefit of obtaining a C++ Institute
certification immediately, and 33% within 3 months.

To read more about the value of the C++ Institute certification, please visit the Why Get Certified page
at http://cppinstitute.org/why-get-certified.

10. Is there any discount for the certification exam?

The C++ Institute offers participants of the Cisco Networking Academy program who successfully
complete the CPA: Programming Essentials in C++ course a 51% discount on the list price for the CPA
C++ Certified Associate Programmer Certification exam taken at Pearson VUE Testing Centres.

Students who successfully complete the course, i.e.:

take all the chapter assessments,

take the mock test,
take the final test and answer at least 35 questions correctly,

will be entitled to a discount voucher that reduces the exam fee by 51%. Students who qualify for the
discount will see a Request Exam Voucher module (2) appear at the bottom of the screen under the
Modules section (1). To request their discount vouchers, students must click the Request your discount
voucher link (2), fill out the Voucher Request Form (3), accept the Voucher Policy (4), and submit the
application (5). The C++ Institute will process the application and contact the students within the next
72 hours at the email address provided in the Voucher Request Form.

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CPA: Programming Essentials in C++ | Frequently Asked Questions

11. What are the prerequisites for this course?

There are no prerequisites.

12. Is instructor training or any certification required to teach this course?

No special instructor training or qualification is required to teach this course. However, we recommend
that instructors earn a CPA C++ Certified Associate Programmer Certification prior to teaching the
class so that they become familiar with the exam structure and know how to prepare their students
for it.

13. Is there a downloadable option for CPA: Programming Essentials in C++?

No, there is no downloadable version of the course, but students and instructors can download the
PDF versions of labs.

14. Will the course be translated?

We are considering translating the CPA: Programming Essentials in C++ course into other languages;
however, there is no exact timeframe, nor have any specific languages been selected yet for this
process.

15. What are the recommended browsers for the course?

We recommend using the most recent versions of Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Internet
Explorer.

16. Do I need any additional equipment for the course?

The course can be accessed online through any Internet browser, on computers with Linux, Windows,
or Mac OS.

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CPA: Programming Essentials in C++ | Frequently Asked Questions

The minimum equipment required for this course is:

A computer with an Internet browser and active Internet connection, equipped with an IDE.
OR
A computer with an Internet browser and active Internet connection.

The first option requires the installation of a software application such as Microsoft Visual Studio
(Windows OS), Eclipse (Windows OS, Linux OS, Mac OS), NetBeans (Windows OS, Linux OS, Mac OS),
Code::Blocks (Windows OS, Linux OS, Mac OS), Xcode (Mac OS), or some other IDE of your choice.

The second option does not require the installation of any software applications it is possible to use
on-line tools like ideone or C++ shell throughout the course.

A dedicated compilation tool integrated with the course and lab exercises will be available in the
future.

17. Are there any instructor materials available?

Yes, instructors have access to lab solutions (examples of how labs can be solved), and marketing
resources. In the future, instructors will have access to additional teacher resources such as lesson
plans, PowerPoint slides, etc.

18. Does the course include labs, quizzes, or assessments?

Yes, all of them. The course includes labs that help the student practice skills addressed in class or
prepare for the next class. Instructors can choose from among 100+ labs to decide which particular
skills they want their students to develop.

At the end of each module, the student is presented with a quiz (10 questions) that helps them
organize their knowledge and check if they are ready for a chapter assessment (20 questions), which
is the final stage of verifying and testing their skills. All the chapter assessments are ungraded, which
means the student does not need to pass them to complete the course. There is also an ungraded
mock test (40 questions) that covers chapters one through eight.

For the final test (50 questions), covering all the modules, students must answer at least 35 questions
correctly to be able to receive a 51% discount voucher for the CPA C++ Certified Associate
Programmer Certification exam. All questions here are scored, and results are available in the
gradebook on NetSpace.

19. How does this course differ from other online courses?
The CPA: Programming Essentials in C++ course is an introductory self-contained course by which
students with no prior background in coding can learn the fundamentals of C++ and the general
concepts of computer programming. The course offers a full-spectrum preparation for the CPA C++
Certified Associate Programmer Certification exam. In addition, those candidates who successfully
complete the course receive a Statement of Achievement, and are eligible for a 51% discount voucher
on the list price for the CPA C++ Certified Associate Programmer exam. The course contains quizzes,
chapter assessments and lab exercises that facilitate the understanding of programming concepts and
the conversion of knowledge into practical skills. It has been designed and reviewed by experienced
faculty and industry professionals with the goal of meeting current market trends and equipping the
student with the fundamental knowledge for careers in software development, systems
administration, network administration, device management, network management, and systems
operations.

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CPA: Programming Essentials in C++ | Frequently Asked Questions

20. What is the difference between the Networking Academy course and the version offered
directly by the C++ Institute?
Once the course has been published on the Cisco Networking Academy learning platform, the C++
Institute will gradually stop offering it to educational institutions via the C++ Institute Authorized
Academy program. The existing C++ Institute Authorized Academies who wish to utilize the C++
Institute courseware will be encouraged to submit their applications for membership of the Cisco
Networking Academy program to take advantage of this and other courses available as part of the
Cisco Networking Academy curriculum.

Moreover, a course offered at www.netacad.com contains quizzes and lab exercises that are not
offered in the publicly available self-study version of the course. After some time, the difference
between the two versions of the course will become apparent, as the idea is to make the Cisco
Networking Academy version specifically geared toward the needs and expectations of Cisco
Networking Academy students and instructors.

21. Who should I contact if I have questions about the content of the course?
Students should direct all questions about the course content to their course instructor. Students and
instructors can also use a contact form that has been specially designed for this purpose to submit
feedback to the C++ Institute for bugs, suggested edits, content typos, etc. For questions not covered
in this document, all CPA: Programming Essentials in C++ questions should also be sent via the contact
form.

Please read this FAQ and review the courseware before contacting the C++ institute staff. Thank you.

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