The 5 Best C++ Bootcamps of 2023
C++ is a general-purpose programming language that plays a vital role in modern technology. The best C++ bootcamps can teach you this popular programming language in a quick and efficient way. A C++ bootcamp will not only ensure you learn to code in C++, but will outfit you with the skills necessary to work in C++ web development.
C++ forms the backbone of many different programs, some of which you probably use every day. By studying this language in a bootcamp setting, you’re committing to a quicker turnaround and a lower cost. A C++ bootcamp is a great option to start your journey to a new career in tech.
The 5 Best C++ Bootcamps
By learning to code in C++ from a top C++ bootcamp, you can be assured that you will gain an industry-recognized education. Below are the five best C++ bootcamps to get you started in your new tech career path.
Bright Star Institute
Bright Star Institute offers self-paced bootcamps where students earn certifications upon completion. The Bright Star Institute’s on-demand bootcamps combine video lectures with expert-guided assistance. By the end of the bootcamp, students will be proficient in both C and C++ web development and software development.
| Bright Star Institute Key Information | |
|---|---|
| Program | C/C++ Programmer Certificate |
| Locations | Online |
| Cost | $2,400 |
| Financing Options | In-House Financing Options, Private Loan |
| 2023 Start Dates | Self-Paced |
Students first take a course on C, establishing the basics of data types, function libraries, and more. Then students progress into a course on C++ where they build on that knowledge with lessons in object oriented programming, polymorphism, and more.
This program is a good option for students who are comfortable learning on their own but still want the expert guidance that only a bootcamp can provide at this price point.
Developer Bootcamp
Developer Bootcamp is a Massachusetts-based bootcamp with locations around the country. You can find an in-person course just about anywhere, which is great for hands-on learners.
| Developer Bootcamp Key Information | |
|---|---|
| Program | C/C++ Programmer Bootcamp |
| Locations | Online, Nationwide |
| Cost | $2,400 - $4,800 depending on course track |
| Financing Options | In-House Financing, Loan, Upfront Payment |
| 2023 Start Dates | Rolling start dates |
Developer Bootcamp has dozens of locations nationwide that can suit your needs. It follows a hybrid model of self-paced courses along with in-person lab time. This course has a two-course, a three-course, and a four-course track. All are designed to get you started in this lucrative field at a lower cost than most other options.
This course teaches major elements in C/C++ like fundamental data types, flow control, and standard function libraries. You’ll be able to use Microsoft Visual Studio or a UNIX-based environment like macOS to complete your coursework. You’ll also progress toward a couple of different certification programs.
Pluralsight
Pluralsight is an online learning platform that’s designed to meet students where they are to improve their C++ skills. Pluralsight offers different paths for people looking to enter the software development field, but its C++ bootcamp path is one of its most versatile.
| Pluralsight Key Information | |
|---|---|
| Program | C++ Path |
| Locations | Online |
| Cost | $29 per month, $179 per year annually (Normally $299) |
| Financing Options | Subscription |
| 2023 Start Dates | On-Demand |
This platform offers three subscription tiers to individuals: a monthly plan, an annual plan, and a premium annual plan. All plans get access to the same benefits including courses, notes, and the skillIQ assessment that shows students where they are in their learning path along with the next steps. The premium plan adds certification practice exams, interactive courses, and real-world projects that show the applications of what students are learning.
Students start with the basics of C++ applications and work their way up from there to designing their own functional C++ code with data structures and algorithms in the standard library. Pluralsight subscribers cap off their experience by learning to write unit tests for their C++ code and finally learning how to write code that scales across CPU registers, machine clusters, and PC cores for higher performance.
After this learning path, students have the option of continuing their Pluralsight education by learning how to write independent desktop applications in C++ with the Qt or Cinder frameworks. Pluralsight is a good option for students that are comfortable with self-guided study, and who may be looking to save a little money over other options.
The Code Academy
The Code Academy is a South Florida-based option. It offers entry-level courses with quick turnarounds. Its low-cost C++ bootcamp gives you five weeks of hands-on experience with the programming language.
| The Code Academy Key Information | |
|---|---|
| Program | C++ Boot Camp |
| Locations | Online, Miami, Fort Lauderdale |
| Cost | $2,875 - $3,593 |
| Financing Options | Private Loan, Workforce Investment Act, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Upfront Payment |
| 2023 Start Dates | March 6, March 27, April 17, May 8 |
Five weeks may seem short, but the course doesn’t waste any time getting you started. You’ll get a background in polymorphism, object-oriented technology, and more before diving deeper. The Academy’s financing options can help you switch careers without breaking the bank.
This is a great option for people in Southern Florida who want to start a simple C++ course. It also works well for people looking to add C++ to a wider coding skill set of programming languages like JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. After completing the course, you’ll be given a testing voucher to take a certification exam.Â
Udacity
Udacity offers a range of courses for individuals, companies, and even the government. Its project-based C++ course gives you the experience you need to learn efficiently.
| Udacity Key Information | |
|---|---|
| Program | Learn C++ Online |
| Locations | Online |
| Cost | $399 per month, or $1,356 upfront (normally $1,596) |
| Financing Options | Upfront, In-House Financing, Month-to-Month, Discounts |
| 2023 Start Dates | Rolling start date |
Udacity professionals guide you through five different projects: a route planner, a process monitor, a memory management chatbot, a concurrent traffic simulation, and your own C++ application.
You can code with technical mentors, unlike other programs in this sphere. By learning the process in projects instead of more traditional lessons, you’ll make mistakes and actively learn from them.
Udacity graduates have gone on to work at companies as diverse as AT&T, Amazon, BMW, Facebook, and Google. Udacity has career services and more to help you get to where you want to be.
Why Study C++?
You should study C++ because it has applications across multiple industries. Software engineering is more than just web development. C++ is also used in machine learning, game development, database software, and even animation.
If you’re thinking of starting a coding career, learning to code in C++ can take you beyond full stack web development. Even though the language is over 35 years old, C++ is the perfect coding skill to have under your belt.
Reasons to Learn C++ in 2023
- It’s versatile. As mentioned above, there are lots of applications that use C++. Adobe Creative Cloud, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox are all built on C++. You can develop video games from scratch or use game engines such as Unity and Unreal Engines. If you want to learn a programming language, C++ can help get you anywhere.
- Big companies use it. Companies like Google, Microsoft, Apple, and more use C++ in a variety of applications. C++ can create accessible data structures and digital marketing tools. Big companies are always looking for employees to maintain their infrastructure.
- There’s a great coding community. Lots of programmers build in C++ every day, so they know their stuff. There’s a strong community of coders to help you start your journey and solve problems along the way. You’ll also be able to give back and help other new developers.
Why Study at a C++ Bootcamp?
You should study at a C++ coding bootcamp because it’s the best way to get started as a web or software developer. You don’t have to commit to the high financial and time costs of going back to college. Instead, learn to code on your own time and save money while you’re at it.
Coding bootcamps usually structure courses in a few different ways. A full-time immersive bootcamp experience can transform people from coding novices to experts over the course of a few months. Part-time and online bootcamps give busy people the flexibility to keep working while they learn at a slower pace.
Benefits of C++ Bootcamps
- Faster than going back to school. Full-time courses at a C++ coding bootcamp take anywhere from three to six months. In that short time, you’ll be competent enough to get employment after graduation. Part-time and online courses only last a few months longer.
- Cheaper than going back to school. The average cost of the bootcamps listed in this article is around $2,275. The average cost to study at the undergraduate level for one year ranges from $9,400 to $37,600, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). With a coding bootcamp, you’ll be out the door in a fraction of the time and at a fraction of the cost.
- Networking and career services. Almost every bootcamp has a networking phase where you can meet fellow students, alumni, and potential employers. Most bootcamps also offer career services like resume building, mock interviews, and more to prepare you for the job hunt. Some bootcamps even offer a job guarantee, which means they’ll refund your tuition if you’re not employed within a certain time.
- Small class sizes. You’ll be going through the course with a small cohort of people new to coding or with limited knowledge of programming. Everyone will have access to more personal instruction, as opposed to a traditional “one size fits all” learning environment. This can help you learn faster, especially if you’re new to coding.
Will Attending a C++ Bootcamp Get Me a Job?
It is quite likely that attending a C++ coding bootcamp will result in a job opportunity. The top coding bootcamps have high job placement rates, even compared to college degrees. Some even offer job guarantees because they are confident in their ability to place students. Bright Star Institute, case in point, offers a free additional course if the student fails to get a job within 120 days.
What Are Common Jobs for C++ Bootcamp Grads?
| Position | Avg Salary | Core Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | $139,714 | Coding, debugging, testing, and maintaining software products |
| Game Developer | $83,620 | Designing and coding gameplay mechanics, graphics, physics, and AI |
| Embedded Systems Developer | $140,327 | Developing software for devices such as microcontrollers and IoT devices |
| Systems Programmer | $134,421 | Designing and implementing parts of the operating system, such as file systems and memory management |
| Algorithm Engineer | $178,462 | Designing, implementing, and optimizing algorithms to solve complex problems |
What Are the Most Important C++ Certifications?
The C++ coding bootcamps highlighted in this article will also prepare you for some of the key industry certifications that can help you land a job as a C++ developer. Securing a C++ certification will indeed make your job search much smoother. These are the C++ certifications that should be on your radar:
- C++ Certified Professional Programmer (CPP): Offered by the C++ Institute, this certification is designed to demonstrate a strong understanding of C++ programming language features and principles. It covers topics such as syntax, language basics, data structures, and more.
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert: While not solely focused on C++, this certification is valuable for those who want to specialize in C++ development within the context of cloud-based solutions using Microsoft Azure. It demonstrates your ability to design and implement solutions that leverage Azure services.
- Unity Certified Programmer: If you’re interested in game development using C++ in the Unity game engine, this certification can be valuable. Unity offers a certification program that validates your skills in programming gameplay mechanics, systems, and interactions within the Unity environment.
- Oracle Certified Professional (OCP), Java SE Programmer: While not directly related to C++, this certification is worth mentioning because it’s a common requirement for certain jobs that involve both C++ and Java, such as roles that require cross-platform development or working with Java-based libraries.
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP): Similar to the OCP certification, the CCNP is not focused solely on C++, but it’s relevant if you’re interested in network programming with C++. This certification demonstrates your ability to design, implement, and troubleshoot network solutions.
How Much Does C++ Certification Cost?
The cost of C++ certifications can vary widely depending on the certifying organization, the level of the certification, and the region you’re in. One of the most affordable C++ certifications mentioned before is Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert which ranges from $165 to $265. By contrast, Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) is the most expensive of those included on our list, costing anywhere from $300 to $400.
Should You Enroll in a C++ Bootcamp?
You should enroll in a C++ bootcamp if you’re interested in coding in any field. You can find an entry-level C++ coding job in just about any industry. If your career goals involve a career transition, a bootcamp can get you back on the job market with the skills you need quickly.
C++ is currently one of the fastest-growing programming languages. Other languages might be more capable for web development, but the entire tech field isn’t built on websites alone. Plenty of rising fields rely on C++ to operate. If you want to learn to code, C++ could be just the thing.Â
FAQ
How much does a C++ bootcamp cost?
The cost of a C++ coding bootcamp is $11,272 on average, according to Career Karma’s State of the Bootcamp Market Report 2021. With the wide array of tech subjects and specializations taught in bootcamps today, C++ bootcamps are commonly found at most high-level bootcamps.
Do you need prior programming experience to learn C++?
If you choose to learn at a coding bootcamp, you do not need prior programming experience to learn C++. This is because coding bootcamps are designed for complete beginners to gain the skills necessary to join the workforce. Attending a C++ bootcamp with no programming experience is common as coding bootcamp students often come from non-tech professional or educational backgrounds.
Are there any free C++ bootcamps?
It might be hard to find free C++ courses in bootcamp format. Most free C++ courses don’t offer the level of support, supervision, and career services that bootcamps are known for, so they wouldn’t really qualify as one. The good news is that there are plenty of free, self-paced classes and tutorials to learn this language. Udacity, for example, offers a free C++ course to bring your programming skills to the next level.
What is the difference between C and C++?
The main difference between C and C++ is that C++ is a subset of the C programming language that offers object-oriented functionalities that the C low-level procedural language does not. C++ uses a bottom-up approach, while C uses a top-down approach. C is commonly used for operating systems, while C++ is mostly used in application and software development.
