IBM Z Development and Test
Learners Edition

License to Learn – and Keep Learning

Continue your personal learning journey and keep your z/OS® skills current with the IBM ZD&T for Learners Edition.

ZD&T for Learners Edition is a Virtualized IBM Z® that runs on your laptop. The offering includes a stack of z/OS® and related software. Once the stack is installed, you can explore most of the latest z/OS® innovations and try them for yourself. If you’re new to IBM Z®, it’s also a great way to build on your foundational knowledge of z/OS® after earning your fundamental badges.

Below, learn the steps needed to qualify, apply, and purchase a ZD&T for Learners Edition license.

This license is for personal, individual learning use only and not for test and development of commercial products.

How to qualify

Option 1 :New to IBM Z?

The ZD&T for Learners License is a great way to deepen your z/OS skills. To qualify for access, first learn z/OS fundamentals and earn the below three pre-requisite badges.

IBM Z Xplore – Concepts

The badge earner has learned and displayed both fundamental IBM Z skills and understands IBM Z concepts. This individual is able to perform everyday tasks in an IBM Z environment, including administering data sets, formulating commands, managing JCL, scripting actions in USS (Unix System Services), writing and debugging Python, and orchestrating actions through IBM Z Open Automation Utilities.

Learn more

IBM Z Xplore – Advanced

The badge earner can solve advanced IBM Z problems by thinking critically and applying information from a wide variety of sources. They have orchestrated system activities using Ansible and Zowe, while working in Docker containerized environments. The earner has also demonstrated key IBM Z skills, including REXX, COBOL, VSAM, and TSO.

Learn more

z/OS Mainframe Practitioner

This badge earner has developed foundational skills in IBM Z hardware and software, especially around z/OS and System Administration. Through hands-on labs working on a live IBM Z server, the earner has gained real world experience and is equipped to pursue a career as a mainframe application developer, system programmer, system administrator, or a DBA Practitioner.

Learn more

Option 2 : Experienced with z/OS?

Are you an experienced z/OS System Programmer, Application Developer or enthusiast? The ZD&T for Learners License can provide you the opportunity to explore new capabilities and build new skills. To qualify, you must meet the minimum on the job experience requirements.

Experience required

1 year of relevant experience as a z/OS system programmer, system administrator or software developer.

Show us you already have the expected experience, like working with z/OS or coding.

How to Apply

If you meet the above qualifications, follow the below application steps through IBM Marketplace.

Go to the IBM Z Development and Test Environment marketplace page, and under the "pricing" section, you will find a column for Learners Edition.

IBM Marketplace

Click on the "Contact us" button under the "ZD&T for Learners Edition" column.

IBM Marketplace

Click on the "I have a sales question" and select either "call sales" or "email sales" to contact us for the ZD&T for Learners Edition license.

IBM Marketplace

FAQ

Where ZD&T for Learners Edition is available?

The ZD&T for Learners Edition is currently available only for United States based customers.
How much does the ZD&T for Learners Edition cost?

The ZD&T for Learners Edition is $120.00 USD per year for qualified applicants.
How long will I be allowed to use ZD&T for Learners Edition?

The ZD&T for Learners Edition is a one year license which is renewable annually.
Does z/OS come with ZD&T for Learners Edition?

Yes. ZD&T for Learners Edition comes with a preconfigured package of IBM Z software that includes z/OS and middleware, such as CICS®, IMS™ and Db2®, including z/OS components of multiple DevOps for Enterprise Systems tools.
How can I download ZD&T for Learners Edition?

Once qualified and payment received, you will be provided access to download the software.
How does the ZD&T for Learners Edition compare against other ZD&T versions?

ZD&T for Learners Edition is based on ZD&T Personal Edition. In depth information about the editions available for Z Development and Test Environment can be found on IBM Documentation.
Read more about the editions
What are the software and hardware requirements?

Software and hardware requirements for ZD&T for Learners Edition can be found here.
See a quick list of software and hardware requirements
Can ZD&T for Learners Edition be used to deliver any paid work like services or coding?

No. ZD&T for Learners Edition can only be used for personal education and training.
Can ZD&T for Learners Edition be used by any company to support internal training?

No. ZD&T for Learners Edition is for personal, individual purchase and learning only and cannot be used for employee training. For enterprise use please refer to IBM ZD&T Personal Edition or IBM ZD&T Enterprise Edition.
Will I qualify for ZD&T for Learners Edition if I have the Master the Mainframe badges instead of Z Xplore?

Yes, you still can qualify by having Master the Mainframe Level 2 and 3 and z/OS Mainframe Practitioner badges.
What type of support comes with ZD&T for Learners Edition?

ZD&T for Learners Edition is offered through IBM Z Development and Test Environment community website.