The C Essentials 1 (CE1) course is the first in a 2-course series that will prepare you for the CLE – C Certified Entry-Level Programmer and CLA – C Programming Language Certified Associate exams.
This course introduces the fundamentals of programming in the C language, covering core techniques, key programming concepts, and common standard library functions. It emphasizes practical, hands-on learning through exercises and real-world coding examples.
You'll learn the syntax, data types, control structures, arrays, pointers, and memory operations used in C, and gain the skills needed to write and debug simple programs that work across hardware and software platforms.
The course is designed for beginners—no prior programming experience is required.
C is the foundation of modern computing. Whether it’s an operating system, embedded device, microcontroller, or high-performance application, C is everywhere. It offers unmatched performance, portability, and direct access to system-level operations.
From Linux kernels to automotive firmware, much of today’s critical software is still written in C. Mastering it equips you with powerful skills valued across industries.
The C language is essential for entry-level jobs in software development and systems programming.
Channel: Edube Interactive
Sponsor: C++ Institute
Mode: Online self-study course
Cost: Free
Study Time: 42 hours (Suggested: 7 hours/week)
Language: English
Associated Certification: CLE – C Certified Entry-Level Programmer (Exam CLE-10-0x)
No prerequisites – the course is designed for absolute beginners.
The course is divided into five main modules, and an introductory Module 0 to help you set up your programming environment. Each module contains study materials, quizzes, and hands-on coding labs to help reinforce your learning.
Module 0: Installing and Using Your Programming Environment
Learn to install and use the tools needed for C development, including IDEs and online editors like Edube Interactive.
Module 1: Introduction to Programming, Variables, and Comments
Explore programming languages and compilation, write your first C programs, use variables and integer types, and add comments for clarity.
Module 2: Data Types, Operators, and Basic Flow Control
Work with floating-point numbers and arithmetic operators, understand the use of char, explore comparison operators, and use if statements and formatted I/O.
Module 3: Conditions, Loops, More Data Types, and Computer Logic
Expand your understanding of conditional execution with else, learn about typecasting, use loops (while, for, do), and apply logical and bitwise operations.
Module 4: Switch, Arrays, Pointers, and Strings
Use switch statements, work with arrays and sorting, understand pointers and memory addresses, explore the relationship between pointers and arrays, and manipulate strings.
Module 5: Advanced Arrays, Pointers, Memory Management, and Functions
Use multidimensional arrays and pointers, manage memory with malloc() and free(), handle function declarations, parameters, return values, and common function patterns in C.
Expand the section below to view the complete course syllabus:
The C Essentials 1 (BASICS) course is fully aligned with the CLE – C Certified Entry-Level Programmer certification and is the first step toward the CLA – C Certified Associate Programmer credential.
CLE – C Certified Entry-Level Programmer certification proves that you understand universal programming concepts such as compilation, data types, variables, arrays, pointers, flow control, memory management, and functions, as well as the fundamentals of C syntax and semantics.
The CLE certification demonstrates your readiness for entry-level programming roles and gives you the skills and confidence to continue toward professional C development.
More information: CLE – C Certified Entry-Level Programmer