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You can start without them

These are recommendations, not requirements. If you already write code with some regularity, you can jump straight into the curriculum. If you’re unsure, completing steps 1 and 2 at minimum will set you up for success. The TAU Java course (step 3) is especially valuable if you’re heading into Test Automation Engineering.

Recommended preparation — in order
1 Step
freeCodeCamp — JavaScript
freeCodeCamp · Self-paced · No setup required · Free
JavaScript Programming Fundamentals

Not sure if you’re ready for Step 2? Spend a few hours here first. If variables, functions, and loops feel unfamiliar, complete this course before moving on. If you pick it up quickly, you can skip ahead to Step 2 — SuperSimpleDev is beginner-friendly and starts from zero.

This is the current freeCodeCamp JavaScript curriculum. If you see a course called “Legacy JavaScript Algorithms and Data Structures,” that is the older version — use the link below instead.
freecodecamp.org → JavaScript (current curriculum)
2 Step
SuperSimpleDev — JavaScript Full Course
YouTube · ~22 hours · Free
JavaScript DOM Async Programming OOP

Takes your fundamentals into a real web context. Covers DOM manipulation, events, async/await, and object-oriented programming, ending with a full working project. Directly relevant to both tracks: API scripting and browser-based test automation.

youtube.com → SuperSimpleDev JavaScript Full Course
3 Step
Test Automation University — Java Programming
Applitools / TAU · Self-paced · University-semester depth · Free
Java OOP Data Structures

Strongly recommended for students enrolling in Test Automation Engineering. Angie Jones, a certified Java programmer and adjunct professor, covers OOP, data structures, and core Java at full university-course depth, taught entirely from a QA perspective. You can take this course now or return to it later, but completing it before the program will make a measurable difference.

testautomationu.applitools.com → Java Programming
Where these lead

Completing the courses above prepares you for either or both of our core program tracks:

Test Automation Engineering

Learn to design and build automated test frameworks for web applications, including Selenium and modern tooling in an enterprise context.

Most helpful: All three courses, especially step 3 (TAU Java)
API Testing

Learn to validate APIs (REST and beyond) using scripting, assertions, and test design patterns built for backend systems.

Most helpful: Steps 1 and 2 (JavaScript fundamentals)
Optional — for overachievers
Overachiever track
JavaScript30 by Wes Bos

Once you have completed steps 1 and 2, consider JavaScript30 (javascript30.com), a free 30-day challenge that builds deep DOM intuition through hands-on projects in pure vanilla JavaScript. It is not a beginner starting point, but an excellent next step for those who want to go further before the program begins.

JavaScript30 also covers browser console methods and UI event handling patterns that are directly applicable to grey-box testing and AI agent workflows in the curriculum.


javascript30.com → Free