Learning pathways

Pick the pathway that matches your goal. Each one says which course to start with, what comes next and where it leads.

Explorer pathway

For members of the public with no programming background. Spot embedded systems around you, write a first line of MicroPython in the BENTO Emulator, then continue with the first module of AIoT in Action. No board needed.

1. Explorer: Meet Embedded Systems — Six lessons of 20–30 minutes, all doable in the BENTO Emulator.
2. AIoT in Action: From Touch Screen to IoT Platform (MicroPython) (Existing UI-based Application) — The first module of AIoT in Action builds on Explorer; it runs in the emulator, and a real board shows more.

• For: General public
• Time (required steps): 9 hours
• At the end: Can explain embedded systems and write short MicroPython programs (L1); ready for the T0 completion record once TESA issues it; continue on the student or developer pathway.

Entrepreneur pathway

For business owners and product decision-makers, no code. Six lessons from what edge AI and IoT can do to writing a brief for developers, ending with a one-page decision canvas.

1. Edge AI & IoT for Product Decisions — Six lessons of about 30 minutes; the final deliverable is a decision canvas for your own project.
2. Explorer: Meet Embedded Systems (Meet embedded systems and write a first program) — Optional. To see the real thing once, the first module takes about an hour in the emulator.
3. Product Industrial Design (Blender & Twin) — Optional, for those deciding on enclosure and industrial design.

• For: Entrepreneurs
• Time (required steps): 3 hours
• At the end: Holds a one-page decision canvas ready for a development team or contractor; continue with TQP or partner training as the project requires.

Developer pathway

For working developers who need job-ready skills fast. Take a placement check, skip what you know, then move through Practitioner (C and the SDK) and Professional (security and edge AI) on a real board or via remote flash.

1. AIoT in Action: From Touch Screen to IoT Platform (MicroPython) — Fast track; skip it if you pass the placement check. Otherwise use it for board, sensor and MQTT basics (not counted in hours).
2. TESAIoT Firmware Stack: C Firmware on the TESAIoT Dev Kit — The core course: C firmware on the TESAIoT Dev Kit with the Developer Hub examples.
3. Embedded C Foundations on PSoC Edge — C for microcontrollers, build, debugging, peripherals, buses and unit tests.
4. TESA Firmware SDK for Edge AI — Firmware on the TESA Firmware SDK.
5. Secure IoT with OPTIGA™ Trust M — Security with OPTIGA™ Trust M and mTLS.
6. Edge AI Developer: From Sensor to On-Device Model — Optional, for the edge AI role. This course is in development together with its firmware.
7. Electronics & Test Instruments for Embedded Developers — Optional; recommended if you have not used a multimeter, logic analyzer or oscilloscope.
8. Firmware Development with the VS Code-based TESA Digital Twin — Optional, for work that pairs firmware with a digital twin.

• For: Developers
• Time (required steps): 86 hours
• At the end: Can develop, test and fix PSoC™ Edge firmware end to end; ready for the TQP T2 Certified Embedded Developer exam, which is designed to align with the TPQI Embedded Systems Developer level 4 qualification.

Student pathway

For students who want skills, a portfolio and credit. AIoT in Action, then firmware in C, a capstone, a GitHub portfolio, and on to the TESA Top Gun Rally. Uses the emulator plus one board for every three to four learners.

1. Explorer: Meet Embedded Systems — Optional, for learners who have never programmed.
2. AIoT in Action: From Touch Screen to IoT Platform (MicroPython) — The core L2 course, ending with a capstone.
3. TESAIoT Firmware Stack: C Firmware on the TESAIoT Dev Kit — The core C course on the TESAIoT Dev Kit, after AIoT in Action.
4. Electronics & Test Instruments for Embedded Developers — Circuit and instrument basics needed for real hardware work.
5. Embedded C Foundations on PSoC Edge — C and core engineering skills (build, Git, debugging, testing).
6. TESA Firmware SDK for Edge AI — Firmware on the SDK, leading to a capstone and portfolio.
7. Fundamental of Embedded Systems Developer I–II (Game Console) — Optional external AIC course for learners who want to build games on the board.

• For: Students
• Time (required steps): 116 hours
• At the end: Holds a GitHub portfolio and a capstone for jobs or competitions; ready for TQP T1 or T2, with credit transfer through a partner university where an agreement exists.

Educator pathway

For lecturers and trainers adopting the courses. Take the educator kit, design the course and its assessment, attend the two-day train-the-trainer workshop, then give a teaching demonstration.

1. Educator Kit — About six hours self-study, plus the two-day train-the-trainer workshop run by TESA and a teaching demonstration.
2. AIoT in Action: From Touch Screen to IoT Platform (MicroPython) — Optional here; the course you will teach. Trainers must hold the taught skills at L4 or above.

• For: Educators
• Time (required steps): 16 hours
• At the end: Has a course plan with an outcome crosswalk, and is ready to apply for TQP Certified Trainer under the rules in tqp/certification.md.