Learn Python by automating the boring parts of work. Start from zero and build scripts that rename files, process spreadsheets, pull data from the web, send reports and run on a schedule.
LevelBeginner
Estimated time26 hours
Syllabus7 modules + capstone
FormatSelf-paced or live cohort
Leads toApprentice rank in Python Automation
Is this course for you?
Who it’s for
Complete beginners who want a practical first programming language
Office and admin staff with repetitive computer tasks
IT support staff who want to script their work
Analysts who live in spreadsheets
Before you start
Comfortable using a computer and its files and folders
No programming experience needed
A computer where you can install Python 3 (free)
What you’ll be able to do
01Write Python 3 programs using variables, conditions, loops and functions
02Work with files and folders: rename, move, search and organise
03Read and write CSV and Excel files
04Call web APIs and process JSON
05Send automated email reports and schedule scripts
06Handle errors, log what happens and share your scripts safely
Skills for your resume
Python 3
Automation scripting
File handling
Excel and CSV automation
Web APIs and JSON
Task scheduling
Once you’ve earned the rank, list these in the Skills section of your resume and LinkedIn profile.
The syllabus
7 modules · 26 hours · 1,140 XP to collect. Every module ends with a practical project.
Module 1
Python from zero
+120 XP
Lessons
Installing Python and an editor
Variables, numbers and text
Lists and dictionaries
Your first script
Practical projectWrite a script that tidies a list of names and emails.
Module 2
Logic and functions
+120 XP
Lessons
Conditions and loops
Writing functions
Reading errors calmly
Using AI assistants to explain code (and checking them)
Practical projectBuild a small menu-driven tool with three functions.
Module 3
Files and folders
+120 XP
Lessons
Paths and the pathlib module
Renaming and moving files in bulk
Searching inside files
Zipping and backups
Practical projectAutomatically sort a messy downloads folder by type and date.
Module 4
Spreadsheets and CSV
+120 XP
Lessons
The csv module
Excel files with openpyxl
Cleaning and combining sheets
Producing summary reports
Practical projectMerge twelve monthly spreadsheets into one summary workbook.
Module 5
Web data and APIs
+120 XP
Lessons
HTTP and the requests package
Working with JSON
Using public APIs and API keys safely
Scraping responsibly: terms of use and robots.txt
Practical projectPull data from a public API and save it as a daily CSV.
Module 6
Email and scheduling
+120 XP
Lessons
Sending email reports securely
Scheduling with Task Scheduler and cron
Logging and error handling
Keeping passwords out of code
Practical projectEmail yourself an automatic daily report on a schedule.
Module 7
Writing scripts others can use
+120 XP
Lessons
Command-line arguments
Virtual environments and requirements
Comments and a README
Sharing safely with your team
Practical projectPackage one of your scripts with a README so a colleague can run it.
Capstone project · +300 XP
Show what you can do
Automate a real repetitive task from your work or study, end to end: input files or data, processing, an output report, logging, error handling and a schedule. Submit the code with a README and a before-and-after time estimate.
XP is just for fun. It tracks your progress, but it can never buy or skip a rank.
The Rank Trial
When you’ve finished every module and the capstone, the Apprentice Trial in Python Automation opens. The Guild runs it, not your instructor, so the rank means the same whoever taught you.
What’s assessed
Python fundamentals
Files, CSV and Excel
APIs and JSON
Error handling, scheduling and safe practice
How it works
Format
Online exam, closed notes
Questions
40, multiple choice and short scenarios
Time
60 minutes
Pass mark
70%
Re-sit
After 7 days if you don’t pass
Ranks are earned. They can’t be bought, and no amount of XP can skip a Trial.
Your path in Python Automation
ApprenticeThis course
JourneymanCourses coming
ExpertCourses coming
MasterCourses coming
The credential you earn
Example
Guild credential
Apprentice · Python Automation
Awarded to
Your name
Course
Python for Automation
Credential ID
GS-XXXX-XXXX
Awarded by
Guild of Skills
Check it at
guildofskills.com/verify
Example only. Each real rank gets its own ID and verify page.
On your resume
Add it under Licences & Certifications: Apprentice, Python Automation · Guild of Skills, the month you passed, and your credential ID so employers can check it.
On LinkedIn
Open your profile and add a Licence or certification
Name: Apprentice, Python Automation. Issuing organisation: Guild of Skills
Add the issue date, your credential ID and your verify link
Add to LinkedInUnlocks when you pass the Trial
Your instructor
Guild-approved instructor coming soon
Every instructor is reviewed and approved by the Guild Council before they can teach, and every lesson and video link is checked before students see it.
Uses Python 3, the standard library and widely used packages such as requests and openpyxl. A Guild credential is not a vendor certification.
Questions about this course
Windows, Mac or Linux?
Any of them. Every lesson shows the small differences, such as Task Scheduler on Windows and cron on Mac and Linux.
How much does it cost?
Pricing is announced when the Guild opens. Some courses may be free and some paid. Register now and we’ll tell you first.
When can I start?
Enrolment opens when Guild accounts launch. Register on the Join page and we’ll email you the moment you can start.
Do I get a certificate just for finishing?
Finishing the course unlocks the Rank Trial. Your rank, certificate and verify page are awarded only when you pass the Trial.
Is this the same as an industry certification?
No. A Guild rank is a Guild of Skills credential with its own published standard and public verify page. It isn’t a vendor certification and doesn’t include any vendor exam.
JourneymanCourses coming
ExpertCourses coming
MasterCourses coming
Apprentice rank in Artificial Intelligence
