morokoff

Cardano Academy

academy.cardanofoundation.org

Certification “Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate” (CBCA)

cbca

Module 1 Overview

Introduces the foundation of blockchain, from the main components of a typical blockchain network, to how consensus algorithms provide a mechanism to reach agreement in decentralized systems. It delves into the Byzantine Generals’ Problem and explains what Byzantine and Practical Byzantine fault-tolerant systems are. This module looks at the key concepts behind proof-of-work and proof-of-stake systems, including their respective limitations. Other proof-based consensus models including proof of authority, proof of Importance and proof of History are briefly explored. Encryption methods are examined and how hash functions and digital signatures provide data authenticity and integrity.

Topics

• Introduction to Blockchain
• Consensus Algorithms
• The Byzantine Generals Problem (BGP)
• The Basics of Networks
• Properties of Consensus Algorithms
• The Original Bitcoin Whitepaper
• BFT vs. PoW Consensus Algorithms
• Blockchain Fundamentals
• Components and Structure of a Blockchain
• Blockchain Careers and Use Cases
• Blockchain Generations: First and Second
• Introduction to Ethereum
• Ethereum’s Decentralized Systems
• Third Blockchain Generation
• Cardano’s Native Token
• Blockchain Architecture: Layer 1
• Blockchain Types
• Evolution of the Internet
• Understanding Encryption and Decryption
• Symmetric Encryption
• Asymmetric Encryption
• Attack Models
• Hash Function
• Avalanche Effect
• Resistance
• Types of Hash Functions
• Hash Function Applications
• Signing and Verification Algorithms in Digital Signatures
• The Digital Signature Verification Algorithm Under Attack
• Wallets in a Blockchain Network
• Hot and Cold Storage
• Introduction to Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance
• Synchrony
• Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance
• Vote-Based Consensus
• Introduction to Proof-Based Consensus
• Proof of Work
• Proof of Stake
• Different Stakeholders’ Approaches to Proof of Stake
• Proof of Authority (PoA)
• Proof of Activity (PoA)
• Proof of Importance (PoI)
• Proof of Burn (PoB)
• Proof of Capacity (PoC)/Proof of Space (PoSpace)
• Proof of Elapsed Time (PoET)
• Proof of Contribution (PoCo)
• Proof of History (PoH)

Module 2 Overview

Builds on the concepts introduced in Module 1. It defines the transaction models used in blockchain, including account-based, Unspent Transaction Output, and extended Unspent Transaction Output. It examines the content of a block and the role of the block producer. Module 2 also explains how the risks against double-spending and Sybil attacks are mitigated, the causes of soft and hard forks, and the importance of incentive mechanisms. It concludes with a look at layer 1 and layer 2 scaling solutions.

Topics

• Introduction to Transaction Models
• Tokens
• The Transaction Lifecycle
• Record-Keeping Transaction Models
• The UTxO Transaction Model
• Inputs, Outputs and Wallets
• A Blockchain’s State
• Cardano’s Extended UTxO
• The EUTxO model
• Introduction to the Basics of Block Structure
•  Longest Chain Algorithms
• Sending and Receiving Transactions via Block Producing Nodes
• Blockchain Miners
• Blockchain Parameters
• The Fundamental Properties of Blockchain
• Double-Spending Attack Example
• Block Generation Power
• Avoiding Double-Spending Attacks
• Soft Fork and Hard Fork
• Introduction to Blockchain Incentives
• Why Blockchain Needs Incentives
• Rewards in Proof-of-Work Protocols
• Types of Networks in Blockchain
• Acquiring Tokens in Mainnet and Testnet
• API and Nodes Communication Protocol
• Nebula’s Architecture
• Introduction To Scalability
• Fundamentals
• Scalability Techniques: Part 1
• Scalability Techniques: Part 2
• Scalability Techniques: Part 3
• Introduction to Layer 2 Solutions
•  State Channels
• Drawbacks of State Channels
• Rollups
• Drawbacks of Rollups
• Other Scaling Solutions

Module 3 Overview

Focuses on the Cardano blockchain, it describes Cardano’s genesis and genesis entities, and the mission and principles governing Cardano. It looks at the Cardano node and how the eras have developed and enhanced features of the network. Ouroboros, Cardano’s consensus algorithm, is examined, along with the reward and incentive mechanism of Cardano. The governance process including Cardano Improvement Proposals is explained, along with the role of the Cardano Community.

Topics

• Introduction to Cardano Genesis
• Cardano’s Principles
• Cardano Genesis
• Cardano Roadmap
• Introduction to Cardano Architecture
• Cardano Eras: Part 1
• Cardano Eras: Part 2
• Networking
• Consensus in Public Permissionless Ledgers
• Ouroboros: a Family of Consensus Protocols
• The Ouroboros Family: Classic, Praos and Genesis
• Ouroboros: Crypsinous, Chronos, Leios, BFT and Omega
• Delegated Proof of Stake
• Rewards Sharing Scheme (RSS): Part 1
• Rewards Sharing Scheme (RSS): Part 2
• Wallets
• BIPs and CIPs
• Types of Addresses
• Payment Addresses
• Stake Addresses
• Fundamentals
• Programming on Cardano
• Smart Contract Languages
• Embedded Domain Specific Languages (eDSL)
• Why Does Community Matter?
• Decentralization
• What Does Community Offer?
• Why Cardano?
• Community Groups: Part 1
• Community Groups: Part 2
• History
• Cardano Improvement Proposals
• The CIP Process
• The CIP Actors
• Notable CIPs: Part 1
• Notable CIPs: Part 2

Module 4 Overview

Looks at how to get started buying, storing, and transferring ada. It also examines how staking works on Cardano with the staking lifecycle, along with the role of stake pools and stake pool operators. It describes how to create and transfer both native assets and non-fungible tokens and concludes with a look at decentralized applications and exchanges.

Topics

• Smart Contract Programming Frameworks
• API Query Layers
• Other Tools and Services
• Blockchain Explorers
• Choosing a Wallet
• Getting Started With Your Chosen Wallet
• Buying ADA from a Centralized Exchange (CEX)
• Transactions
• Staking on Cardano
• Stake Pool Operators (SPOs)
• How to Choose a Stake Pool?
• Cardano Foundation Delegation Strategy
• Alice and Bob Q&A
• Chimeric Ledger
• Staking Lifecycle: GUI vs CLI
• Jargon Buster
• Metadata Standards
• Creating a Native Token
• Wallets and DApps Interactions
• DApp Tour: Part 1
• DApp Tour: Part 2
• DApp Tour: Part 3
• Future of DApps on Cardano
• Security and Standards

Practice Exam