When does class start/end?
Class hours may vary, please reach out to contact@ascendientlearning.com if you have any questions.
Applied Context Engineering for Agentic AI
Master advanced context engineering techniques for LLMs, including context windows, reduction, offloading, retrieval, isolation, and caching. Combine theory and hands-on labs to build robust,...
Read MoreOverview
Master advanced context engineering techniques for LLMs, including context windows, reduction, offloading, retrieval, isolation, and caching. Combine theory and hands-on labs to build robust, efficient agentic AI systems that manage context for performance and reliability.
Skills Gained
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Explain constraints and optimizations of LLM context windows
- Apply context engineering strategies to real-world problems
- Design agents for performance and reliability
- Implement practical context management in agentic AI workflows
- Analyze and mitigate context-related failure modes
- Build multi-agent systems with context separation and sharing
Who Can Benefit
- Software Developers
- Data Scientists
- AI Engineers
Prerequisites
- Practical Python experience
- Familiarity with LLMs and agentic AI concepts
Course Details
Software
All attendees must have a modern web browser and an Internet connection.
LLMs and Context Windows
- Explain the role of attention in transformers
- Describe quadratic scaling and context window constraints
- Differentiate pre-fill and decoding steps in LLMs
- Optimize with KV-cache and manage VRAM limits
- Identify failure modes at context limits
- Summarize SOTA techniques for long contexts
From Prompt to Context
- Compare context engineering and prompt engineering
- Observe agentic loops and the context snowball effect
- Deconstruct the anatomy of an LLM context window
- Apply key context engineering strategies
Context Reduction
- Define the purpose and techniques of context reduction
- Distinguish reversible and irreversible reduction
- Apply filtering, pruning, and summarization strategies
- Implement intelligent, task-aware reduction
- Use context-size triggers for reduction
Context Offloading
- Define the purpose and strategies for offloading
- Design layered action spaces and address tool confusion
- Select offloading targets: tool outputs, state, definitions
- Use offloading stores: file system, runtime state
Context Retrieval
- Compare classic and agentic RAG techniques
- Build two-step retrieval pipelines
- Select retrieval targets: knowledge base, web, history, toolset
- Design hybrid retrieval strategies
Context Isolation
- Define the purpose and patterns of context isolation
- Address multi-agent system challenges
- Design functional separation and agent roles
- Apply best practices for isolation
Context Caching
- Explain the purpose and benefits of context caching
- Identify cache bursting anti-patterns
- Design cache-friendly architectures
- Evaluate trade-offs in context engineering for caching
Schedule
FAQ
Does the course schedule include a Lunchbreak?
Classes typically include a 1-hour lunch break around midday. However, the exact break times and duration can vary depending on the specific class. Your instructor will provide detailed information at the start of the course.
What languages are used to deliver training?
Most courses are conducted in English, unless otherwise specified. Some courses will have the word "FRENCH" marked in red beside the scheduled date(s) indicating the language of instruction.
What does GTR stand for?
GTR stands for Guaranteed to Run; if you see a course with this status, it means this event is confirmed to run. View our GTR page to see our full list of Guaranteed to Run courses.
How do I find an Ascendient Learning training location?
We have training locations across the United States and Canada - View a complete list of classroom training locations.
Which delivery formats are available?
At Ascendient Learning, we offer training that is Instructor-Led, Online, Virtual, and Self-Paced.
Does Ascendient Learning deliver group training?
Yes, we provide training for groups, individuals and private on sites. View our group training page for more information.
What does vendor-authorized training mean?
As a vendor-authorized training partner, we offer a curriculum that our partners have vetted. We use the same course materials and facilitate the same labs as our vendor-delivered training. These courses are considered the gold standard and, as such, are priced accordingly.
Is the training too basic, or will you go deep into technology?
It depends on your requirements, your role in your company, and your depth of knowledge. The good news about many of our learning paths, you can start from the fundamentals to highly specialized training.
How up-to-date are your courses and support materials?
We continuously work with our vendors to evaluate and refresh course material to reflect the latest training courses and best practices.
Are your instructors seasoned trainers who have deep knowledge of the training topic?
Ascendient Learning instructors have an average of 27 years of practical IT experience and have also served as consultants for an average of 15 years. To stay current, instructors spend at least 25 percent of their time learning new, emerging technologies and courses.
Do you provide hands-on training and exercises in an actual lab environment?
Lab access is dependent on the vendor and the type of training you sign up for. However, many of our top vendors will provide lab access to students to test and practice. The course description will specify lab access.
Will you customize the training for our company’s specific needs and goals?
We will work with you to identify training needs and areas of growth. We offer a variety of training methods, such as private group training, on-site of your choice, and virtually. We provide courses and certifications that are aligned with your business goals.
How do I get started with certification?
Getting started on a certification pathway depends on your goals and the vendor you choose to get certified in. Many vendors offer entry-level IT certification to advanced IT certification that can boost your career. To get access to certification vouchers and discounts, please contact info@ascendientlearning.com.
Will I get access to content after I complete a course?
You will get access to the PDF of course books and guides, but access to the recording and slides will depend on the vendor and type of training you receive.
How do I request a W9 for Ascendient Learning?
View our filing status and how to request a W9.
Reviews
Thorough explanations by the instructor along guide and practical training sim of software.
They are very good and made sure we had all the appropriate materials for class.
Very interactive and in-depth course that really got me ready for the industry
The training was very good to understand the concepts and how to set up things .
Course was thorough and gave a very solid grounding in the tools advertised.
