When does class start/end?
Class hours may vary, please reach out to contact@ascendientlearning.com if you have any questions.
Quantum Computing Foundations with Qiskit
This Quantum course teaches technology professionals how to design and execute quantum programs by replacing abstract physics formalism with a visual-first model. Learners build and run real quantum...
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Duration
3 days
Course Code
QNTM-101
Available Formats
Classroom
Overview
Course Description
This Quantum course teaches technology professionals how to design and execute quantum programs by replacing abstract physics formalism with a visual-first model. Learners build and run real quantum algorithms using Qiskit, translating linear algebra and matrix operations into functional code without first mastering formal quantum mechanics notation. The curriculum introduces foundational quantum effects, including superposition, entanglement, and quantum interference, before progressing to standard algorithms such as Grover's search algorithm and Shor's factoring algorithm. Rather than requiring practitioners to internalize dense physics terminology, the course applies a visual system, Qubelets, to track how individual gates manipulate quantum states, so practitioners can design original circuits rather than reproduce textbook examples. The course extends this foundation into enterprise applications, covering Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), the mechanics of Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) migration. Each module closes with a hands-on lab in Qiskit, giving participants direct, verifiable experience building and running circuits rather than passive exposure to concepts.
As federal and enterprise organizations move from quantum-readiness planning toward execution under directives such as National Security Memorandum 10 and OMB Memorandum M-23-02, technical teams are increasingly expected to evaluate quantum hardware, software, and vendor claims with working knowledge of how quantum systems function. This course addresses that gap directly by building quantum-literate staff capable of assessing quantum risk and opportunity from first-hand programming experience rather than secondhand summaries.
Skills Gained
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Design quantum programs from scratch using Qiskit by applying a visual-first model (Qubelets) to track quantum states and gate operations.
- Implement multi-qubit systems and entanglement to evaluate multiple computational paths simultaneously.
- Execute standard quantum algorithms, including Grover's Algorithm for search optimization and Shor's Algorithm for cryptography analysis.
- Assess enterprise vulnerability to quantum attacks and articulate the business drivers for Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) migration.
- Map quantum algorithms and post-quantum cryptography standards to specific industry use cases, such as enterprise security and federal compliance.
Who Can Benefit
This course is designed for:
- Software engineers, data scientists, and AI/ML practitioners with prior Python programming experience.
- Technology consultants and IT professionals who need to build practical quantum capabilities.
- Federal agency technical staff and contractors supporting quantum-readiness and PQC migration initiatives.
Prerequisites
Participants should enter this course with:
- Proficiency in Python programming.
- Basic understanding of linear algebra (vectors and matrices).
Organizational Objectives
This course assists organizations to:
- Build practical quantum programming capabilities that transition teams from theoretical awareness to writing and executing Qiskit code.
- Prepare teams for post-quantum cryptography migration by training practitioners on the exact mechanisms of how current encryption breaks.
- Reduce onboarding friction for technical staff by utilizing a visual-first methodology that bypasses traditional physics bottlenecks.
- Establish a baseline quantum literacy across technical teams to enable informed evaluation of quantum hardware and software vendors.
- Build quantum-aware technical staff who can evaluate quantum-resistant algorithms and vendor claims, addressing the technical skills gap that industry surveys cite as a primary barrier to quantum-readiness execution.
Software
All participants require a laptop or desktop computer with a modern web browser and broadband internet.
Course Details
Course Details
Module 1 – Quantum Literacy and the Qubelets Model
By the end of this module, you will be able to explain how quantum states operate using a visual-first methodology and translate basic quantum gates into executable matrix operations. You will also be able to distinguish between classical bits and qubits without relying on abstract physics notation.
- From classical bits to qubits
- The visual-first approach: green pentagons (|0?) and red triangles (|1?)
- Visualizing amplitudes and phases through shape orientation
- Quantum logic gates for Boolean operations
- Tracking quantum interference through visual cancellation
- Hands-on Lab: Build and execute a basic quantum circuit in Qiskit using the Qubelets mental model to predict and verify the output.
Module 2 – Quantum Effects and Algorithm Design
By the end of this module, you will be able to implement multi-qubit systems and apply standard quantum algorithms to solve specific computational problems. You will also be able to trace how quantum parallelism evaluates multiple states simultaneously.
- Introducing superposition and tagging gates
- Multi-qubit systems and the "mega-qubit" concept
- Entanglement and cross-qubit interactions
- Shor's Algorithm and number theory foundations for cryptography
- Hands-on Lab: Build a quantum tagging circuit to isolate a specific state, tracing how interference and phase manipulation collapse the mega-qubit into a targeted outcome.
Module 3 – Post-Quantum Cryptography and Enterprise Applications
By the end of this module, you will be able to assess enterprise vulnerability to "harvest now, decrypt later" quantum threats using Mosca's Theorem and map NIST's finalized PQC standards to enterprise cryptographic assets. You will also be able to draft a hybrid, crypto-agile migration timeline aligned to current federal deadlines.
- The "harvest now, decrypt later" (HNDL) threat and Mosca's Theorem
- Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) vs. Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC)
- NIST's finalized standards: ML-KEM (FIPS 203, formerly CRYSTALS-Kyber), ML-DSA (FIPS 204, formerly CRYSTALS-Dilithium), and SLH-DSA (FIPS 205, formerly SPHINCS+)
- Hybrid architectures and crypto-agile migration strategies
- NSM-10 and OMB M-23-02: federal cryptographic inventory and migration planning
- The June 2026 Executive Order and NSA CNSA 2.0: concrete 2030 (key establishment) and 2031 (signatures) deadlines
- Hands-on Lab: Using a mock enterprise PKI/TLS asset inventory, assess Harvest-Now-Decrypt-Later risk with Mosca's Theorem, select appropriate ML-KEM and ML-DSA parameter sets for each asset, and draft a phased hybrid migration timeline that verifies compliance against the 2030 and 2031 federal deadlines.
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
Overall ExitCertified is a great training provider and the remote learning is as effective as in person.
The training was great . But i expected some of the Networking concepts would be covered in this certification .
I like their training. A lot of material covered. The labs are very good. l learned a lot.
Good Course. We covered a lot of material in a short amount of time. This course had useful labs that built upon each other.
Both course material and instructor demonstrated a sound foundation on Maximo material
