> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://notes.kodekloud.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Course Introduction
> This hands-on course prepares you for the HashiCorp Certified Consul Associate exam and teaches implementation of Consul for service discovery and secure service mesh.
Welcome to the **Getting Started with HashiCorp Consul** online training course. This hands-on program prepares you for the **HashiCorp Certified Consul Associate** exam and teaches you how to implement Consul for service discovery, configuration, and secure service mesh in modern architectures.
Beyond the [HashiCorp Learn site](https://learn.hashicorp.com/) and official [webinars](https://www.hashicorp.com/webinars), comprehensive Consul training has been scarce. This course fills that gap, combining expert instruction and real-world labs so you can confidently deploy and manage Consul in your environment.
***
## Instructor Introduction
My name is **Bryan Krausen**, Principal Technical Consultant based in Central Kentucky. With over 20 years in IT, I blend in-depth hands-on expertise with a passion for teaching.
* 3+ years deploying Consul (including as a Vault backend)
* First to earn Consul Advanced Partner certification
* Presented Consul talks at HashiConf 2019
Although not officially on HashiCorp’s payroll, I aim to deliver practical, exam-aligned content that you can apply immediately.
### Contact & Social Media
Have questions or feedback? Connect anytime:
* Twitter: `@btkrausen`
* GitHub: [github.com/BryanKrausen](https://github.com/BryanKrausen)
* Course Q\&A: Use the KodeKloud platform
* Direct messages: I typically respond quickly
All course code and configurations live at [github.com/bryankrausen/HashiCorp](https://github.com/bryankrausen/HashiCorp). Check for updates anytime.
***
## Course Overview
This training will guide you through:
| Module | Description |
| ---------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Consul Fundamentals** | Core architecture, agents, protocols |
| **Datacenter Deployment** | Single-DC install, configuration, server/client management |
| **Service Discovery & Mesh** | Service registration, health checks, Consul Connect |
| **Key/Value Store** | Using KV for application configuration |
| **Security & ACLs** | TLS encryption, access control, gossip security |
| **Backup & Restore** | Safe snapshot, restore procedures |
| **Exam Preparation** | Quizzes, tips, and practice scenarios |
***
### Lesson Format
Each section follows a consistent structure to reinforce learning:
1. **Lecture & Slides**\
Introduce definitions, architecture diagrams, and key concepts.
2. **Lab Demonstration**\
Hands-on CLI, UI, and API examples (primarily CLI).
3. **PDF Resources**\
Downloadable slides, mind maps, command lists, and lab manuals.
4. **Quiz**\
Short assessments to validate your understanding.
You can run demos on your local laptop using the default `.consul` domain or spin up AWS clusters when needed.
***
## Course Updates
I monitor HashiCorp certification announcements and update this course regularly. New labs, slides, and quizzes will roll out with notifications sent via the course platform. Your feedback drives improvements—feel free to share suggestions anytime.
***
With the introduction complete, you’re now ready to dive into **Consul fundamentals** and start your journey toward becoming a HashiCorp Certified Consul Associate. Good luck!