This course includes

4 hours of project-based training from experts
Software Access
Answers from real instructors
Retake for free within 1 year
Access to class recordings (30 days)
Verified digital certificate of completion

This course is self-paced. For live online or in-person instruction, take Building Your First MCP Server and Client.

This workshop introduces you to the Model Context Protocol (MCP) through a practical, end-to-end build. You'll learn what MCP is, why it matters, and how to design MCP servers for AI agents rather than treating them as thin wrappers over REST APIs. Using Python and FastMCP, you'll build a working MCP server around the SpaceX API, test it locally, connect it to an MCP-compatible host, and then build a minimal MCP client that can discover and call server tools.

The course places equal weight on implementation and design judgment. Beyond building a functioning server and client, you'll learn how to reduce tool sprawl, design around agent workflows, manage context-window costs, and produce tool descriptions and outputs that work well for large language models. You'll walk away with a working MCP server and client, a practical understanding of MCP architecture and tool invocation, and a repeatable framework for designing more agent-native MCP servers.

Course Reviews

From our hands-on training style to world-class instructors and custom-crafted curriculum, we deliver results our alumni are proud of.

Tuition

Full Tuition

$649
Due before the class starts

This course includes

4 hours of project-based training from experts
Software Access
Answers from real instructors
Retake for free within 1 year
Access to class recordings (30 days)
Verified digital certificate of completion

Learn the Skills Guarantee™

Learn the concepts and skills covered in this course or your tuition is on us. See details and terms & conditions.

Hands-on training

Work on projects proven to boost retention

Several students, sitting at computers, looking at the front of the classroom

Time-tested curriculum

Refined over many cohorts for an optimal learning experience

The teaching method at Noble Desktop is perfect and the classes provide you with infinite knowledge that makes you eager to take everything they offer. I love Noble!
—Ivonne Ackerman

Learn from experts

Experienced educators who are driven to help you succeed

Retake for free

Refresh the materials for free within one year

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24/7 access to our premium course videos and projects.
Industry experts are assigned as your course instructor. Message your instructor with any questions.
Participate in Noble online discussion forums — share ideas and receive additional support.
Hands-on quizzes and mini projects to test and reinforce concepts.

Earn a Certificate of Completion

Upon completion of this course, you’ll receive an official certificate testifying to your mastery of the curriculum. We’ll send you a link where you can download your certificate, share it online with your friends, post it to your professional network on LinkedIn, and view all your earned certificates. Congratulations on your achievement!

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Sample credential for completion of Building Your First MCP Server and Client (Self-Paced)

Building Your First MCP Server and Client (Self-Paced) Curriculum

What You'll Learn at a Glance

Explain the purpose of MCP and describe the host-client-server architecture.
Distinguish between tools, resources, and prompts, and identify when each is appropriate.
Describe how context windows affect MCP server design.
Recognize common anti-patterns in MCP server design, especially endpoint-for-endpoint REST wrappers.
Build a local MCP server in Python using FastMCP.
Design tools around outcomes and workflows rather than API structure.
Test an MCP server using the MCP Inspector and an MCP-compatible host.
Build a minimal MCP client that connects to a server, lists tools, and calls them.
Describe the basics of deploying a remote MCP server and the security considerations involved.

Course Syllabus

Download Syllabus PDF

Module 1: Introduction to MCP and Agent-Facing Design

Examine the integration problem MCP is designed to solve and how it standardizes connections between AI applications and external tools, resources, and workflows.
Review MCP architecture, including the roles of the host, client, and server.
Explore how context windows affect tool design and output design.
Identify the three main server primitives: tools, resources, and prompts.

Module 2: Why Many MCP Servers Perform Poorly

Analyze why MCP servers should not be designed as one-to-one REST wrappers and the cost of excessive tool discovery for agents.
Evaluate why agent iteration is slower and more expensive than human trial and error.
Assess how output format and schema size affect context efficiency.
Apply principles of outcome-based tool design to improve server performance.

Module 3: Build an MCP Server with FastMCP

Initialize a new FastMCP project, create a simple tool, and inspect the server with the MCP Inspector.
Review the SpaceX API and identify likely user workflows for tool design.
Build a naive version to observe anti-patterns, then refactor into a smaller, more effective toolset.
Format outputs for LLM consumption using Markdown and improve tool descriptions, matching logic, and error handling.

Module 4: Build a Minimal MCP Client

Connect to the server from a local client, discover tools via tools/list, and call tools programmatically.
Examine the handshake and tool-call lifecycle between client and server.
Observe how an LLM-driven host uses the same pattern to interact with MCP servers.

Module 5: Deployment, Security, and Ecosystem Overview

Transition from local stdio development to remote deployment, including remote transport and hosting basics.
Review security and authorization considerations for remote MCP servers.
Survey the broader MCP ecosystem, including documentation, SDKs, and registries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the target audience for this course?

Developers with application-building experience who want to understand and build with MCP. You should be comfortable with basic Python programming, running terminal commands, making HTTP requests, reading JSON responses, and working in a code editor such as VS Code. No prior MCP experience is required.

Is this course open to beginners?

Yes, this course is open to beginners. Students must be comfortable using a computer. No other prior knowledge is required.

Do you offer payment plans or student financing for this course?

This course does not qualify for payment plans or student financing. See our Payment Plan FAQ to find related programs that qualify.

How long do I have access to the course materials?

This course is available for 30 days.
You can choose when to start your access period. Once you activate, you will have 30 days to complete it (access the course materials, quizzes, projects and videos). You may request one extension of seven (7) days. Other extension requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Videos are not downloadable.

What is the cancellation and refund policy for this single course?

For this course, you are entitled to a 90% refund (your payment less the nonrefundable 10% registration fee) within 30 days of purchase if you have not accessed the course materials.

What’s included with my tuition?

A hands-on learning experience working on projects and exercises, which is proven to boost comprehension, retention, and engagement
Expert instructors who are industry professionals and experienced educators that are driven to help you succeed
Access to industry-standard software during your training
Expert support with answers to your questions from real instructors throughout your learning journey
Top-notch curricula that have been tried and tested over many years and are consistently improved for an optimal learning experience
30-day access to class recordings to review material at your own pace
A certificate of completion to verify your accomplishment

Are there any additional fees or expenses?

There are no extra fees or taxes for our courses. The price you see on this page is the maximum you’ll pay us.

Do you offer any discounts for this course?

We don’t currently offer discounts as we do our best to affordably prices our courses.

Installments
	10% non-refundable deposit
$649.00	Total You Pay