By integrating software development with IT operations, the DevOps approach effectively reduces the development cycle, enabling teams to consistently and rapidly deliver top-notch software. As this advantageous approach gains wider recognition, the demand for adept DevOps experts continues to rise.
In addition to practical experience, one of the most effective methods to acquire and demonstrate these competencies is by obtaining DevOps certifications. This guide will present a selection of the most esteemed DevOps certifications for both developers and professionals seeking to progress in this thriving and expanding industry, enabling you to attain the acknowledgment, roles, financial rewards, and job stability you aspire to achieve.
IBM DevOps and Software Engineering Professional Certificate
If you’re seeking an entry-level certification that doesn’t demand any prior experience but can kickstart your journey toward a career as a DevOps software engineer, your ideal choice is the IBM DevOps and Software Engineering Professional Certificate.
This DevOps certification offers a practical, in-demand skill set that can prepare you to enter the workforce in just four months. There’s no prerequisite for a college degree or prior programming experience. All that’s necessary is a foundational understanding of IT and computers, along with the commitment to allocate ten hours per week at your own pace to attain this DevOps certification.
The IBM DevOps and Software Engineering Professional Certificate equips you for a rewarding and highly sought-after career in DevOps engineering. Upon successful completion of this certification, you’ll be well-positioned to pursue and vie for coveted roles like entry-level software engineer, junior DevOps engineer, DevOps engineer, and junior cloud-native software engineer.
The DevOps certification program comprises 14 courses, commencing with an Introduction to DevOps, followed by topics like Introduction to Agile Development and Scrum, Getting Started with Git and GitHub, Introduction to Containers featuring Docker, Kubernetes, and OpenShift, Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD), Application Security, Monitoring, and several others. The culmination of this certification entails a practical Capstone project where you can demonstrate your proficiency in software engineering and DevOps, ultimately earning your certification.
Docker Certified Associate (DCA)
Understanding container configuration and administration is an essential skill for individuals aspiring to thrive in the field of DevOps.
Docker, a highly popular container runtime platform, plays a pivotal role in this domain, making the attainment of a Docker Certified Associate (DCA) certification a significant step for those who wish to embark on or progress in their careers as DevOps professionals. The DCA exam assesses your proficiency in Docker through practical questions designed by experienced Docker experts. Attaining a Docker Certified Associate certification adds a prestigious qualification to your CV, opening doors to opportunities in the role of a DevOps engineer or advancement in your current career. This certification is particularly well-suited for professionals engaged with the Docker platform, as well as DevOps engineers and software developers.
Obtaining and successfully completing the DCA exam offers several advantages. These encompass an official certification that serves as a testament to your Docker expertise, accompanied by a digital certificate displaying the Docker Certified Associate logo. This certification can be readily verified online by prospective employers, enhancing your professional credibility. Additionally, achieving the Docker Certified status grants you access to a network of Docker Certified professionals, which can broaden your prospects for career opportunities.
To be eligible for the DCA DevOps certification, candidates should have accumulated six to twelve months of prior experience with Docker. The examination fee is set at $195, and you can expect to receive your results immediately upon completion.
Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)
The Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) certification stands out as a top choice for DevOps professionals due to its ability to enhance skills on a widely acclaimed open-source container-based platform. A considerable number of DevOps experts rely on Kubernetes for service management, workload orchestration, and deployment automation. By obtaining the CKA certification, individuals can effectively mirror these capabilities while progressively accumulating the expertise and experience required for a long-lasting career in DevOps.
The CKA certification primarily targets Kubernetes administrators, cloud administrators, and other IT specialists responsible for the management of Kubernetes instances. Prior to enrolling in this DevOps certification, it is essential to possess a foundational understanding of Kubernetes. Upon successful completion of the two-hour online examination, candidates can demonstrate their proficiency, knowledge, and competencies, reinforcing their capacity to execute the responsibilities of a Kubernetes administrator to their current organization or prospective employers.
The cost of the CKA exam amounts to $395, which includes the added benefit of a complimentary retake. The examination entails problem-solving tasks conducted through a command-line interface and encompasses a broad spectrum of topics, including workloads and scheduling, cluster architecture installation and configuration, services and networking, troubleshooting, and storage management.
Puppet Certified Professional
Puppet, a widely adopted system management tool, empowers over 40,000 organizations across the globe to automate and oversee their server configurations. This capability enables them to swiftly implement infrastructure changes and enhance the quality of their software. The Puppet Certified Professional certification is an invaluable credential for IT professionals and DevOps engineers seeking to demonstrate their hands-on experience and technical proficiency with this automation software.
Prospective candidates pursuing this DevOps certification are strongly encouraged to possess prior knowledge of Puppet. If you are new to this automation tool, we recommend completing the introductory courses “Getting Started with Puppet” and “Puppet Practitioner” before enrolling in this certification program.
Obtaining the Puppet Certified Professional certification comes at a cost of $200, and it stands as one of the premier certifications in the field of DevOps. The examination evaluates your grasp of various Puppet-related topics, including Puppet concepts, orchestration and tasks, administration, programming language usage, classification strategies, working with environments, module development, and troubleshooting code.
AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is often hailed as the premier cloud computing platform, and it comes as no surprise that the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional certification stands as one of the most sought-after qualifications for prospective job candidates.
Inclusion of this DevOps certification on your curriculum vitae serves as a testament to your proficiency and expertise in orchestrating, operating, and overseeing the management of distributed application systems within the Amazon Web Services ecosystem. It not only bolsters your reputation but also instills assurance and trust among your peers, clientele, and stakeholders. Moreover, for organizations, the presence of a certified DevOps professional within their ranks assures the swift deployment of scalable, highly available, secure, and compliant systems.
Renowned as a leading certification in the DevOps domain, the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional credential is specifically tailored for individuals with a minimum of two years’ hands-on experience in AWS environments. It is advisable for candidates to possess prior knowledge in system administration, the establishment of automated infrastructures, proficiency in high-level programming languages, and a comprehensive grasp of the latest operational and developmental methodologies and processes, among other prerequisites.
Acquiring the DevOps certification entails the successful completion of the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional examination. This comprehensive assessment is a multiple-choice/response format test, allowing 180 minutes for completion and comprising 75 questions, with an associated cost of $300.
Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert
DevOps engineers hold a pivotal role in facilitating the continuous delivery of value for organizations. These professionals, whether experienced infrastructure administrators or developers, are well-versed in managing processes, tools, and collaborative efforts. They are often integral members of cross-functional teams, collaborating with Azure administrators, developers, and site reliability engineers.
In the capacity of a DevOps engineer, one assumes a wide spectrum of responsibilities. These include formulating and executing strategies pertaining to infrastructure, continuous integration, code management, team collaboration, source control, testing, deployment, monitoring, feedback mechanisms, as well as security and compliance measures. If this multifaceted role resonates with you and you aspire to either become a DevOps engineer or advance your career in this field, then pursuing the Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert certification can be a worthwhile objective.
To embark on this certification journey, there are certain prerequisites. It is essential to have a foundational understanding of GitHub and Azure DevOps. Additionally, candidates should possess hands-on experience in Azure administration and development. Moreover, holding one of the following certifications is recommended: Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate or Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate.
Becoming a Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert necessitates successfully passing the Exam AZ-400: Designing and Implementing Microsoft DevOps Solutions. This examination, priced at $165, evaluates your proficiency in various technical tasks, including the design and implementation of source control systems, the configuration of process workflows and communication channels, the establishment of efficient build and release pipelines, the development of instrumentation strategies, and the formulation of comprehensive security and compliance plans.
What to Look for in DevOps Certifications
When in pursuit of the ideal DevOps certification, it’s essential to factor in your career aspirations and the current demand from employers. The most reputable DevOps certifications are typically provided by well-established organizations. They offer a practical, hands-on approach and are led by top-tier instructors who possess not only relevant teaching qualifications but also valuable industry experience.
It’s crucial to meticulously scrutinize the content and curriculum of the DevOps certification program. The chosen certification should be in alignment with your specific skill and knowledge objectives while remaining up-to-date with the latest industry trends. For those who grapple with time constraints, seeking a self-paced, online DevOps certification may be the most accommodating solution.
Budget considerations also play a pivotal role. Ensure that the cost of the certification falls within your financial means. It’s advisable to read reviews and testimonials online to gauge whether the certification is indeed a worthwhile investment in your professional journey.
Lastly, evaluate the prerequisites for the certification to ensure that your existing knowledge and experience adequately match the requirements for pursuing DevOps certification.