DevOps has emerged as a critical methodology in the realm of software development and IT operations. As organizations strive to achieve faster time-to-market, improved collaboration, and enhanced efficiency, the demand for professionals with DevOps expertise has skyrocketed. DevOps certifications play a pivotal role in validating one’s knowledge and skills in this domain, allowing individuals to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Benefits of Acquiring DevOps Certifications
- Enhanced employability: DevOps certifications demonstrate an individual’s commitment to continuous learning and professional growth, making them highly marketable in the job market.
- Improved earning potential: Organizations often reward certified DevOps professionals with higher salaries and offer them better job prospects due to their ability to contribute significantly to the organization’s success.
- Validation of expertise: Through certification, individuals can showcase their proficiency in DevOps practices, methodologies, and tools, giving employers confidence in their capabilities.
- Networking opportunities: Obtaining a certification opens doors to various professional networks and communities, enabling practitioners to collaborate, learn from each other, and stay updated with industry trends.
Top 10 DevOps Certifications of 2024
Here is a list of the top 10 DevOps certifications in 2024, based on their popularity, demand, and relevance:
- AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional
- Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)
- Docker Certified Associate (DCA)
- Exam AZ-400: Designing and Implementing Microsoft DevOps Solutions
- Puppet Certified Professional Exam
- Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS)
- Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD)
- Google Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer
- Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS)
- HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate
1. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional
For those with in-depth knowledge and practical experience developing, automating, and managing AWS DevOps solutions, the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional certification is available. This certification validates the proficiency to design, run, and resolve issues with reliable and scalable systems on the AWS platform.
2. Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)
The main emphasis of the Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) certification is Kubernetes, the most popular platform for container orchestration. It demonstrates a person’s skill in a variety of Kubernetes-related areas, such as cluster setup, upkeep, troubleshooting, and application lifecycle management.
3. Docker Certified Associate (DCA)
The Docker Certified Associate (DCA) certification is designed to validate the knowledge of a professional regarding Docker, the popular containerization platform. This certification covers essential Docker concepts, container management, image creation, and deployment, enabling individuals to effectively work with Docker environments.
4. Exam AZ-400: Designing and Implementing Microsoft DevOps Solutions
Exam AZ-400: Designing and Implementing Microsoft DevOps Solutions is a certification exam by Microsoft aimed at validating the skills and knowledge required to utilize Azure DevOps services for implementing DevOps practices within a Microsoft Azure environment. Targeted at experienced DevOps engineers proficient in Azure administration and development, as well as either Azure DevOps or GitHub, this exam encompasses diverse topics.
These include configuring processes and communications through tools like Azure Boards, Azure Pipelines, and Azure Repos; designing and implementing source control using Azure Repos and Git collaboration; setting up build and release pipelines with Azure Pipelines; crafting security and compliance plans; and implementing instrumentation strategies for monitoring application performance and health. Success in the AZ-400 exam requires the ability to design and implement DevOps solutions using Azure DevOps services, manage source control, build and release pipelines, and ensure security and compliance.
5. Puppet Certified Professional
The Puppet Certified Professional certification validates expertise in using Puppet, a popular configuration management tool, for automating infrastructure deployments. This certification assesses skills in managing Puppet environments, writing infrastructure code, and implementing scalable infrastructure solutions.
6. Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS)
A performance-based certification test, the Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS), measures your knowledge of how to install, configure, and efficiently run Linux-based systems. In-depth knowledge of system administration, user and group management, networking, file systems, processes, and services, security, and troubleshooting abilities are all assessed by this test.
Achieving LFCS certification signifies your expertise in Linux system administration, opening doors for career advancement in the IT field. To prepare effectively, it’s advisable to thoroughly review the exam objectives, utilize study guides or training courses, and gain hands-on experience by working with Linux through personal installations or cloud-based environments.
7. Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD)
The Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) offers the performance-based Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD) certification exam to measure your proficiency in designing, developing, deploying, and troubleshooting cloud-native apps on Kubernetes. It covers Kubernetes basics, pod and container administration, networking, storage, application deployment, and troubleshooting, and it is geared towards developers. Success involves competence in using Kubectl, creating and delivering cloud-native apps in Kubernetes, and troubleshooting.
The CKAD certification signifies expertise in Kubernetes and cloud-native application development. Prepare by reviewing exam objectives, using study guides or courses, and gaining hands-on Kubernetes experience. You can register for the two-hour exam on the CNCF website, and they administer it online.
8. Google Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer
The Google Professional DevOps Engineer certification validates your ability to design, build, and manage robust cloud solutions on the Google Cloud Platform (GCP). It’s intended for experienced DevOps engineers with a strong GCP understanding or those transitioning into DevOps roles. The certification exam covers GCP fundamentals, infrastructure as code, CI/CD, SRE, monitoring, logging, security, and compliance. Earning this certification demonstrates your expertise, potentially leading to career advancement and higher salaries. To prepare, study exam objectives, use available study guides or training courses, gain hands-on GCP experience, and take practice exams to assess your readiness.
9. Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS)
The CNCF offers the Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS), a performance-based credential that attests to knowledge of Kubernetes cluster and application security. It covers node, container, network, cluster, and application security, as well as observability and monitoring, and is specifically tailored for security experts. Success demands competence in putting best practices into practice, controlling security features, and fixing problems. A CKS certification can boost a security engineering career and attest to one’s proficiency with Kubernetes security. Review the exam’s objectives, utilize study materials or training, secure Kubernetes clusters on-site, and take practice examinations to get ready. The CNCF website allows for online registration and administration of the two-hour CKS test.
10. HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate
The HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate certification validates your ability to use Terraform for infrastructure as code (IaC). Terraform is an open-source tool for declarative infrastructure provisioning and management. The exam covers Terraform fundamentals, IaC concepts, modules, providers, and best practices. To pass, demonstrate proficiency in defining infrastructure as code, using modules, interacting with cloud providers and services, and applying best practices. Earning this certification showcases Terraform’s expertise in infrastructure management. Prepare by reviewing exam objectives, using study guides or training courses, gaining hands-on Terraform experience, and taking practice exams. It’s a challenging but rewarding certification.
Which DevOps Certification is the Best for You?
Your abilities, experience, and professional objectives will determine which DevOps certification is appropriate for you.
Start with a broad DevOps certification, such as the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer—Professional or the Microsoft Certified DevOps Engineer Expert, if you are new to the field.
Consider being certified in that field if you have expertise with a particular DevOps tool or technology, such as Kubernetes or Docker.
There are several tools available to guide your decision if you are unsure about which certification is best for you. You may examine online evaluations and comparisons of various certifications, speak to a DevOps mentor or career counselor, or all three.
Tips for preparing for a DevOps Certification
It is crucial to study for the test after deciding on a DevOps certification. Here are a few pointers:
Exam Objectives Should be Read
You may learn about the subjects included in the test by reading the exam objectives. Before taking the test, make sure you are knowledgeable about all of the subjects.
You Should Test Out
Online and in printed publications, you may find a ton of practice examinations. A good technique to assess your knowledge and determine any topics that require extra study is to take a practice test.
Participate in a Study Group
You can stay motivated and benefit from one another’s knowledge when you study in a group.
Go to a Training Session
Various training programs offer DevOps certifications. You may learn information and get ready for exams by enrolling in training sessions.
FAQs
The following frequently asked questions are listed regarding DevOps certifications:
Are DevOps credentials required for a lucrative career in the industry?
Although certifications are not a requirement, they significantly help with career advancement in DevOps by enhancing employability and validating abilities.
Can I pursue many DevOps certifications at once?
Yes, you may work towards many certificates at once.We must balance the workload, and we must adequately prepare each certificate.
Do DevOps certifications have any prerequisites?
Prerequisites vary depending on the certification. Some certifications may require prior experience or knowledge in specific technologies or methodologies, while others may have no explicit prerequisites.
Conclusion
DevOps certifications offer valuable advantages in today’s tech landscape, including improved employability and earning potential. The top 10 certifications cater to diverse career goals and levels of expertise. Choose the one that aligns with your background and ambitions, prepare diligently, and consider taking practice exams and training courses for success. While not mandatory, certifications provide a competitive edge. Preparation duration varies, and pursuing multiple certifications is possible with careful planning. Prerequisites vary by certification, so review specific requirements before starting your DevOps certification journey.
As the DevOps field continues to evolve, staying updated on the latest certifications is crucial, and this guide serves as an indispensable tool for professionals looking to make informed decisions about their career paths.