Top 10 Deployment Engineer Certifications
Updated 16 min read
Certifications are important for a deployment engineer in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge, skill, and expertise in a specific area. They can be used to verify that an engineer has the necessary qualifications to perform certain tasks. In addition, certifications can serve as a form of currency when negotiating salary and benefits with potential employers. Finally, certifications can also help an individual stand out among other applicants when applying for jobs.
This article reviews the top certifications for Deployment Engineers and outlines how they can help to advance a deployment engineer's career.
What are Deployment Engineer Certifications?
Deployment engineer certification is a professional-level certification that helps validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of those responsible for deploying solutions within an organization. This certification demonstrates an individual’s expertise in engineering and deploying IT infrastructure and applications. It also provides a deeper understanding of how to deploy systems efficiently, securely, and reliably.
The primary benefit of earning deployment engineer certification is that it can improve one's career opportunities as well as their earning potential. Certification indicates that an individual has the required knowledge to design, deploy, manage, and maintain complex IT projects. This can open up job opportunities in fields such as system administration, network engineering, application development, or data center operations. The certification can also make an individual more attractive to employers by demonstrating their technical competency in areas such as cloud computing, virtualization technologies, and storage solutions. Additionally, certified engineers are often given higher salaries than those without the certification due to their increased level of skill and expertise.
Pro Tip: When researching deployment engineer certifications, make sure to read the specific requirements of each certification and determine which one best fits your career goals. Additionally, look for certifications that offer hands-on experience or mentoring opportunities so you can get the most out of your certification.
Related: What does a Deployment Engineer do?
Top 10 Deployment Engineer Certifications
Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Deployment Engineers today.
1. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Cloud Platform and Infrastructure
Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Cloud Platform and Infrastructure is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in designing, implementing, and managing cloud-based infrastructure solutions. It validates the ability to design and implement modern data center technologies including cloud services, server infrastructure, storage, networking, virtualization, identity management, systems management and business continuity.
It typically takes around six months to complete the MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification. To get certified as an MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure you must first pass two exams: Exam 70-535: Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions; Exam 70-532: Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions. After passing both of these exams you will be awarded your MCSE certification.
The cost for the exams associated with the MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification varies depending on which country you are taking them in. Generally speaking however it can range from $165-$200 per exam.
2. Amazon Web Services Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional
Amazon Web Services Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional is a certification program that validates an individual’s expertise in deploying, managing, and operating distributed applications and systems on the Amazon Web Services (AWS) platform. It is designed for professionals who are responsible for provisioning, operating, and managing distributed application systems on the AWS platform.
It typically takes up to 3 months to prepare for this certification exam. This includes taking courses, reading materials, studying sample questions, and practicing with hands-on labs.
To get this certification you must pass the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional exam. The exam consists of multiple choice and multiple answer questions that test your knowledge of the AWS platform as well as your ability to deploy, manage, operate, and troubleshoot distributed applications on the AWS platform.
The cost of the exam varies by country but generally ranges from $300 to $400 USD.
3. Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)
Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) is a certification program offered by Red Hat, Inc. to validate the skills and knowledge of system administrators in the Linux operating system. The certification is designed to provide assurance that an individual has the necessary skills to perform essential system administration tasks.
The RHCSA exam typically takes about three hours to complete and consists of multiple choice questions. Candidates must demonstrate their ability to configure local storage, deploy and manage systems, and configure networking and security services in Red Hat Enterprise Linux environments.
In order to obtain the RHCSA certification, candidates must first register for the exam through Red Hat's website. The cost of the exam varies depending on location; however, it generally ranges from $400-500 USD. Once registered, candidates must schedule an appointment with a proctoring center or take the online proctored version of the exam.
Once all requirements are met, candidates will receive their results within two weeks after taking the exam. Those who pass will be awarded with a valid RHCSA certification that is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.
4. Puppet Certified Professional
Puppet Certified Professional is a certification program designed to recognize IT professionals who have achieved a level of expertise in the use of Puppet, an open source automation platform. The certification is awarded by Puppet, Inc., the company that develops and maintains the Puppet software.
The certification consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam covers topics such as installation and configuration of Puppet, managing nodes with Puppet, writing custom modules, and troubleshooting. The practical exam requires hands-on experience with Puppet to demonstrate knowledge in areas such as installation and configuration, managing nodes, writing custom modules, and troubleshooting.
It typically takes between one and two months to complete the certification process. To become certified, you must first register for the exams on the Puppet website. After registering for the exams, you will receive instructions on how to prepare for them. Once you are ready to take the exams, you can schedule them at any time that is convenient for you.
The cost of obtaining the Puppet Certified Professional certification varies depending on which country you are in. In the United States it costs $400 USD per exam ($800 USD total).
5. Google Cloud Platform Professional Cloud Developer
Google Cloud Platform Professional Cloud Developer is a professional-level certification that demonstrates expertise in designing, developing, and managing applications on Google Cloud Platform. It is designed to validate the skills of experienced developers who have the ability to design, develop, and manage applications on Google Cloud Platform. The exam covers topics such as deploying applications using App Engine, creating and managing Compute Engine instances, configuring storage solutions with Cloud Storage, and building data pipelines with BigQuery.
The exam takes approximately 2 hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions covering a variety of topics related to Google Cloud Platform. To receive the certification, candidates must pass the exam with a score of at least 70%.
To get the certification, you must first register for an account on the Google Cloud Platform website. After registering your account, you can purchase an exam voucher from the Google Store or from a third-party vendor. Once you have purchased your voucher, you can schedule your exam appointment through Pearson VUE.
The cost of the exam varies depending on where you purchase it from but typically ranges between $100 - $200 USD.
6. VMware Certified Professional – Data Center Virtualization (VCP-DCV)
The VMware Certified Professional – Data Center Virtualization (VCP-DCV) is a certification program designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field of virtualization. This certification validates an individual’s ability to install, configure, manage, and troubleshoot VMware vSphere environments.
It typically takes 6-8 weeks to prepare for the VCP-DCV exam. The preparation process includes studying the official course materials provided by VMware, attending instructor-led training sessions, and taking practice exams.
In order to get certified as a VCP-DCV, you must pass two exams: the VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization (VCP6-DCV) exam and the VMware Certified Associate 6 – Data Center Virtualization (VCAP6-DCV) Design exam. Both exams are available at Pearson VUE testing centers around the world.
The cost of the VCP-DCV exam varies depending on your location and currency exchange rate but typically ranges from $225 - $250 USD per exam.
7. Microsoft Azure Administrator Certification
Microsoft Azure Administrator Certification is a professional-level certification that validates an individual’s skills in managing cloud services, including deploying, configuring, and managing applications on the Microsoft Azure platform. This certification demonstrates an individual’s ability to manage resources and services in the cloud, as well as their expertise in using the tools and technologies of the Microsoft Azure platform.
The certification requires passing two exams: AZ-103 and AZ-104. The AZ-103 exam covers topics such as deploying and configuring infrastructure, implementing workloads and security, establishing identity and governance, creating storage accounts and virtual networks, designing for data protection, monitoring operations, troubleshooting common issues with Azure services. The AZ-104 exam covers topics such as implementing authentication solutions; integrating on-premises networks with Azure; managing network traffic; managing identities using Azure Active Directory; securing data with encryption; developing solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT); monitoring and optimizing performance; deploying serverless computing solutions; automating processes with PowerShell scripting.
It typically takes around 3 months to prepare for these exams depending on your experience level. You can use online resources such as Microsoft Learn or instructor led courses to help you prepare for the exams. Additionally there are practice tests available which can be used to assess your knowledge prior to taking the actual exams.
The cost of taking these two exams is $165 USD each if taken separately or $330 USD if taken together as a package deal.
8. Citrix Certified Professional – Networking (CCP-N)
Citrix Certified Professional – Networking (CCP-N) is a certification that validates the skills and knowledge of networking professionals in the design, deployment, and management of Citrix NetScaler solutions. The certification is intended for IT professionals who have experience deploying and managing Citrix NetScaler solutions in an enterprise environment.
It takes approximately four to six months to prepare for the CCP-N certification exam. To get started, it's recommended that you take a course or attend a training session on Citrix NetScaler technologies. This will help you gain the necessary knowledge and skills required to pass the exam. Additionally, you should review any available study materials and practice tests to ensure that you are prepared for the exam.
The cost of taking the CCP-N exam varies depending on where it is taken, but typically ranges from $200-$300 USD. You can register for the exam online through Pearson VUE or through your local testing center. Once you have registered, you will receive an email with instructions on how to schedule your appointment at your chosen testing center.
Once you have successfully passed the CCP-N exam, you will be awarded with a digital badge that can be used to demonstrate your expertise in Citrix NetScaler technologies. You will also be listed as a certified professional on Citrix’s website, which can help boost your professional profile and credibility within the IT industry.
9. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Routing and Switching
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Routing and Switching is a certification program designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-sized routed and switched networks. The CCNA Routing and Switching certification is ideal for those seeking entry-level network engineer roles or those looking to expand their current networking knowledge.
The CCNA Routing and Switching certification requires passing one exam: the 200-301 CCNA. This exam tests a candidate’s knowledge of networking fundamentals, routing technologies, WAN technologies, infrastructure services, infrastructure security, infrastructure management, and automation.
It typically takes about 6 months to prepare for the CCNA Routing and Switching exam. To get started on your journey towards becoming CCNA certified you will need to purchase study materials such as books or online courses from Cisco or other vendors. You will also need access to Cisco routers and switches in order to practice configuring them for the exam.
The cost of the CCNA Routing and Switching certification varies depending on where you purchase your study materials from but typically ranges between $300-$400 USD.
10. CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI
CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI is a certification program designed to validate an individual’s skills in Linux system administration. It is the only vendor-neutral, performance-based certification that covers both foundational and advanced topics in Linux system administration. This certification is administered by CompTIA and backed by the Linux Professional Institute (LPI).
The exam consists of two parts: LX0-103 and LX0-104. The total duration of the exam is 2 hours and 30 minutes, with each part taking 1 hour and 15 minutes. The cost of the exam varies depending on region, but typically ranges from $200 to $300 USD.
In order to get certified, you must pass both exams with a score of 500 or higher on each one. You can take the exams at any Pearson VUE testing center worldwide. Before registering for the exam, you should review the CompTIA website for more information about eligibility requirements and other important details.
Do You Really Need a Deployment Engineer Certificate?
The short answer is no, you do not need a deployment engineer certificate to become a successful deployment engineer. However, having a certificate can certainly help you stand out from the competition and demonstrate your commitment to the field.
A deployment engineer certificate can provide you with an in-depth understanding of the various technologies and processes related to deploying applications and systems. It will also give you the opportunity to network with other professionals in the field, which can lead to job opportunities or further training. Additionally, most employers prefer candidates who have completed some kind of specialized certification program as it shows they are serious about their profession.
At the same time, there are many other ways to gain experience and skills necessary for success in this career field. You could attend conferences and seminars, participate in online forums and communities, take courses through educational institutions or industry organizations, or even try internships or volunteer positions. All of these options will help you build up your knowledge base and get practical experience that is just as valuable as what a certificate could provide.
Ultimately, whether or not you decide to pursue a deployment engineer certificate is up to you; however, if it is something that interests you then it may be worth considering for the additional benefits it can offer.
Related: Deployment Engineer Resume Examples
FAQs About Deployment Engineer Certifications
Q1: What is a Deployment Engineer Certification?
A1: A Deployment Engineer Certification is an industry-recognized certification that validates an individual’s knowledge and experience in deploying and managing applications, systems, and networks.
Q2: How do I obtain a Deployment Engineer Certification?
A2: The process for obtaining a Deployment Engineer Certification varies depending on the provider. Generally, it involves passing an exam or completing coursework to demonstrate your proficiency in the subject matter.
Q3: What are the benefits of obtaining a Deployment Engineer Certification?
A3: There are many benefits to being certified as a deployment engineer, including increased job opportunities, higher salary potential, and greater credibility among employers. Additionally, having the certification can make you more competitive in the job market.
Q4: Is there a cost associated with obtaining a Deployment Engineer Certification?
A4: Yes, there is usually some type of cost associated with obtaining a Deployment Engineer Certification. This may include exam fees or training costs depending on the provider.
Q5: How long does it take to earn a Deployment Engineer Certification?
A5: The amount of time it takes to earn a Deployment Engineer Certification depends on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying and completing any required coursework or exams. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to complete all requirements for certification.