Top 11 DevOps Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for a DevOps engineer in the job market because they demonstrate that the engineer has the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in a DevOps role. Certifications provide employers with an objective measure of an individual’s technical ability, as well as their commitment to staying up-to-date on the latest industry trends. Becoming certified can also help engineers demonstrate their value to potential employers, which can increase their chances of landing a desirable job. Additionally, certifications can help DevOps engineers stand out from other candidates and prove that they have what it takes to succeed in the field.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for DevOps Engineers and explains how they can contribute to a devops engineer's career.

What are DevOps Engineer Certifications?

DevOps Engineer certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals gain the knowledge and skills they need to become successful DevOps engineers. The program focuses on the technical aspects of DevOps, such as automation, continuous integration/delivery, infrastructure as code, cloud computing, and monitoring. It also covers the cultural and organizational aspects of DevOps, such as collaboration, communication, and learning. By completing this certification program, individuals can demonstrate their mastery of the knowledge and skills required to be successful in a DevOps role.

The benefits of becoming certified as a DevOps engineer are numerous. First of all, it gives professionals tangible proof that they have achieved an advanced level of understanding in the field. This can be very beneficial when applying for jobs or negotiating salary increases. Secondly, it provides individuals with access to resources from leading industry organizations such as Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF), Linux Foundation (LF), OpenStack Foundation (OSF) and others which can help them stay up-to-date with the latest trends in DevOps technologies. Finally, having a certificate from a reputable organization is often seen as an indication that an individual has invested significant time and effort into their own personal development which will be attractive to potential employers or customers.

Pro Tip: When pursuing a DevOps Engineer certification, make sure to prioritize the certifications that are most relevant to your job or the job you’re targeting. Different certifications can have different levels of difficulty and time requirements, so make sure you research them thoroughly before committing to any one program.

Related: What does a DevOps Engineer do?

Top 11 DevOps Engineer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to DevOps Engineers today.

1. AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional

AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional is a certification program that validates an individual’s knowledge and experience in deploying, managing, and operating applications on the Amazon Web Services (AWS) platform. It is designed for individuals who have two or more years of hands-on experience working with AWS technologies. The certification covers topics such as automation, security, monitoring, and cost optimization.

The exam takes approximately 180 minutes to complete and consists of multiple choice and multiple answer questions. To prepare for the exam, candidates should have a good understanding of AWS services such as EC2, S3, CloudFormation, Elastic Beanstalk, Lambda, DynamoDB, IAM roles and policies, VPCs and Security Groups. Candidates should also be familiar with automation tools such as Chef or Puppet.

The cost of the exam varies by region but typically ranges from $300 to $400 USD. Candidates can register for the exam through the AWS Certification website. Once registered for the exam, candidates will receive an email with instructions on how to access their online testing account.

2. Azure DevOps Solutions Certification

Azure DevOps Solutions Certification is a professional certification from Microsoft that validates your expertise in using Azure DevOps to deliver value in the form of services, tools, and processes. It is designed for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their ability to design and implement DevOps practices in their organization.

The certification consists of two exams: AZ-400: Microsoft Azure DevOps Solutions and AZ-500: Microsoft Azure Security Technologies. The AZ-400 exam focuses on developing and implementing DevOps strategies, while the AZ-500 exam covers security technologies related to Azure cloud services.

It typically takes around four months to prepare for both exams. To get certified, you need to pass both exams within 12 months of each other. You can take the exams at any Pearson VUE test center or online proctored exam. The cost of the certification varies depending on your location; however, it generally costs around $165 USD per exam.

3. Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer

Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer is a certification program designed to help individuals demonstrate their expertise in deploying applications and services on the Google Cloud Platform. The certification validates an individual’s ability to design, develop, manage, and maintain cloud applications and services on the Google Cloud Platform.

It typically takes between 8-10 weeks to complete the required training and pass the exam. To get certified, you must first take a series of courses offered by Google or other authorized training providers. You will then need to pass the Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer exam with a score of 80% or higher.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on your location and whether you choose to take it online or at an in-person testing center. Generally speaking, it costs around $200 USD for the online version of the exam and $400 USD for the in-person version.

4. Red Hat Certified Specialist in Ansible Automation

Red Hat Certified Specialist in Ansible Automation is a certification program that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in using Ansible to automate the deployment, configuration, and management of systems and applications. This certification is designed for system administrators, automation engineers, DevOps engineers, and other IT professionals who are responsible for automating tasks with Ansible.

To get the Red Hat Certified Specialist in Ansible Automation certification, you will need to pass the EX407 exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as installation of Ansible, creating playbooks and roles, managing inventories, running ad hoc commands, troubleshooting Ansible deployments, and more. The exam typically takes two hours to complete and costs $400 USD.

In order to prepare for the EX407 exam it is recommended that you have prior experience with Linux administration as well as experience with using Red Hat Enterprise Linux or CentOS. Additionally, you should have some experience working with Ansible either through self-study or through a training course such as Red Hat's "Automation with Ansible I" (DO407).

5. Puppet Certified Professional DevOps Engineer

Puppet Certified Professional DevOps Engineer is a certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of professionals working in the DevOps field. The certification covers topics such as Puppet Enterprise, configuration management, automation, and infrastructure as code. It also includes an understanding of the principles of DevOps culture and practices.

The Puppet Certified Professional DevOps Engineer exam is a two-hour exam consisting of 60 multiple-choice questions. To earn the certification, candidates must achieve a passing score of 70% or higher.

To get certified, candidates must first register for the exam with Puppet. After registering for the exam, they will be directed to Pearson VUE to select an available date and time for their exam. Candidates must then pay the $400 USD fee before they can schedule their exam.

Once registered and paid, candidates will receive an email from Puppet with instructions on how to access their online practice exams and study materials. Candidates are encouraged to use these resources to prepare for their upcoming exam.

The cost of becoming a Puppet Certified Professional DevOps Engineer is $400 USD per attempt at the exam.

6. Chef Certified DevOps Engineer

Chef Certified DevOps Engineer is a certification program offered by Chef Software, Inc. that validates a professional's ability to deploy and manage applications in a cloud environment. It is designed for individuals who have experience with Chef, an open source configuration management tool, and want to demonstrate their skills in deploying and managing applications using the Chef platform.

The certification process consists of two exams: the Certified DevOps Engineer Exam (CDE) and the Advanced Certified DevOps Engineer Exam (ACDE). The CDE exam tests knowledge of core concepts such as infrastructure automation, application deployment, security, and scalability. The ACDE exam tests advanced concepts such as orchestration, continuous delivery pipelines, and monitoring.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to complete the certification process depending on how quickly you can study and prepare for the exams. You can find study materials online or attend instructor-led training courses to help you prepare for the exams.

The cost of the certification program varies depending on where you take it from but generally ranges from $1,000 - $2,000 USD.

7. Docker Certified Associate (DCA)

Docker Certified Associate (DCA) is a certification program designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their understanding of Docker and its related technologies. It is an entry-level certification that validates a candidate’s knowledge in the fundamentals of container-based application development, deployment, and management.

The exam consists of 60 multiple choice questions and takes 90 minutes to complete. The exam covers topics such as installation and configuration, image creation, container execution and networking, security, orchestration, and more.

To get the DCA certification, you must first register for the exam on the Docker website. Once registered, you will be given access to a practice exam that can help you prepare for the actual exam. After passing the practice exam with 80% or higher accuracy, you can then take the official DCA certification exam.

The cost of taking the DCA certification exam is $195 USD.

8. Microsoft Certified: Azure DevOps Engineer Expert

Microsoft Certified: Azure DevOps Engineer Expert is a certification that demonstrates expertise in DevOps processes and practices on Microsoft Azure. It validates a person’s ability to design and implement DevOps strategies, as well as their knowledge of the tools and services available on the Azure platform.

The certification requires passing two exams: AZ-400: Designing and Implementing Microsoft DevOps Solutions, and AZ-303: Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies. The AZ-400 exam focuses on designing and implementing DevOps strategies, while the AZ-303 exam covers the core technologies used in the Azure platform.

It typically takes 6-12 months to prepare for these exams depending on individual experience with Azure. To get started, it is recommended to take an introductory course such as Microsoft’s “Developing Solutions with Microsoft Azure” or “Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions” before attempting either exam. Additionally, there are online resources available from Microsoft Learning that can help you prepare for each exam.

The cost of taking each exam varies by region but typically ranges between $165-$200 USD per exam.

9. CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI

CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI is an industry-recognized certification that validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals who use the Linux operating system. It is a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as system installation, configuration, networking, security, and troubleshooting. The exam also includes questions on scripting and automation tools.

The CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI certification requires two exams to be taken: LX0-103 and LX0-104. Each exam consists of 90 multiple choice questions and must be completed within 90 minutes. Candidates must pass both exams in order to earn the certification.

To get CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI certified, you will need to register for the exams through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. The cost of each exam is $226 USD. In total, it will cost approximately $452 USD to become CompTIA Linux+ certified.

It typically takes around two weeks to receive your results after taking the exams; however, this may vary depending on your testing center’s processing time. Once you have passed both exams, you will receive an email from CompTIA confirming your certification status and providing instructions on how to access your digital badge and certificate.

10. CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ is an internationally recognized certification that validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals in information security. It is designed to ensure that IT professionals have the skills and expertise necessary to secure a network and protect data from threats. The certification covers topics such as network security, compliance and operational security, threats and vulnerabilities, access control and identity management, cryptography, and more.

The CompTIA Security+ exam typically takes 90 minutes to complete and consists of 90 multiple-choice questions. To become certified, individuals must pass the exam with a score of 750 or higher on a 100-point scale.

To get CompTIA Security+, you will need to register for the exam through CompTIA's website. You can also purchase study materials from third-party vendors to help prepare for the exam.

The cost of the CompTIA Security+ exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically ranges from $250-$350 USD.

11. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is an entry-level certification for individuals who want to learn the basics of IT service management. It is designed to give a basic understanding of the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) and how it can be used to improve the quality of IT services. This certification is offered by AXELOS, a joint venture between the UK government and Capita plc.

The ITIL Foundation Certification consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical assessment. The written exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions which must be completed within 60 minutes. The practical assessment involves completing tasks related to service management processes such as incident management, problem management, change management, and configuration management.

In order to obtain the ITIL Foundation Certification, you must pass both the written exam and the practical assessment with a minimum score of 65%. The cost for taking the exams varies depending on where you take them but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD. You can find more information about pricing at your local testing center or online at AXELOS’ website.

It usually takes around 4-6 weeks to complete all requirements for obtaining the ITIL Foundation Certification. This includes studying for and taking both exams as well as completing any additional coursework or training required by your testing center or employer.

Do You Really Need a DevOps Engineer Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a DevOps Engineer certificate to become a successful DevOps engineer. There are many paths to becoming a DevOps engineer and each path has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

However, for those looking to break into the DevOps field, there are certain benefits that come with having a DevOps Engineer certificate. A certificate from an accredited institution shows potential employers that you have the technical understanding of DevOps principles and processes as well as the knowledge of how to properly apply them in a real-world setting.

Having a certificate also gives you an edge over other applicants who may be applying for the same job but lack in experience or technical know-how. It can help demonstrate your commitment to learning and developing your skillset, which can be beneficial when competing against other applicants with similar backgrounds.

In addition, having a DevOps Engineer certificate can open up opportunities for networking and mentorship within the industry. Many professionals working in the DevOps space actively seek out new talent and potential hires who have taken the time to invest in their education and learn about this rapidly growing field. Having a certified DevOps Engineer on staff can also give employers more confidence in their team’s ability to deploy robust systems quickly and efficiently.

Overall, whether or not you need a DevOps Engineer certificate depends largely on your individual goals and career aspirations. If you’re looking to break into the field or stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs, then getting certified could be worth considering. However, if you already have some experience under your belt or already feel confident about your technical abilities, then it may not be necessary for you to pursue certification at this time.

Related: DevOps Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About DevOps Engineer Certifications

Q1. What is a DevOps Engineer Certification?

A1. A DevOps Engineer Certification is a professional certification that validates an individual's knowledge and skills in the areas of system administration, automation, monitoring, and other core DevOps practices. It is typically awarded by an accredited organization or institution after successful completion of a certification exam.

Q2. Is a DevOps Engineer Certification necessary?

A2. While it is not necessary to have a DevOps Engineer Certification in order to work as a DevOps engineer, having one can be beneficial for those looking to advance their career and demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in the field.

Q3. How much does it cost to get certified as a DevOps Engineer?

A3. The cost of getting certified as a DevOps Engineer can vary depending on the certification program chosen and other factors such as study materials and exam fees. Generally speaking, the cost can range anywhere from $500USD - $2,000USD or more depending on the program chosen.

Q4. How long does it take to become certified as a DevOps Engineer?

A4. The amount of time needed to become certified as a DevOps Engineer will depend on factors such as experience level, course load taken, and other variables such as studying for the exam itself; however, most programs are designed to be completed within six months or less with full-time dedication and effort applied towards completing all required coursework and passing the certification exam successfully.

Q5. Are there any prerequisites for getting certified as a DevOps Engineer?

A5: Yes, most certification programs require applicants to have prior experience in software development or systems administration before applying; some also require applicants to pass certain exams or complete certain courses before being accepted into the program itself.