Top 11 Operations Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for an operations engineer in the job market as they demonstrate a certain level of expertise and experience in the field. Employers look for candidates with certifications when hiring operations engineers because it shows that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their job duties effectively. Certified operations engineers are more likely to be considered for higher-level positions, given the fact that they have proven their technical proficiency. Additionally, certifications give operations engineers an edge over other applicants who do not possess them, making them more attractive to employers.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Operations Engineers and explains how they can contribute to an operations engineer's career growth.

What are Operations Engineer Certifications?

Operations Engineer certification is a professional certification that recognizes the ability of an individual to effectively manage, support, and maintain computer systems and networks. This certification demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to design, develop, implement, and maintain IT operations for both large and small organizations.

Having an Operations Engineer certification can help individuals stand out in their field as having the technical know-how to keep their organization’s IT systems running smoothly and securely. It also serves as a valuable asset when applying for jobs or promotions in the IT industry. The knowledge acquired from obtaining this certification can be applied to any environment that requires an understanding of IT operations. Additionally, it allows individuals to better understand how their organization’s systems work together so they can provide more effective solutions when issues arise.

Overall, Operations Engineer certification is a great way for individuals who are looking to advance their career in IT operations management to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to the field. This certification provides evidence of proficiency in system maintenance, security protocols, disaster recovery planning, network architecture design, performance optimization techniques, and more. With this kind of experience under your belt you will be able to confidently meet the needs of employers while also providing a competitive edge over other applicants or colleagues.

Pro Tip: Invest in a comprehensive operations engineer certification program to ensure you have the knowledge and skills necessary to become an effective operations engineer. Look for a program that provides hands-on training, as well as interactive activities and real-world scenarios that can help you develop your problem-solving skills. Also, make sure the program is accredited by a reputable organization so that your certification is recognized by employers.

Related: What does an Operations Engineer do?

Top 11 Operations Engineer Certifications

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

1. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates a technician’s skills in areas such as installation, preventative maintenance, networking, security and troubleshooting of computer hardware and software. It is designed to demonstrate competency in the skills required for entry-level IT jobs.

The CompTIA A+ certification consists of two exams: 220-1001 (Core 1) and 220-1002 (Core 2). The exams cover topics such as mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualization and cloud computing, hardware and network troubleshooting, and operational procedures.

It typically takes around three months to prepare for the CompTIA A+ certification exams. During this time you should review the material covered on the exam by studying textbooks or taking online courses. You will also need to practice with sample tests to get familiar with the exam format.

To get certified you will need to register for the exams through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. The cost of each exam varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $119-$219 USD per exam.

Once you have passed both exams you will receive your official CompTIA A+ certification which is valid for three years before needing renewal.

2. CompTIA Network+ Certification

CompTIA Network+ is an internationally recognized certification that validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals in networking technologies. It is designed to provide a foundation for a career in network administration, support, and engineering. The certification covers topics such as network architecture, security, troubleshooting, and operations.

The CompTIA Network+ certification exam typically takes about 90 minutes to complete and costs $329 USD. To get the certification, you must pass the exam with a score of 720 or higher on a scale of 100-900. You can prepare for the exam by taking an approved training course or studying independently using books or online resources.

In order to maintain your CompTIA Network+ certification, you must recertify every three years by passing the current version of the exam or earning Continuing Education Units (CEUs). CEUs are earned through activities such as attending conferences, authoring books or articles related to networking technologies, teaching courses related to networking technologies, and participating in professional development activities related to networking technologies.

3. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Server Infrastructure

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Server Infrastructure is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in designing, deploying, and managing IT solutions based on Microsoft Windows Server 2012. This certification validates the knowledge and skills required to manage and maintain a Windows Server 2012 environment, including server infrastructure, identity management, systems management, virtualization, storage, and networking.

How long does it take to get it? It typically takes about 6-12 months of preparation to pass the MCSE: Server Infrastructure exam. The amount of time required may vary depending on the individual's experience with Windows Server 2012.

How to get it? To earn the MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification, you must pass one core exam and two elective exams. The core exam covers topics such as installation, configuration, deployment, and maintenance of Windows Server 2012. The elective exams cover topics such as Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS), Advanced Networking Infrastructure (ANI), DirectAccess & VPN (DAVPN), Hyper-V Virtualization (HVV), System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) 2012/2016/2019 & Operations Manager (SCOM) 2016/2019.

How much does it cost? The cost for each exam varies depending on the location but typically ranges from $125-$165 USD per exam. Additionally there are other costs associated with studying for the exams such as books or online courses which can range from $50-$200 USD depending on the resources used.

4. AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate

AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate is an Amazon Web Services (AWS) certification that validates a candidate’s expertise in deploying, managing and operating applications on the AWS platform. This certification demonstrates that the candidate has the skills and knowledge to deploy, manage, and operate distributed application systems on the AWS platform.

The AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate exam is designed for individuals who are responsible for managing and operating systems on the AWS platform. The exam covers four domains: Monitoring and Reporting; Security; Networking; Automation and Optimization.

It typically takes about 8-10 hours to prepare for the exam depending on your experience with AWS services. It is recommended to have at least one year of hands-on experience with AWS before attempting this certification. Additionally, it is also recommended to take an online course or attend an instructor led training class to gain more knowledge about the topics covered in the exam.

The cost of taking the exam varies by country but generally ranges from $150-$300 USD. You can register for the exam through Pearson VUE or directly through Amazon Web Services (AWS).

5. Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)

Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) is a certification from Red Hat, Inc., a leading provider of open source solutions. The RHCSA certification is designed to validate the knowledge and skills required to perform the core system administration tasks on Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. It is an entry-level certification that covers basic system administration tasks such as installing and configuring systems, managing users and groups, managing storage, setting up network services, and troubleshooting.

It typically takes between one to three months to prepare for the RHCSA exam depending on your experience level and study habits. To get the RHCSA certification you must pass the Red Hat Certified System Administrator Exam (EX200). The exam consists of performance-based items that require you to demonstrate your knowledge in real-world scenarios using Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7.

The cost of the exam varies depending on location but typically ranges between $400 - $500 USD.

6. Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Windows Server 2016

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Windows Server 2016 is a certification that validates the skills and knowledge necessary to manage, maintain, and deploy Windows Server 2016. It is designed for IT professionals who have experience with Windows Server 2016 and want to demonstrate their expertise in the field.

The MCSA: Windows Server 2016 certification requires passing two exams: Exam 70-740: Installation, Storage, and Compute with Windows Server 2016; and Exam 70-741: Networking with Windows Server 2016. These exams cover topics such as installation, configuration, storage, networking, virtualization, identity management, security, and more.

It typically takes around three months of preparation to obtain the MCSA: Windows Server 2016 certification. The amount of time required may vary depending on the individual's prior experience with Windows Server 2016 and other related technologies.

To get the MCSA: Windows Server 2016 certification, you must pass both exams mentioned above. You can register for these exams online or through a testing center near you. The cost of each exam varies by region but typically ranges from $150 - $200 USD per exam.

In addition to passing the exams, you must also have at least six months of hands-on experience working with Windows Server 2016 before you can be certified as an MCSA: Windows Server 2016 professional.

7. Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Data Center

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Data Center is a professional-level certification program offered by Cisco Systems. It is designed to validate an individual's knowledge and skills in data center technologies, including networking, storage, unified computing, virtualization, security, and automation.

To obtain the CCNP Data Center certification, you must pass two exams: Cisco Certified Network Professional Data Center (DCID) and Cisco Certified Network Professional Data Center Troubleshooting (DCTS). Both exams are 90 minutes long and consist of multiple-choice questions.

The cost of the CCNP Data Center certification varies depending on the country you are located in. Generally speaking, it costs around $300 USD for both exams. It usually takes about six months to complete all of the necessary study material and prepare for the exams.

To get started with the CCNP Data Center certification process, you will need to register for an account on the Cisco Learning Network website. Once registered, you can access study materials such as practice tests and exam preparation guides. Additionally, there are several online courses available that provide comprehensive training on data center technologies. After completing your studies and passing both exams, you will be awarded your CCNP Data Center certification.

8. VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization (VCP6-DCV)

VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization (VCP6-DCV) is a certification program designed to validate an individual’s skills and knowledge in deploying, configuring, managing, and troubleshooting VMware vSphere 6.x environments. The VCP6-DCV certification requires that the candidate pass two exams: a foundation exam and an advanced exam.

The foundation exam is the VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization (VCP6-DCV) Exam (2V0-621D). This exam tests the candidate’s understanding of basic vSphere concepts such as networking, storage, virtual machines, security, availability, scalability and resource management.

The advanced exam is the VMware Certified Advanced Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization Deployment (VCAP6-DCV Deploy) Exam (3V0-622). This exam tests the candidate’s ability to design and deploy a vSphere environment based on customer requirements. It also covers installation and configuration of vCenter Server components and other related technologies such as vRealize Automation, NSX and Cloud Management Platforms.

It typically takes about three months to complete both exams depending on the amount of time available for studying. To get certified, candidates must register for each exam through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. The cost of each exam varies by region but generally ranges from $125 - $250 USD per exam.

9. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is an entry-level certification offered by the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL). It is designed to provide professionals with a basic understanding of the ITIL framework and how it can be used to improve service delivery. The certification covers topics such as service strategy, service design, service transition, service operations, continual service improvement and more.

The ITIL Foundation Certification typically takes about three days to complete. It consists of a mix of lectures, exercises and assessments that cover all aspects of the ITIL framework. To obtain the certification, candidates must pass a 60-minute multiple choice exam with at least 65% correct answers. The exam is administered through PeopleCert or Axelos Accredited Training Organizations (ATOs).

The cost of obtaining an ITIL Foundation Certification varies depending on the provider and location. In general, it costs around $500-$700 USD for the training course and exam fees. However, some providers may offer discounts or special offers which could reduce this cost significantly.

In addition to the cost of obtaining the certification itself, there may also be additional costs associated with travel and accommodation if attending an in-person course.

10. Linux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC) Level 1 & 2

Linux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC) is an internationally recognized certification program that verifies the skills and knowledge of Linux system administrators. LPIC-1 is the entry-level certification and LPIC-2 is the advanced level.

LPIC-1 covers basic system administration tasks such as installation, configuration, maintenance, security, networking, and troubleshooting of Linux systems. It also covers topics like Bash shell scripting, package management, and system services.

LPIC-2 covers more advanced topics such as network services like DNS and web servers, file systems and storage management, system performance tuning, virtualization techniques, and security policies.

It usually takes around 6 months to prepare for the LPIC exams depending on your current knowledge level. You can take a course or self-study using online resources such as books or videos. The cost of taking the exam varies from country to country but is usually around $200-$300 per exam.

11. Google Cloud Platform Fundamentals: Core Infrastructure

Google Cloud Platform Fundamentals: Core Infrastructure is a comprehensive set of tools and services that help organizations build, deploy, and manage their applications on Google Cloud Platform. It includes the following components:

1. Compute Engine: Compute Engine is a virtual machine service that allows organizations to run their applications on virtual machines hosted in Google’s data centers. It provides a wide range of instance sizes and types, allowing customers to select the best option for their needs. Compute Engine also offers advanced features such as autoscaling and load balancing.

2. Storage and Databases: Google Cloud Platform offers a variety of storage solutions including block storage, object storage, relational databases, NoSQL databases, and more. These services are designed to meet the needs of any application or workload.

3. Networking Services: Google Cloud Platform provides networking services such as Virtual Private Clouds (VPCs), load balancers, DNS services, firewalls, VPNs, and more. These services allow customers to securely connect their applications with each other and with external resources such as users or other cloud providers.

4. Security Services: Google Cloud Platform provides a variety of security services including identity management, access control lists (ACLs), encryption at rest/in transit options for data stored in its cloud environment, logging/monitoring capabilities for applications running on its platform, and more.

5. Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence Services: Google Cloud Platform offers several machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) services that can be used to develop ML models or AI-powered applications quickly and easily without having to learn complex coding languages or algorithms from scratch.

Getting started with Core Infrastructure typically takes about an hour depending on the complexity of the application being deployed but can take longer if additional features are needed or if custom configurations are required. The cost of Core Infrastructure depends on the types of resources used by your application but generally starts at around $0.04 per hour for basic usage levels up to around $0.20 per hour for higher usage levels depending on the type of resource used by your application (e.g., compute engine instances).

Do You Really Need a Operations Engineer Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need an operations engineer certificate to become an operations engineer. However, having a certificate can be beneficial to your career. It can help demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the field of operations engineering and give you an edge over other job applicants.

An operations engineer certificate program will typically include courses in systems engineering, project management, process optimization, data analysis, quality assurance, and more. The coursework will also introduce you to relevant software tools used in the industry and provide hands-on experience with them. This type of education can give you the confidence and skillset needed to excel as an operations engineer.

Having a certificate may also open doors for higher-level roles within the field of operations engineering that may otherwise be closed off without certification or specialized education. Having a certificate can show employers that you have gone beyond basic training and have invested in yourself by taking the time to gain additional expertise in this area.

Overall, while having an operations engineer certificate is not required to become an operations engineer, it can be beneficial if you are looking to advance your career or demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the field.

Related: Operations Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Operations Engineer Certifications

Q1. What Are the Requirements for an Operations Engineer Certification?

A1. The requirements for an operations engineer certification vary depending on the type of certification you are seeking. Generally, most certifications require a combination of experience, education, and technical knowledge in areas such as systems engineering, network engineering, software development and more.

Q2. How Long Does It Take to Get Certified as an Operations Engineer?

A2. Most certifications can be earned within a few months if you have prior experience in the field and complete the necessary coursework or exams required to gain certification. However, it can take up to two years or longer if you are starting from scratch with no prior experience or education in the field.

Q3. What Are Some Common Certifications for Operations Engineers?

A3. Common certifications for operations engineers include AWS Certified SysOps Administrator - Associate, CompTIA Cloud+ Certification, Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) Server Infrastructure, Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA), and Oracle Certified Professional (OCP).

Q4. What Is the Difference Between an Operations Engineer and a Systems Engineer?

A4. The main difference between an operations engineer and a systems engineer is that an operations engineer focuses on maintaining existing systems while a systems engineer designs new systems or improves existing ones to meet changing needs of businesses or organizations.

Q5. Do I Need to Be Licensed to Become an Operations Engineer?

A5: No, you do not need to be licensed to become an operations engineer; however, having a certification can be beneficial when seeking employment opportunities in this field as it demonstrates your commitment and expertise in the area of operations engineering.