The Journey to Excellence: Understanding the DevOps Certification Process

DevOps brings together the software development and the IT operations team to produce a well-oiled machine to create and deploy software with higher efficiency, speed, and accuracy. Its multiple principles guide professionals to improve the software development lifecycle.

DevOps helps automate processes and maintain a continuous feedback loop by promoting team collaboration, ensuring the resulting software is highly quality and market-competitive.

With its various benefits, DevOps has undoubtedly revolutionized the software industry. This has increased the demand for DevOps professionals who can help inculcate a beneficial culture in the company with the help of their DevOps training and certification.

The Benefits Of A DevOps Certification

Any IT professional working in the software industry should consider a DevOps certification for its following benefits:

1.Value Addition To The Company

A DevOps certification guides you to inculcate the DevOps principles and culture in your company, which can help boost software production and shorten the software development lifecycle.

Moreover, by establishing clear communication between the two teams and introducing concepts such as continuous integration, feedback, and automation, you can help reduce the cost of software deployment. This adds value to the company, helping increase its revenue.

2.Career Growth

A DevOps certification opens up various career paths for you, which are both well-paying and stable. DevOps-certified IT professionals are in high demand due to the multiple benefits they impart.

On average, a DevOps-certified individual earns $123,456 per annum. In addition, there is a higher level of job security due to the market demand and better growth prospects.

3.Increased Efficiency

Once you undergo DevOps training, you can utilize multiple tools and procedures that can help improve your efficiency in the software development lifecycle. Through automating processes, you can also free up time to focus on more critical tasks.

4.Better Opportunities

As mentioned above, getting a DevOps certification opens up various career opportunities. The different tools and techniques you learn during the DevOps training can benefit you in various other roles and aspects in the IT sector.

5.Latest Information

DevOps teaches you to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the IT sector, enhancing your knowledge and skill set and helping you compete with the advancements in DevOps.

Eligibility For DevOps Certification

Any IT professional with a knack for software development or deployment can apply for a DevOps certification. While different certifications may have varying prerequisites, you generally require an IT background and knowledge of fundamentals, especially those used in Java, Web, and Linux.

The Roadmap To Becoming A Certified DevOps Professional

A DevOps certification and training is beneficial in enhancing your skill set and career prospects, emerging as a valuable asset to the company. The following steps are involved in becoming a certified DevOps professional:

1.Learn Programming

Most certifications require a basic knowledge of programming languages such as HTML, C++, and Java. While these may be covered in your Bachelor’s degree, it is best to update yourself on the same again.

2.Develop A Skill Set

Depending on your certification and career path, you should have a basic skill set to benefit you and make the certification process easier. This includes knowledge of basic operating systems, software design, programming, and other IT-related knowledge. 

3.Find The Right Certification

Once you have your basics right, you can choose a certification that best aligns with your skill set, qualifications, and career goals. There are various DevOps certifications, some of which will be discussed below.

4.Apply For The Certification

A DevOps certification generally involves training, for which you can apply online. The training course can last from two days to one year, depending on the level of certification you choose. 

5.Complete The Training

The training will involve theoretical and practical knowledge of the various principles of DevOps. You can develop the desired skill set and translate the knowledge into a real-world application through the training.

During the training, you will also be guided on applying for the exam and gain valuable insights on passing it.

6.Qualify The Exam

Once you have completed your training, you can apply for the certification exam. Each certification has a different exam pattern and qualifying criteria, which, once passed, will grant you the certificate.

7.Progress For Higher Certifications

Upon receiving the basic certification, you can further apply for advanced training and certification courses, which can help boost your career. By pairing up certifications, you can add higher value to your skill set and role in the company.

8.Continuous Learning

Since the IT sector and the DevOps methodology continuously evolve, staying up-to-date with the latest technologies is vital. DevOps certifications may expire or become outdated until and unless you enroll in a continual learning program, where you are presented with recent developments in the software development sector. 

Getting a DevOps certification is easy, provided you have the required skill set and are keen to learn new tools, procedures, and technologies. While it requires some investment, the returns on achieving the certification are incomparable, giving a high return on investment.

Top DevOps Certifications

There are multiple DevOps certifications that you can opt for, depending on your current skill set and your career goals. The top ones include:

1.AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional

The Amazon Web Services certification is a testament to your expertise in handling the Amazon cloud platform and developing or handling the AWS applications and infrastructure. 

2.Certified Kubernetes Administrator

By becoming a certified Kubernetes administrator, you can help manage production-grade Kubernetes clusters and their installation, services, and networking, among other Kubernetes-related tasks.

3.Docker Certified Associate

Docker, a software used for deploying and developing software, uses containers to simplify tasks. As a Docker-certified associate, you can help install, configure, and manage Docker containers securely and efficiently.

4.Microsoft Certified – DevOps Engineer Expert

Also known as Azure DevOps Engineer, a Microsoft-certified DevOps engineer has complete fundamental knowledge of the DevOps processes and principles, such as management, security, and collaboration. 

5.Puppet Professional Certification

Used for automating processes, Puppet plays a vital role in DevOps. This certification helps build skills in using Puppet software, including classification, troubleshooting, administration, and module authoring.

6.Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist

This certification focuses on the best security practices of Kubernetes deployment and its basic concepts and tools.

Conclusion

A DevOps certification is an ideal career path for any IT professional in software development as it helps open up better career prospects and higher salaries and adds value to their existing skill set.

While there are various certifications, choosing one that best suits your career goals and aligns with your existing career path is vital. To become a certified DevOps professional, enrolling in a DevOps training course before appearing for the exam is best.