DevOps has become the cornerstone of modern software development and IT operations. By bridging the gap between development and operations teams, it ensures faster delivery, improved collaboration, and enhanced scalability of software systems.
Earning an official DevOps certification is an impactful way to validate your expertise, especially for aspiring professionals. These certifications demonstrate your ability to apply DevOps principles and tools effectively, solidify your technical skills, and boost your career prospects by showcasing commitment to continuous improvement in the industry.
So, what are the official certifications, who are they for, and what are their benefits in the tech industry? Let’s dive right into the good stuff!
Kubernetes
Kubernetes is a popular open-source container platform used to manage workloads and services. It is a leading tool for automating deployment, scaling, and management in the DevOps world.
This certification validates your ability to manage and configure production-grade Kubernetes clusters and perform basic installations. Key skills covered include:
Troubleshooting
Cluster architecture
Networking
Workloads
Scheduling
Storage
These certifications are designed for IT professionals who manage Kubernetes instances, such as cloud administrators. The benefits of this certification confirm your understanding of Kubernetes fundamentals and hands-on skills. Additionally, Kubernetes certifications are supported by the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF), a trusted authority in the industry.
Docker Certified Associate
Docker simplifies the development and deployment of software using containers. It is considered one of the leading container runtime platforms.
Key skills validated by this certification include:
Orchestration
Image creation
Management
Installation
Configuration
Networking
Security and storage
By establishing your expertise in Docker technologies, you’ll gain recognition in industries such as DevOps, cloud computing, and software development, opening doors to roles like DevOps Engineer, Site Reliability Engineer (SRE), or Cloud Engineer. The benefits of the Docker Certified Associate (DCA) certification include its credibility, as certified professionals are in high demand for roles focused on containerization and microservices. Additionally, Docker expertise is vital for cloud development and infrastructure management.
Amazon Web Services DevOps
AWS is the leading cloud computing platform. Earning an AWS certification demonstrates to employers your ability to test and deploy AWS applications and infrastructure, making it one of the most sought-after credentials. It combines the power of cloud computing with foundational DevOps principles to create seamless delivery, deployment, and management of applications.
AWS certifications confirm expertise in cloud platforms by demonstrating skills in:
Automating compliance validation
Implementing governance processes
Creating security controls
This certification demonstrates your readiness to tackle complex, real-world challenges. Acquiring an AWS certification opens doors to numerous career opportunities, demonstrating expertise in designing, deploying, and managing AWS-based solutions. AWS offers a range of certifications that cater to various roles, including Solutions Architect, Developer, SysOps Administrator, and DevOps Engineer.
Microsoft Certified
Microsoft certifications, particularly Azure, validate expertise in Microsoft’s cloud platform and the ability to integrate technologies for continuous delivery of valuable products and services.
This certification evaluates your skills in:
Developing instrumentation strategies
Implementing site reliability practices
Creating security and compliance plans.
Your skill set will also include managing source control, facilitating communication and collaboration, and defining continuous integration and deployment. The key benefits of this certification are the ability to create streamlined workflows between development and operations teams, opening doors for roles like DevOps Engineer, Cloud Engineer, or Solutions Architect.
Google Cloud: Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer
The Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer certification offered by Google Cloud is designed to validate expertise in maintaining and deploying applications on Google Cloud Platform using DevOps principles.
This certification validates skills in:
Assessing software and infrastructure delivery
Building CI/CD pipelines
Ensuring service reliability by monitoring system stability
Optimizing performance, cost, and scalability.
It showcases advanced infrastructure management skills and proficiency in implementing DevOps on Google Cloud. The benefits of this certification include industry recognition and mastery of in-demand skills such as automating pipelines, managing scalable infrastructure, and monitoring system performance. Achieving this certification makes you a competitive candidate for roles like Cloud DevOps Engineer, Site Reliability Engineer (SRE), and Cloud Architect. These positions often command higher salaries due to their specialized skill sets.
Earning official certifications in DevOps offers a variety of advantages for both professionals and organizations. These certifications not only validate your knowledge but also equip you with hands-on experience in tools like Jenkins, Kubernetes, Docker, and cloud services, which are highly sought after by employers.
Certifications help you to stay current with the latest DevOps technologies, trends, and best practices. Whether you’re advancing your career or contributing to your organization’s success, achieving a DevOps certification will strategically benefit you in the long run. Choose the certification path that aligns with your career goals and unlock your potential in the fast-growing fields of DevOps and Cloud Computing with Ironhack’s hands-on Bootcamp!
