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DevOps is rapidly transforming the way software is developed and delivered. As organizations increasingly adopt DevOps practices, professionals with advanced skills are in high demand.

Whether you’re looking to grow your expertise or boost your career prospects, earning the right DevOps certifications can make a significant difference.

In this article, I explore the top DevOps certifications you should pursue to enhance your skill set.

Best DevOps Certifications Shortlist

  1. AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional Certification — Best for AWS platform proficiency
  2. Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert — Best for Microsoft Azure DevOps practices
  3. Puppet Certified Professional — Best for infrastructure automation
  4. Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) — Best for Kubernetes cluster management
  5. Docker Certified Associate (DCA) — Best for containerization skills
  6. Linux Professional Institute DevOps Tools Engineer — Best for open-source DevOps tools
  7. Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer — Best for Google Cloud platform
  8. Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS) — Best for Linux system administration
  9. DevOps Engineering Foundation — Best for foundational DevOps knowledge
  10. Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) Exam — Best for Red Hat expertise
  11. Cloud DevOps Engineer — Best for cloud application deployment
  12. Exam AZ-400: Designing and Implementing Microsoft DevOps Solutions — Best for designing DevOps solutions on Azure
  13. HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate — Best for infrastructure as code with Terraform
  14. Certified Jenkins Engineer (CJE) Certification — Best for Jenkins CI/CD pipelines
  15. DevOps Leader (DOL) — Best for leadership roles in DevOps
  16. Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD) — Best for Kubernetes application development
  17. GitLab Certified Git Associate Exam — Best for Git and GitLab usage
  18. Microsoft Azure DevOps Engineer Expert AZ-400 Certification — Best for Microsoft Azure DevOps expertise

Overview of the Best DevOps Certifications

Below are my detailed summaries of the best DevOps certifications on my shortlist.

1. AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional Certification - Best for AWS platform proficiency

Screenshot of AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional Certification landing page
The AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional Certification (Source)

This certification demonstrates advanced technical skills in managing distributed application systems within AWS environments. It highlights expertise in building secure, scalable, compliant systems while integrating automation and operational efficiencies.

Issued by: Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Focus:

  • AWS environments
  • Programming language expertise
  • Continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD)
  • Security controls and compliance validation
  • Monitoring, metrics, and logging systems

Prerequisites:

  • Education: No formal education requirement
  • Work Experience: At least two years of experience operating and managing AWS environments
  • Exam: Must pass (DOP-C02) exam
  • Other Certifications: Not required, but foundational AWS certifications are recommended

Renewability: Yes; Must be renewed every three years

Price: $300

Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for those looking to showcase their expertise in managing AWS systems, especially in AWS DevOps and cloud automation. It affirms the ability to deliver secure, scalable, and compliant AWS solutions.

2. Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert - Best for Microsoft Azure DevOps practices

Microsoft Certified DevOps Engineer Expert overview page
The Microsoft Certified DevOps Engineer Expert certification (Source)

This certification shows expertise in managing Microsoft DevOps solutions for security, integration, testing, and deployment. It involves designing workflows, communication, source control, and automation to help organizations deliver value continuously and efficiently.

Issued by: Microsoft

Focus:

  • Continuous integration, testing, and deployment
  • Security and compliance
  • Azure DevOps solutions
  • Collaboration with cross-functional teams

Prerequisites:

  • Education: No formal education requirement
  • Work Experience: Experience in Azure administration and development
  • Exam: Pass the AZ-400 exam
  • Other Certifications Required:
    • Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
    • Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate

Renewability: Yes; Must be renewed annually

Price: $165

Who It’s For: This certification is for professionals looking to demonstrate their ability to implement Microsoft DevOps solutions, ensuring smooth collaboration and delivery in Azure environments.

3. Puppet Certified Professional - Best for infrastructure automation

Puppet Certified Professional landing page
The Puppet Certified Professional certification (Source)

This certification validates expertise in administering infrastructure and creating modules using Puppet's IT automation tools. It focuses on skills needed for managing configurations and deploying systems using Puppet Enterprise or Open Source Puppet.

Issued by: Puppet

Focus:

  • Classification strategies
  • Troubleshooting
  • Module authoring
  • Orchestration tasks
  • Puppet language and lifecycle understanding

Prerequisites:

  • Education: None required, but Puppet training is recommended
  • Work Experience: Familiarity with Puppet automation and system administration
  • Exam: Yes
  • Other Certifications Required: Not mandatory

Renewability: The certification details do not specify renewability or expiration.

Price: $200

Who It’s For: This certification is designed for professionals managing configurations and deploying automated systems with Puppet.

4. Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) - Best for Kubernetes cluster management

Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) best devops certification landing page
The Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) certification (Source)

The Linux Foundation and the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) created the CKA certification to support the growth of the Kubernetes ecosystem. The exam, which is conducted online with a proctor, involves solving tasks using the command line in a Kubernetes environment. It is a practical, performance-based test designed to evaluate real-world Kubernetes skills.

Issued by: Linux Foundation

Focus:

  • Kubernetes cluster architecture
  • Networking
  • Security
  • Storage
  • Troubleshooting

Prerequisites:

  • Education: None specified
  • Work Experience: Familiarity with Kubernetes and Linux system administration
  • Exam: Yes; performance-based exam with multiple tasks (2 hours)
  • Other Certifications: Not mandatory

Renewability: Must be renewed every 2 years

Price: 

  • Exam: $395
  • Exam + Thrive subscription: $595 

Who It’s For: This certification is valuable for DevOps, SRE, and Cloud professionals looking to validate their expertise and enhance their career opportunities in managing Kubernetes clusters.

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5. Docker Certified Associate (DCA) - Best for containerization skills

Docker Certified Associate (DCA) website landing page
The Docker Certified Associate (DCA) certification (Source)

This certification validates technical skills in Docker containerization and its associated tools. It demonstrates proficiency in managing and deploying container-based applications effectively.

Issued by: Mirantis

Focus:

  • Docker installation and configuration
  • Image creation, storage, and management
  • Orchestration with Docker tools
  • Networking and security in Docker
  • Troubleshooting containerized applications

Prerequisites:

  • Education: Not specified
  • Work Experience: 6 to 12 months of hands-on Docker experience recommended
  • Exam: Must pass the DCA exam (remotely proctored)
  • Other Certifications Required: Not required

Renewability: No

Price: $195 or €200

Who It’s For: This certification is designed for professionals who want to establish their credibility in Docker containerization. It provides recognition on platforms like LinkedIn and helps advance careers by showcasing practical expertise in container-based workflows.

6. Linux Professional Institute DevOps Tools Engineer - Best for open-source DevOps tools

Linux Professional Institute DevOps Tools Engineer certification overview page
The Linux Professional Institute DevOps Tools Engineer certification (Source)

This certification verifies the ability to use tools that streamline collaboration across system administration and software development. It demonstrates expertise in applying DevOps skills to automate processes, manage configurations, and enhance monitoring capabilities.

Issued by: Linux Professional Institute (LPI)

Focus:

  • Software Engineering
  • Container Deployment
  • Configuration Management
  • Proficiency in tools such as Docker, Ansible, and Git

Prerequisites:

  • Education: No formal education requirements
  • Work Experience: Not specified
  • Exam: Required
  • Other Certifications Required: LPIC-1 or a developer certification is recommended

Renewability: Valid for five years

Price: From $120 to $200

Who It’s For: This certification is valuable for developers, system administrators, and engineers. It enhances their job roles by validating their understanding of modern software applications and their ability to implement DevOps practices like Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery.

7. Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer - Best for Google Cloud platform

Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer certification overview page
The Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer certification (Source)

This certification enhances software and infrastructure delivery using modern methodologies and tools. It focuses on implementing processes throughout the systems development lifecycle to ensure reliability and speed. The certification exam evaluates skills in maintaining Google Cloud organizations, building CI/CD pipelines, applying site reliability engineering practices, implementing observability, and optimizing performance.

Issued by: Google Cloud

Focus:

  • Implement CI/CD pipelines
  • Site Reliability Engineering (SRE) practices
  • Observability and performance optimization
  • Troubleshooting production systems
  • Managing Google Cloud organizations

Prerequisites:

  • Education: None specified
  • Work Experience: 3+ years of industry experience, including 1+ years with Google Cloud
  • Exam: Two-hour exam consisting of 50-60 multiple-choice questions
  • Other Certifications Required: None

Renewability: Valid for two years; requires recertification

Price: $200 USD (plus applicable taxes)

Who It’s For: This certification is designed for cloud architects, DevOps engineers, and site reliability engineers. It highlights their ability to optimize Google Cloud systems and implement efficient operational strategies.

8. Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS) - Best for Linux system administration

Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS) landing page screenshot
The Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS) certification (Source)

This certification validates essential Linux administration skills for cloud computing roles. The performance-based exam tests real-world tasks: deployment, networking, storage, essential commands, and user management. It enhances career goals, industry recognition, and professional networking, making it a valuable credential.

Issued by: The Linux Foundation

Focus:

  • Operations deployment and troubleshooting
  • Networking and storage configuration
  • Managing virtual machines and containers
  • Essential commands and service management
  • User and group account configuration

Prerequisites:

  • Education: Not required
  • Work Experience: Not required
  • Exam: Performance-based, 2-hour online exam with real-world tasks
  • Other Certifications Required: None

Renewability: Valid for two years

Price: 

  • Exam: $395
  • Exam + Thrive subscription: $595

Who It’s For: The LFCS certification is ideal for system administrators, IT professionals, and cloud engineers seeking to validate and enhance their Linux system administration skills. It provides proof of expertise that can advance career opportunities in environments where Linux is prevalent, including cloud computing.

9. DevOps Engineering Foundation - Best for foundational DevOps knowledge

DevOps Engineering Foundation, the best devops certification
The DevOps Engineering Foundation certification (Source)

This certification equips you with the knowledge to design and implement DevOps solutions. It covers essential practices for improving software development and delivery processes using modern tools and methodologies.

Issued by: PeopleCert

Focus:

  • Continuous integration and testing
  • Continuous delivery and deployment strategies
  • Metrics, monitoring, and observability
  • Elastic infrastructure and configuration management
  • DevOps team topologies and future trends

Prerequisites:

  • Education: Not required
  • Work Experience: Not required
  • Exam: 40 multiple-choice questions, 60 minutes, a passing score of 65%
  • Other Certifications Required: Not required

Renewability: Valid for three years

Price: $225

Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for IT professionals, including DevOps Practice Owners, Software Developers, and Technical Project Managers, who want to enhance their skills in integrating DevOps practices and advance their career path.

10. Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) Exam - Best for Red Hat expertise

Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) Exam certification overview page
The Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) Exam (Source)

This performance-based certification exam tests the knowledge and skills to manage Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. It focuses on automating Linux system administration tasks using Ansible, among other capabilities of Red Hat's offerings. The exam is designed to validate the skills required to automate processes, deploy systems, and improve system reliability.

Issued by: Red Hat

Focus:

  • Red Hat Ansible automation
  • System configuration and management
  • User, group, and security management
  • Scripting for task automation
  • Playbook creation and deployment

Prerequisites:

  • Education: Completion of Red Hat System Administration I (RH124), II (RH134), and III (RH294) or equivalent experience
  • Work Experience: Hands-on Linux system administration experience recommended
  • Exam: Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) certification is required
  • Other Certifications Required: RHCSA certification is required.

Renewability: Valid for three years

Price: Varies by region; check the Red Hat website for details

Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for system administrators who wish to demonstrate their ability to automate Red Hat Enterprise Linux tasks and processes using Ansible and other Red Hat technologies. It signifies proficiency in managing Red Hat systems and deploying them in a controlled and automated manner.

11. Cloud DevOps Engineer - Best for cloud application deployment

Cloud DevOps Engineer, a DevOps certification
The Cloud DevOps Engineer certification (Source)

This certification provides hands-on experience building and managing cloud infrastructure using AWS and Kubernetes. You’ll learn to automate processes, deploy scalable apps, and design CI/CD pipelines that enhance efficiency in cloud environments.

Issued by: Udacity

Focus:

  • AWS fundamentals and cloud deployment models
  • Infrastructure as Code (IAC) using AWS CloudFormation
  • CI/CD pipelines and deployment automation
  • Microservices at scale with Kubernetes and Docker
  • Monitoring, logging, and serverless frameworks

Prerequisites:

  • Education: Basic understanding of cloud computing concepts.
  • Work Experience: Experience in software development or IT operations is recommended.
  • Exam: Not applicable
  • Other Certifications Required: Not mandatory

Renewability: No expiration date

Price: 

  • All Access monthly: $249/month
  • All Access bundle: $212/month for 4-month bundle

Who It’s For: This certification is perfect for cloud engineers, DevOps professionals, and software developers. It highlights your ability to implement cloud solutions, automate workflows, and confidently manage scalable applications.

12. Exam AZ-400: Designing and Implementing Microsoft DevOps Solutions - Best for designing DevOps solutions on Azure

Exam AZ-400: Designing and Implementing Microsoft DevOps Solutions, a best devops certification
Exam AZ-400: Designing and Implementing Microsoft DevOps Solutions certification (Source)

This certification focuses on designing and implementing solutions that support collaboration, automation, and efficient delivery in DevOps workflows. It validates your ability to use GitHub and Azure DevOps to manage pipelines, security, and monitoring in an enterprise environment.

Issued by: Microsoft

Focus:

  • Designing and implementing build and release pipelines
  • Source control strategies and versioning
  • Developing security and compliance plans
  • Automating monitoring and instrumentation processes
  • Collaborative DevOps practices

Prerequisites:

  • Education: Not required
  • Work Experience: Experience with Azure administration or development
  • Exam: AZ-400 exam with a passing score of 700
  • Other Certifications: Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate or Azure Developer Associate required

Renewability: Valid for one year; requires annual recertification

Price: $165

Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for DevOps engineers who want to validate their skills in designing and implementing Microsoft DevOps solutions, showcasing their ability to manage and optimize DevOps processes in Azure environments.

13. HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate - Best for infrastructure as code with Terraform

HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate, a DevOps certification
HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate certification (Source)

This specialization showcases your knowledge of Terraform’s core concepts and features. It highlights your expertise in managing infrastructure as code and distinguishing between Terraform Enterprise and Community editions.

Issued by: HashiCorp

Focus:

  • Core Terraform workflows and functionality
  • Infrastructure as code principles
  • Terraform Enterprise vs. Community edition features
  • Cloud and on-premises architecture basics
  • Managing resources with Terraform configurations

Prerequisites:

  • Education: None specified
  • Work Experience: Basic terminal skills and familiarity with cloud or on-premises architecture recommended
  • Exam: Online proctored, 1-hour multiple-choice assessment
  • Other Certifications: Not required

Renewability: Valid for two years; requires recertification

Price: $70.50 

Who It’s For: This certification is a stepping stone for cloud engineers who wish to demonstrate foundational knowledge in Terraform and enhance their capabilities in managing infrastructure as code across multiple cloud platforms.

14. Certified Jenkins Engineer (CJE) Certification - Best for Jenkins CI/CD pipelines

Certified Jenkins Engineer (CJE) Certification landing page
The Certified Jenkins Engineer (CJE) Certification (Source)

This industry-recognized credential proves expertise in using Jenkins, an open-source automation server for CI/CD. It demonstrates the ability to configure, manage, and operate Jenkins efficiently for building and deploying software applications. This certification highlights skills essential for continuous integration and delivery workflows.

Issued by: CloudBees

Focus:

  • Jenkins installation and configuration
  • Jenkins pipeline creation and management
  • Continuous integration and delivery processes
  • Troubleshooting and security practices in Jenkins

Prerequisites:

  • Work Experience: Experience using Jenkins in software development is recommended
  • Exam: Passing the CJE exam
  • Other Certifications Required: None

Renewability: Yes, renewal is required to ensure the certified individual stays updated on the latest Jenkins features and best practices.

Price: $99 per exam

Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for DevOps professionals, system administrators, and developers who wish to demonstrate their proficiency in using Jenkins for CI/CD pipelines. It will enhance their career opportunities in software delivery and automation.

15. DevOps Leader (DOL) - Best for leadership roles in DevOps

DevOps Leader (DOL), a DevOps certification
The DevOps Leader (DOL) certification (Source)

This certification focuses on equipping you with skills to lead DevOps initiatives and drive cultural and organizational transformation. It emphasizes building innovative leadership capabilities and designing operational models that enhance collaboration and value-driven outcomes.

Issued by: DevOps Institute

Focus:

  • Leadership in DevOps
  • Organizational design
  • Data-driven decision-making
  • Maintaining team momentum
  • Cultural improvement skills

Prerequisites:

  • Education: Not required
  • Work Experience: Not required
  • Exam: 40 multiple-choice questions with a 65% passing score.
  • Other Certifications Required: Not required

Renewability: Validity for three years; requires continuing education credits for renewal

Price: Varies by location; check the official website

Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for IT managers, business stakeholders, DevOps practitioners, and Scrum Masters. It equips them to effectively lead DevOps transformations, fostering cultural changes and measurable organizational improvements.

16. Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD) - Best for Kubernetes application development

Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD), a DevOps certification
The Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD) certification (Source)

This certification demonstrates your ability to design, build, and deploy applications on Kubernetes. It assesses skills in working with container runtimes, managing configurations, and implementing security for Kubernetes workloads.

Issued by: Linux Foundation

Focus:

  • Application design, build, and deployment
  • Observability, health checks, and debugging
  • Security and resource management
  • Services, networking, and ingress rules
  • Cloud-native application concepts

Prerequisites:

  • Education: Not required
  • Work Experience: Familiarity with container runtimes and Kubernetes basics is recommended
  • Exam: 2-hour online, proctored performance-based test
  • Other Certifications Required: Not required

Renewability: Certification is valid for 2 years

Price: 

  • Exam: $395
  • Exam + Thrive subscription: $595

Who It’s For: Ideal for application developers and DevOps professionals looking to enhance their skills in cloud-native application development and gain recognition in the Kubernetes ecosystem.

17. GitLab Certified Git Associate Exam - Best for Git and GitLab usage

GitLab Certified Git Associate Exam, a DevOps certification
The GitLab Certified Git Associate Exam (Source)

This certification validates a user's foundational knowledge of Git and GitLab. It covers basic Git commands, branching, and merging, both locally and remotely. Additionally, it introduces fundamental concepts of GitLab, enabling you to understand its usage in team environments.

Issued by: GitLab

Focus:

  • Basic Git commands
  • Branching and merging
  • Fundamental GitLab concepts

Prerequisites:

  • Education: None required
  • Work Experience: High-level knowledge of the software development lifecycle is recommended
  • Exam: Completion of a written assessment
  • Other Certifications Required: Not required

Renewability: Not specified

Price: $150

Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for software developers and beginners of GitLab or Git. It demonstrates your ability to work effectively with GitLab and manage version control tasks efficiently.

18. Microsoft Azure DevOps Engineer Expert AZ-400 Certification - Best for Microsoft Azure DevOps expertise

Microsoft Azure DevOps Engineer Expert AZ-400 Certification landing page
The Microsoft Azure DevOps Engineer Expert AZ-400 Certification (Source)

This certification demonstrates expertise in designing and implementing DevOps practices using Azure technologies. It validates skills in combining people, processes, and technologies to deliver valuable products and services that align with business goals. This comprehensive credential confirms proficiency in managing DevOps processes, version control, compliance, and continuous integration and delivery with Azure tools.

Issued by: Microsoft

Focus:

  • Implementing continuous integration and delivery
  • Dependency management
  • Application infrastructure
  • Continuous feedback
  • Designing DevOps strategy

Prerequisites:

  • Education: No formal education required
  • Work Experience: Experience working with Azure and DevOps practices
  • Exam: Must pass the AZ-400 exam
  • Other Certifications Required: Azure Administrator Associate or Azure Developer Associate

Renewability: The certification does not expire, but keeping up with the latest Azure updates is recommended.

Price: $800

Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for DevOps engineers, Azure developers, and IT administrators. It enables them to streamline development workflows and automate deployment processes in Azure environments.

FAQs About Best DevOps Certifications

What are some of the top DevOps certifications available?

Some of the top DevOps certifications include AWS Certified DevOps Engineer, Azure DevOps Engineer Expert, Google Professional DevOps Engineer, Docker Certified Associate, and Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA). These certifications are recognized globally and cover a range of skills essential for DevOps professionals.

How does the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer certification benefit professionals?

The AWS Certified DevOps Engineer certification validates a professional's ability to automate the testing and deployment of AWS infrastructure and applications. It demonstrates expertise in managing continuous delivery systems and methodologies on AWS, making it beneficial for those seeking roles that involve AWS cloud services.

Is the Google Professional DevOps Engineer certification worth pursuing?

Yes, the Google Professional DevOps Engineer certification is particularly valuable for professionals working with Google Cloud Platform (GCP). It focuses on using GCP to build software delivery pipelines, deploy and monitor services, and manage incidents, which are critical skills for DevOps roles in environments utilizing Google Cloud.

What skills are tested in the Docker Certified Associate certification?

The Docker Certified Associate certification tests skills in working with Docker containers, including installation, configuration, and management. It covers orchestration, security, networking, and storage management, making it an essential certification for those working with containerized applications.

Can the Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) certification help advance a DevOps career?

Yes, the Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) certification is highly regarded in the DevOps field. It demonstrates a professional's ability to install, configure, and manage Kubernetes clusters, a crucial skill for managing containerized applications in production environments.

Other Useful Resources

Here are a few other useful resources to check out:

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Katie Sanders

As a data-driven content strategist, editor, writer, and community steward, Katie helps technical leaders win at work. Her 14 years of experience in the tech space makes her well-rounded to provide technical audiences with expert insights and practical advice through Q&As, Thought Leadership, Ebooks, etc.