In today’s tech-driven world, DevOps has become a critical methodology for organizations seeking to improve collaboration between development and operations teams, streamline processes, and enhance overall productivity. As a result, DevOps professionals are in high demand across various industries, and individuals aiming to pursue a career in this field are looking for the best DevOps training programs to gain the necessary skills.
However, with the growing popularity of DevOps, the number of training programs available can be overwhelming. To help you navigate this landscape, this article offers a comprehensive guide to some of the top DevOps training programs available today. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional looking to enhance your skills, these programs offer a blend of quality, industry relevance, and hands-on learning.
1. AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional
Provider: Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Duration: Varies (self-paced)
Mode: Online
Cost: $300 (exam fee)
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is one of the leading cloud platforms globally, and its Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional certification is one of the most recognized DevOps certifications in the market. This program is designed for individuals with at least two years of experience managing AWS environments.
The course focuses on key DevOps principles such as:
Continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) automation
Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using AWS services like CloudFormation
Monitoring, logging, and security management with AWS CloudWatch and other tools
The AWS Certified DevOps Engineer program culminates in an exam that tests your ability to implement and manage DevOps practices within the AWS platform.
Why Choose This Program?
Strong focus on cloud-native DevOps practices
In-demand certification for professionals aiming to specialize in AWS environments
Access to a wide range of AWS resources and hands-on labs
2. Google Cloud Professional DevOps Engineer
Provider: Google Cloud
Duration: Varies (self-paced or instructor-led)
Mode: Online or in-person
Cost: $200 (exam fee)
The Google Cloud Professional DevOps Engineer certification is designed for IT professionals who want to build and deploy DevOps solutions on Google Cloud. Google Cloud is a growing player in the cloud computing space, and this certification provides strong foundational knowledge in cloud-based DevOps practices.
Key topics covered include:
CI/CD pipelines with Google Cloud tools such as Cloud Build and Cloud Source Repositories
Monitoring and logging using Google Cloud’s Stackdriver
Automating infrastructure provisioning with Terraform or Google Cloud Deployment Manager
The course is highly flexible, with options for self-paced learning and instructor-led training, making it a great choice for individuals with different learning preferences.
Why Choose This Program?
Focus on Google Cloud, a rising competitor to AWS and Azure
Hands-on labs and practical experience in cloud DevOps
Well-regarded certification that can open doors to career opportunities
3. Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert
Provider: Microsoft Azure
Duration: Varies (self-paced or instructor-led)
Mode: Online or in-person
Cost: $165 (exam fee)
If you’re working in or planning to work within the Microsoft Azure environment, the DevOps Engineer Expert certification is an ideal choice. This certification validates your skills in automating processes, configuring tools, and managing cloud services within Azure.
This program covers topics such as:
Implementing CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps and GitHub Actions
Managing Infrastructure as Code (IaC) with Azure Resource Manager (ARM) templates and Terraform
Monitoring and logging with Azure Monitor and Log Analytics
The DevOps Engineer Expert certification requires you to first pass either the Azure Administrator Associate or Azure Developer Associate certification, which provides a solid foundation for advanced DevOps concepts.
Why Choose This Program?
Ideal for professionals working in Azure environments
Highly recognized certification for Microsoft-centric organizations
Focus on automation, IaC, and CI/CD tools in Azure
4. Docker and Kubernetes: The Complete Guide (Udemy)
Provider: Udemy
Duration: 21.5 hours (self-paced)
Mode: Online
Cost: $99 (frequent discounts available)
For those looking to focus specifically on containerization and orchestration, the Docker and Kubernetes: The Complete Guide offered by Udemy is an excellent option. Taught by experienced instructor Stephen Grider, this course covers everything from the basics of Docker to the complexities of managing Kubernetes clusters.
Key topics include:
Building and deploying Docker containers
Kubernetes architecture, including clusters, nodes, and pods
Managing and scaling applications using Kubernetes in production environments
With 21.5 hours of video content, this course is packed with hands-on labs and real-world scenarios, making it a great choice for anyone seeking practical containerization skills.
Why Choose This Program?
Comprehensive coverage of Docker and Kubernetes
Hands-on experience with real-world projects
Budget-friendly and accessible for beginners and intermediate learners
5. Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)
Provider: The Linux Foundation
Duration: 2–3 months (self-paced)
Mode: Online
Cost: $395 (includes two exam attempts)
The Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) certification, offered by The Linux Foundation, is one of the most sought-after certifications for professionals working with Kubernetes. This program is designed for individuals who are already familiar with Docker and want to expand their skills to manage and operate Kubernetes clusters effectively.
The course covers topics such as:
Kubernetes architecture and components
Managing Kubernetes networking, security, and storage
Troubleshooting and monitoring Kubernetes clusters
The CKA exam is performance-based, meaning that it focuses on your ability to solve real-world Kubernetes problems rather than theoretical knowledge. This ensures that successful candidates have strong practical skills.
Why Choose This Program?
Highly respected certification for Kubernetes professionals
Hands-on, performance-based exam
Ideal for individuals looking to specialize in container orchestration
6. DevOps Leader (DOL) Certification
Provider: DevOps Institute
Duration: 16–24 hours (varies by provider)
Mode: Online or in-person
Cost: $995–$2,500 (varies by provider)
For professionals looking to move into leadership roles within DevOps teams, the DevOps Leader (DOL) certification from the DevOps Institute is an excellent choice. This program focuses on the organizational and cultural aspects of DevOps, making it ideal for those looking to drive transformation within their organizations.
Key topics include:
Leading DevOps transformations and managing change
Creating and fostering a DevOps culture
Managing team collaboration and stakeholder engagement
This course is perfect for experienced DevOps professionals who want to develop their leadership skills and influence company-wide adoption of DevOps practices.
Why Choose This Program?
Focus on leadership and organizational transformation
Suitable for experienced professionals looking to move into leadership roles
High-value certification for advancing your career in management
Conclusion
Choosing the right DevOps training program depends on your career goals, experience level, and the platform or tools you want to specialize in. Whether you’re aiming for a role in cloud-native DevOps, container orchestration, or leadership within DevOps teams, there’s a program that fits your needs.
For those looking to specialize in cloud-based DevOps, certifications from AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure are among the most in-demand. If you’re more interested in containerization and orchestration, courses like Udemy’s Docker and Kubernetes guide or the Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) program are ideal. Finally, if you want to move into leadership roles, the DevOps Leader (DOL) certification.
Top DevOps Training Programs: A Comprehensive Guide to Your Best Options