In the ever-evolving world of IT, DevOps practices have become essential for organizations striving for agility, efficiency, and innovation. While many professionals are familiar with popular certifications like AWS Certified DevOps Engineer, Docker Certified Associate, and Kubernetes certifications, there are several international DevOps certifications that remain relatively unknown but are equally valuable. Here’s a look at some of these lesser-known certifications that can elevate your DevOps career on a global scale.
1. DASA DevOps Fundamentals Certification (Netherlands)
The DevOps Agile Skills Association (DASA) based in the Netherlands offers a comprehensive DevOps Fundamentals certification. This certification focuses on the key principles of DevOps and Agile methodologies, providing a robust foundation for those new to the field. It emphasizes collaboration, customer-centric action, and continuous improvement.
Why it stands out:
- Globally recognized framework with a focus on European best practices.
- Covers both theoretical and practical aspects of DevOps.
- Acts as a stepping stone for advanced DASA certifications.
2. iSQI Certified Agile DevOps Practitioner (Germany)
The International Software Quality Institute (iSQI) in Germany offers the Certified Agile DevOps Practitioner certification. This certification is designed for professionals looking to integrate Agile principles with DevOps practices, focusing on the technical and cultural aspects of Agile DevOps environments.
Why it stands out:
- Emphasizes Agile methodologies within DevOps.
- Recognized by European IT communities.
- In-depth coverage of Agile DevOps tools and techniques.
3. EXIN DevOps Master (Netherlands)
EXIN, another renowned certification body from the Netherlands, provides the DevOps Master certification. This advanced-level certification is aimed at professionals who want to manage DevOps teams and projects, focusing on implementation strategies, integration of DevOps practices, and performance improvement.
Why it stands out:
- Advanced certification for experienced professionals.
- Focuses on leadership and management within DevOps.
- Integrates Lean, Agile, and ITSM best practices.
4. SAFe DevOps Practitioner (Scaled Agile Framework, USA)
The SAFe DevOps Practitioner certification from Scaled Agile, Inc., although based in the USA, has gained international recognition for its structured approach to scaling Agile practices. This certification is particularly useful for those working in large enterprises where scaling Agile and DevOps practices is crucial.
Why it stands out:
- Focus on scaling DevOps in large organizations.
- Emphasis on end-to-end DevOps processes.
- Provides a framework for integrating DevOps across the enterprise.
5. Puppet Professional Certification (USA)
Puppet, known for its robust automation tools, offers the Puppet Professional Certification. This certification validates a professional's ability to manage and automate IT infrastructure using Puppet's open-source software, which is widely used globally.
Why it stands out:
- Specific focus on Puppet automation tools.
- Recognized globally by companies using Puppet for infrastructure automation.
- Practical exam that tests real-world skills.
6. GCP Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer (USA)
Google Cloud Platform (GCP) offers the Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer certification, which is highly regarded internationally. This certification focuses on using GCP tools and services to build, deploy, and manage applications and infrastructure in a DevOps environment.
Why it stands out:
- Recognized globally due to Google's strong presence.
- Emphasis on GCP-specific DevOps tools and practices.
- Comprehensive coverage of cloud-based DevOps strategies.
Conclusion
In the competitive landscape of DevOps, standing out requires not only skills but also certifications that validate your expertise. While the well-known certifications hold significant value, exploring these lesser-known international certifications can give you a unique edge. They not only broaden your knowledge and skills but also enhance your credentials in the global job market. By investing in these certifications, you can stay ahead in the ever-evolving field of DevOps and contribute to the innovation and efficiency of your organization.