In this post I cover some recommended Microsoft certifications for DevOps enthusiasts. To make people aware of some of the options that are available.
In addition, I also share some recommended certification routes as well as plenty of links. Plus, I mention some non-Microsoft certifications as well.
One key point to remember is that the title of this post states DevOps enthusiasts. Because in this post I cover certifications relating to both Azure DevOps and GitHub.
One thing I want to clarify, I mentioned that this post is for DevOps enthusiasts. However, I am fully aware that people associate these services with other terminology such as CI/CD , DataOps and MLOps.
Mostly due to the fact that both of these services do more than just deliver services and updates to applications. They can also be used for tasks relating to popular data platform services as well. Such as CI/CD for SQL Server databases and MLOps when working with Azure Databricks.
In fact, I have written various posts about performing CI/CD with both Azure DevOps and GitHub.
Microsoft Certified DevOps Engineer expert
After the rebranding of previous services to Azure DevOps Microsoft introduced the Microsoft Certified DevOps Engineer Expert certification. You must pass a couple of exams to gain this certification.
First of all you must pass either the AZ-104 Azure administrator exam or the AZ-204 Azure developer exam, which was updated last month. From there you must pass the AZ-400 exam.
However, depending on your level of experience I recommend passing the AZ-900 Azure Fundamentals exam first.
To manage expectations here, this DevOps certification is an expert certification. Which means that you need a lot of deep technical knowledge to pass the AZ-400 exam.
So, if you are looking to get a Microsoft data platform certification as well than recommend taking that one first. For example, if you are thinking about gaining the Azure Database Administrator Associate certification I recommend one of the below routes.
Doing it in this order reduces the amount of context switching that you must do.
I published a post about passing the AZ-400 exam around two and a half years ago. However, it has changed a bit since then. For example, you now need knowledge about GitHub Actions for this exam.
As you can see on the AZ-400 exam page the English version of this exam will be updated on February 2, 2023. So, if you are intending to take the AZ-400 after that date make sure you study for the new material.
For more general Microsoft certification advice read my post that covers advice if Microsoft certifications are your New Year’s resolution.
GitHub certifications for Azure partners
GitHub certifications for Azure partners were announced last year. However, I was fortunate enough to be in a position to take a couple of the beta exams for these certifications.
When they were announced I published a post about the new GitHub certifications for Azure partners. Since I had gained the two below.
As I mentioned in that post, you must work for an Azure partner to be eligible to gain these certifications. You can check that either within your company or online.
Personally, I like these certifications. Because they focus on specific areas of GitHub.
I suspect that the GitHub Actions certification will become very popular with those who want to perform CI/CD within GitHub.
Of course, you can just learn more about GitHub Actions without taking the exam.
To learn more about the topics covered by the new certifications I recommend a Microsoft site that contains GitHub learning material called Microsoft Learn for GitHub. To find out more about GitHub Actions you can also read the GitHub Actions Documentation by GitHub.
Non-Microsoft certifications for DevOps enthusiasts
Within the workplace there are a lot of people who are more focused more on the way of working within Azure DevOps and GitHub. For example, Product Owners and Scrum Masters. Which are roles that are becoming more common in the modern workplace.
One way that you can show growth in these areas is by gaining Professional Scrum Certifications from scrum.org. Which are industry certifications which employers are keen on.
Final words about Microsoft certifications for DevOps enthusiasts
I hope my recommended Microsoft certifications for DevOps enthusiasts has given some of you food for thought. Especially since some of you have new certifications in mind as part of your New Year’s resolutions.
One thing that is clear is that you now need GitHub knowledge regardless of which type of Microsoft certification for DevOps you decide to take.
Of course, if you have any comments or queries about this post feel free to reach out to me.
[…] example, as you can see below the skills measured for the AZ-400 exam that I covered in a DevOps certifications post changed on February […]
[…] Those interested in certifications relating to GitHub Actions can find out more in my post about recommended certifications for DevOps enthusiasts. […]