The demand for DevOps (development and operations) talent is rising. The DevOps methodology is bridging the gap between software development teams and operations teams, breaking down the silos between departments and speeding up the rate at which software is developed and deployed. This benefits businesses at every level and has put DevOps professionals and service providers in high demand. In fact, “DevOps engineer is the most in-demand IT role at digitally-enabled companies,” according to the article “How 'DevOps Engineer' Became the Most In-Demand Job Title.”
DevOps engineers need a specific skill set to be successful. Keep reading to discover the top skills DevOps professionals need and how to get them.
Essential technical skills for DevOps engineers
A few drivers for software development include building an online presence, building software for external clients, creating tools for internal teams and team members, and optimizing purchased software. However, software development has become a challenge for many organizations due to the DevOps skills gap.
By becoming proficient in the following skills, you can help close the development and operations skills gap and position yourself for a role on a DevOps team.
1) Linux fundamentals and scripting skills
A DevOps engineer must understand Linux fundamentals, such as file handling, system administration, text processing, and process management. They should also know how to operate Linux servers and be proficient in scripting languages, such as Python.
2) Knowledge of relevant tools and technologies
Version control, continuous integration servers, configuration management, containers, and deployment automation are just a few of the DevOps tools engineers should be comfortable with. They should also know about infrastructure orchestration, testing and cloud quality tools, monitoring and analytics, and network protocols.
3) Cloud skills
A DevOps engineer should have solid cloud computing skills, such as database and network management. They must also understand Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GPC), and Microsoft Azure.
4) Coding skills
Coding and scripting skills are essential for DevOps. DevOps engineers should know Node.js and programming languages like Java, Javascript, Ruby, Shell, Bash and PHP.
5) Automation skills
Every DevOps engineer should possess automation skills and be able to automate a full DevOps pipeline. They must understand infrastructure and configurations, CI/CD pipelines, app performance monitoring, and more. Knowledge of automation tools like Source Code Management (SCM) and Ansible, an open-source tool, is also essential.
6) Testing skills
Automation testing skills are crucial as they ensure DevOps engineers can identify bugs in software products and projects. These IT pros should know virtualization and be proficient in testing tools such as Puppet, Chef, and Docker. They should also know how to execute tests for an entire DevOps automation pipeline and how to integrate Jenkins with Selenium.
7) Security skills
All IT pros need security skills, especially DevOps engineers. DevSecOps skills include code analysis, change management, threat investigation, security training, and vulnerability assessment.
8) Proactive monitoring skills
Understanding proactive monitoring is part of a DevOps engineer’s job. They must know how to use monitoring tools like Nagios and Splunk, and they should also be able to recognize bottlenecks in the production system, apply security patches, and upgrade system versions.
9) Containerization skills
DevOps engineers must be familiar with container-related tools to do their job effectively. Examples include Docker Engine, LXC, container registries, Docker Swarm, system-spawn, and Kubernetes.
10) Continuous integration skills
Continuous Integration (CI) is a DevOps best practice that allows developers to merge software changes to the main branch multiple times per day. DevOps engineers should own the skill of automating the integration of code changes from many developers into one software project.
11) Version management skills
Version management skills are critical for DevOps engineers, as they allow them to manage and track changes to software code. Key version management skills include understanding how to use tools like Jenkins, Maven, and Git.
It is also important that DevOps technicians are knowledgeable of DevOps tools like GitHub and software development practices such as continuous delivery. Understanding the agile methodology and framework, Infrastructure as Code (IAC), and provisioning is very helpful to DevOps professionals. DevOps engineers must also know about workflow operating systems and the project management lifecycle.
Important soft skills for DevOps engineers
“DevOps is about bringing people and departments together,” stated the TechTarget article, “6 DevOps Soft Skills and How They Drive Success.” In other words, DevOps roles can be as relational as they are technical.
The DevOps culture is collaborative, so DevOps engineers need soft and technical skills to excel in their roles. A few soft skills all successful DevOps engineers should possess include:
- Communication skills
- Collaboration skills
- Self-organization skills
- Customer-focused approach skills
- Mentorship skills
- Commitment skills
Soft skills are most often learned on the job. In some cases, they can also be gleaned from IT certifications and certification training.
3 CompTIA certifications that provide DevOps skills
Are you ready to acquire the DevOps engineer skills you need? CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Linux+, and CompTIA Cloud+ can help.
CompTIA Security+
Post-COVID, cybersecurity has become a higher priority than ever for IT pros due to the rise of remote work. Data security is a key aspect of DevSecOps, and all DevOps engineers must possess security skills. CompTIA Security+ teaches these skills.
CompTIA Security+ is the first security certification a candidate should earn. It covers topics such as the following:
- Architecture and design
- Attacks, threats and vulnerabilities
- Operations and incident response
- Governance, risk, and compliance
- Implementation
Security skills are essential to DevOps, so CompTIA Security+ is perfect for those who want to land a DevOps engineer role.
CompTIA Linux+
Linux and DevOps go hand in hand. For example, the DevOps approach pairs perfectly with Linux containers. This is just one reason why CompTIA Linux+ is helpful for IT pros involved in DevOps. CompTIA Linux+ covers topics such as the following:
- Scripting, containers, and automation
- Security
- System management
- Troubleshooting
These competencies directly align with the DevOps skills listed above.
CompTIA Cloud+
Another certification that provides DevOps skills is CompTIA Cloud+, which provides IT pros with the skills needed to deploy and automate secure cloud environments. The certification exam covers topics such as the following:
- Cloud architecture and design
- Operations and support
- Cloud Security
- Troubleshooting
- Cloud deployment
DevOps engineers must have cloud computing skills. They should be able to deploy and automate secure cloud environments that support the high availability of business systems and data. They can get these skills from CompTIA Cloud+.
Get DevOps engineer skills from CompTIA training
Participating in CompTIA training is another way to gain DevOps skills and understand the DevOps process. CompTIA offers many training options that cater to every learning style and need. Through CompTIA training, IT pros who want to work in DevOps will gain critical DevOps skills and be fully prepared for their CompTIA certification exam.
CompTIA offers many training options, including CompTIA CertMaster products.
CertMaster Learn
CertMaster Learn is a comprehensive eLearning option that prepares you to ace your CompTIA certification exam and start your DevOps career. It includes the following:
- Interactive learning with flashcards and performance-based questions
- Videos that demonstrate key concepts and processes
- A customizable learning plan
- User-friendly self-assessments
- Learning progress analytics and reporting
Improve your chances of passing your CompTIA certification exam with CertMaster Learn.
CompTIA Labs
Another CertMaster product, CompTIA Labs, provides hands-on experience in real virtual environments. CompTIA Labs includes the following:
- Browser-based virtual environments that use real equipment
- Step-by-step lab guides that are aligned with exam objectives
- Pre-configured exercises that require minimal setup
CompTIA Labs is easy to use and navigate, and it can give you an advantage when taking your certification exam. Learn by doing with CompTIA Labs.
CertMaster Practice
CertMaster Practice is an ideal training option for those in the final stage of their learning process. With CertMaster Practice, you can identify and fill knowledge gaps. As a result, your confidence will soar as you approach your certification exam. CertMaster Practice includes the following:
- Quick knowledge assessments
- Adaptive learning that reinforces existing and new knowledge
- Feedback that is personalized to you
- Real-time learning analytics
Ensure you focus on what matters most when preparing for your certification exam with CertMaster Practice.
CertMaster Continuing Education (CE)
CertMaster CE can help you renew your certification automatically. It is a self-paced online learning course that allows you to build on the knowledge and competencies you proved when you passed your exam initially. CertMaster CE also helps you get the updated knowledge and skills included in the most current version of your certification exam.
CertMaster CE courses are available for CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, and CompTIA Security+.
Start getting the skills you need to become a DevOps engineer today
The more DevOps skills you gain, the more in-demand you will become as a job candidate. Getting CompTIA certified and training with CompTIA products will put you on the fast track to earning essential DevOps skills and help you land a role as a DevOps engineer.
Ready to get started on your journey to a DevOps career?