The demand for DevOps (development and operations) talent is on the rise. 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.
Find out everything you need to know about the role of DevOps engineer here.
Essential Technical Skills for DevOps Engineers
A few of the drivers for software development include building an online presence, building software for external clients, creating tools for internal teams and team members, and optimizing software that has already been purchased. However, software development has become a challenge for many organizations due to the DevOps skills gap.
Help close the development and operations skills gap and position yourself for a role on a DevOps team by becoming proficient in the following skills.
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 have proficiency 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 be knowledgeable of 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 management and network management. They must also have an understanding of 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 be knowledgeable of Node.js and programming languages like Java, Javascript, Ruby, Shell, Bash and PHP.
5) Automation Skills
Every DevOps engineer should possess automation skills and have the ability 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 automation tool, is also important.
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 be knowledgeable of virtualization and proficient in testing tools, such as Puppet, Chef and Docker. They should also know how to execute tests for an entire DevOps automation pipeline as well as 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, just to name a few.
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 have the capacity to recognize bottlenecks in the production system, pave security patches and upgrade system versions.
9) Containerization Skills
DevOps engineers must be familiar with container-related tools to do their job effectively. A few examples include Docker Engine, LXC, container registries, Docker Swarm, systemd-nspawn 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 in a given day. DevOps engineers should own the skill of automating integration of code changes from many developers into one software project.
11) Version Management Skills
Version management skills are critical for a DevOps engineer as they allow them to manage and track changes to software code. Understanding how to use tools like Jenkins, Maven and Git are key version management skills.
It is also important that DevOps technicians are knowledgeable of DevOps tools like GitHub and software development practices such as continuous delivery. Understanding of the agile methodology and framework, Infrastructure as Code (IAC) and provisioning are very helpful to DevOps professionals. Also, having knowledge of workflow operating systems and the project management lifecycle are also musts for DevOps engineers.
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 skills as well as technical skills to excel in their role. 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
More often than not, soft skills are learned on the job. In some cases, soft skills can also be gleaned from IT certifications and certification training.
3 CompTIA Certifications That Provide DevOps Skills
Ready to get the DevOps engineer skills you need? If so, 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. That’s why 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 have the ability 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
Another way to gain DevOps skills and understand the DevOps process is by participating in CompTIA training. 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 not only gain critical DevOps skills, but they will also 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 will get you ready 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 will be able to 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 are focusing 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 currently available for CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+.
CertMaster products aren’t the only CompTIA training options available to you. CompTIA Live Online Learning is another popular, effective form of training.
It can prepare you to pass certification exams for:
CompTIA Live Online Training
CompTIA Live Online Training is a formal, instructor-led training option designed for those who want a structured training environment that is engaging. With CompTIA Live Online Training, you will get real-time answers to your questions as you attend online classes at set times.
Unlike self-paced online training, CompTIA Live Online Training requires you to complete assignments on a schedule. It offers all the benefits of an in-person class with the added benefit of having the option to log on from anywhere at any time.
CompTIA Live Online Training also provides instant feedback and knowledge checks to cement your new skills and drive knowledge retention.
Got questions about CompTIA Live Online Training? Get answers here.
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? Request a free trial of CertMaster Learn + Labs.
