Mastering Azure DevOps: Top Training Resources and Certifications to Kickstart Your Career
As businesses increasingly move to cloud-native solutions, mastering Azure DevOps has become essential for engineers aiming to boost their careers.
Whether you're starting your journey or looking to advance your skills, here’s a guide to the best Azure DevOps training resources and certifications that will help you stand out in this fast-growing field.
1. Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert
What It Is
The Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert certification is one of the most recognized credentials for Azure DevOps engineers. It validates your ability to combine people, processes, and technologies to deliver continuously improved products and services.
What You’ll Learn
How to design and implement DevOps processes
Using version control systems like Git
Implementing CI/CD pipelines
Managing infrastructure using Azure DevOps and tools like Terraform and Ansible
Why It’s Important
This certification proves you can create and implement strategies that improve software development lifecycles, a critical skill for Azure DevOps engineers.
Recommended Resources:
Microsoft Learning Path: Free modules on the official Microsoft site provide a structured learning path to pass the certification.
Whizlabs and Udemy Courses: These platforms offer in-depth preparation courses for this certification.
2. AZ-400: Designing and Implementing Microsoft DevOps Solutions
What It Is
AZ-400 is the exam required to earn the Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert certification. It covers designing and implementing DevOps practices for infrastructure, CI/CD, security, and compliance.
What You’ll Learn
How to integrate source control and implement continuous integration
Strategies for automating deployments and scaling infrastructure
Monitoring cloud environments and managing incidents effectively
Why It’s Important
Passing this exam is crucial for anyone aiming to specialize in Azure DevOps. It showcases your ability to manage full lifecycle DevOps processes in Azure environments.
Recommended Resources:
Microsoft Learn: This free resource offers structured modules and practice tests.
Udemy: The AZ-400 Exam Preparation Course is a highly rated resource for detailed exam preparation.
3. LinkedIn Learning: Azure DevOps for Beginners
What It Is
This LinkedIn Learning course is an excellent introduction for beginners to Azure DevOps, covering the basics of using the platform for continuous delivery, infrastructure management, and monitoring.
What You’ll Learn
Setting up an Azure DevOps environment
Managing code repositories with Git
Implementing CI/CD pipelines using Azure Pipelines
Why It’s Important
If you’re new to DevOps or just getting started with Azure, this course provides a solid foundation for understanding the tools and practices needed to succeed.
Recommended Resources:
LinkedIn Learning Subscription: Offers access to this and thousands of other related courses.
4. Pluralsight: Azure DevOps Fundamentals
What It Is
Pluralsight offers an in-depth course that covers core Azure DevOps concepts, including project management, version control, and pipeline automation.
What You’ll Learn
How to manage Azure DevOps organizations, projects, and teams
Configuring CI/CD pipelines for automated builds and deployments
Automating infrastructure with Terraform and Azure Resource Manager
Why It’s Important
For those who already have a basic understanding of DevOps, this course dives deeper into Azure-specific functionalities, preparing you for hands-on work with Azure projects.
Recommended Resources:
Pluralsight Subscription: Provides unlimited access to this course and other DevOps-related content.
5. Azure DevOps Hands-On Labs
What It Is
Hands-on labs offer practical, real-world experience by simulating real tasks and challenges within Azure DevOps environments. Labs allow engineers to practice and test their knowledge in controlled scenarios that mirror actual job tasks.
Why It’s Important
Nothing beats hands-on experience when learning new tools. Labs allow engineers to practice and refine their skills by working on real-world problems, making them invaluable for both beginners and those preparing for certifications.
Recommended Resources:
Brokee DevOps Assessments: Brokee offers real-world cloud-based assessments that simulate job environments, helping engineers practice hands-on Azure DevOps tasks and allowing companies to assess candidates' proficiency in real-time.
6. GitHub Learning Lab: CI/CD with GitHub Actions and Azure
What It Is
GitHub Learning Lab provides an interactive guide to integrating GitHub Actions with Azure for CI/CD pipelines. It's a great way to learn how to automate workflows and deployments using GitHub alongside Azure DevOps.
What You’ll Learn
Automating code builds and deployments with GitHub Actions
Integrating GitHub repositories with Azure environments
Best practices for implementing automated workflows in cloud environments
Why It’s Important
With many organizations using GitHub for code management, this course equips you with the skills to merge GitHub's powerful automation tools with Azure's cloud infrastructure.
Recommended Resources:
GitHub Learning Lab: Free access to interactive, self-paced courses.
Conclusion
Azure DevOps is a critical skill set for anyone entering the cloud engineering space, and mastering it requires both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
By leveraging the right training resources and certifications, you can position yourself for success in a competitive job market.