DevOps Institute: DevSecOps Foundation and DevSecOps Practitioner

The DevOps Institute is an industry-leading professional development organization focused on DevOps education and certification. Acquired by PeopleCert in 2023, DevOps Institute is recognized as an authority in DevOps learning and professional development within the technology community. It offers vendor-neutral certifications trusted by companies worldwide, including Dell Technologies, CGI and Everis.

It offers two DevSecOps certifications: DevSecOps Foundation and DevSecOps Practitioner.

DevSecOps Foundation covers fundamental security integration concepts, including the following:

• Shifting security left in the software development lifecycle (SDLC).
• Building collaborative relationships between development and security teams.
• Implementing security by design without sacrificing speed and scalability.
• Using core DevSecOps principles to embrace a cultural transformation.

DevSecOps Practitioner focuses on how professionals can develop the right mix of people, processes and technology to improve organizational value by providing practical outcomes and understanding DevSecOps tools and technology. It advances to comprehensive technical implementation through the following key areas:

• Advanced basics. Understanding Agile and Lean processes and team communication.
• DevSecOps infrastructure. Creating cloud-native models and infrastructure as code (IaC).
• Applied metrics. Building appropriate metrics to measure success.
• Architecting and planning. Using enterprise and API metrics across architecture.
• Establishing pipelines. IntegratingDevSecOps pipeline fundamentals.
• Observing outcomes and future evolution. Understanding value creation and emerging trends.

Both certifications feature an open-book exam with 40 multiple-choice questions, delivered over a web-based platform, that requires a 65% passing score. The DevSecOps Foundation exam takes 60 minutes, while the Practitioner takes 90 minutes.

Following the PeopleCert acquisition, certifications have three-year validity -- up from two years -- with continuing education requirements for maintenance. Each exam costs $270, while training cost varies by authorized partner, with exam vouchers typically bundled with instructor-led training courses. The Foundation certification is recommended as a prerequisite for the Practitioner.

Practical DevSecOps: Certified DevSecOps Professional (CDP)

Practical DevSecOps is a specialized training organization that offers hands-on DevSecOps education and certification. The company provides practical, real-world application over theoretical knowledge. Its programs are designed by industry practitioners and build production-ready skills through extensive laboratory exercises and practical scenarios.

TheCDP certification curriculum consists of nine comprehensive chapters covering the complete DevSecOps lifecycle through 100 hands-on labs. It focuses on the following topics:

• DevSecOps fundamentals. Introduction to basics, tools of the trade and cultural transformation.
• Pipeline security. Secure SDLC and continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipeline implementation and hardening.
• Security testing integration.Learn how software composition analysis (SCA), static application security testing (SAST) and dynamic application security testing (DAST) integrate in CI/CD pipelines.
• Infrastructure security. Understand IaC security practices and implementation.
• Compliance automation. Learn about compliance as code frameworks and automated governance.
• Advanced topics. How to handlevulnerability management using custom tools and enterprise-scale implementations.

The CDP certification features a six-hour practical examination that tests real-world DevSecOps implementation skills. Candidates must achieve an 80% score while demonstrating their ability to build secure CI/CD pipelines, implement security controls and solve practical security challenges in a live environment. CDP costs $899 for comprehensive training materials, access to browser-based labs, ongoing support and one exam attempt. The certification is valid for a lifetime.

AppSecEngineer Certified DevSecOps Professional (ADSP)

AppSecEngineer is an application security training platform focused on hands-on, practical security education. The company positions itself as a leading DevSecOps training provider with expertise in application security, cloud security and DevSecOps implementation.

TheADSP certification requires proficiency across the following DevSecOps domains:

• Security testing integration. Implementing SAST, DAST and SCA.
• CI/CD pipeline security.Building and securing automated deployment pipelines with integrated security controls.
• Cryptography and security fundamentals. Understanding applied cryptographic principles and security architecture.
• Cloud security. Developing multi-cloud security practices across AWS, Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure platforms.
• Container and Kubernetes security. Using container orchestration security and runtime protection.
• Advanced topics. Performing threat modeling across AI and large language model (LLM) security and compliance automation.

The certification includes comprehensive training across application security essentials, advanced application security, DevSecOps implementation, threat modeling and cloud-specific security practices.

Test-takers have a 48-hour window to complete a practical examination with no multiple-choice questions. Passing grade information was not available upon publishing. Candidates must demonstrate real-world DevSecOps competency by solving practical challenges, implementing security controls and working on DevSecOps projects in a tailored exam environment. Certification also requires a capstone project. The certification includes one free retake attempt and is valid for two years.

The exam and course are offered in the following packages:

• DevSecOps Certification only at $399.
• DevSecOps Certification and Pro Annual Subscription at $599.
• DevSecOps Certification and Pro Plus Annual Subscription at $699.

GSDC: Certified DevSecOps Engineer (CDSOE)

The Global Skill Development Council is an independent, vendor-neutral international credentialing organization accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Accreditation Board for International Certification Bodies. It specializes in emerging technology certifications with advisory support from thought leaders at Yale, MIT, Stanford, Wharton and Harvard.

TheCDSOE certification curriculum spans 14 modules covering SDLC integration, DevOps fundamentals, DevSecOps controls, containerization, cloud computing, IaC, CI/CD pipeline security and modern application development.

Key focus areas include the following:

• Foundation modules. Overview, SDLC journey, and DevOps and DevSecOps basics.
• Security integration. Phase-wise SDLC integration, security controls and information security.
• Modern technologies. Containerization, cloud computing and CI/CD automation.
• Practical application. Case studies, tools certification and expert mentorship.

The program emphasizes hands-on expertise with automated tools, secure CI/CD workflows and real-world security challenges, preparing candidates to lead secure digital transformation initiatives.

The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. Candidates have 90 minutes to complete the assessment, which requires a minimum passing score of 65%. GSDC offers a complimentary retake opportunity if candidates don't pass on their first attempt, along with practice exams to help prepare.

The certification costs $200, or a bundle option of three certifications for $1,200. The certification includes e-learning library access, practice exams, 1-on-1 subject-matter expert connections, capstone projects and 100-plus AI case studies. The certification validity is lifetime, eliminating renewal requirements.

EC-Council: EC-Council Certified DevSecOps Engineer (ECDE)

EC-Council is a globally recognized cybersecurity certification body known for information security andethical hacking certifications. The organization has established itself as an authority in cybersecurity education, offering vendor-neutral certifications widely recognized across industries. The addition of its DevSecOps certification program represents its expansion into the growing field, combining its security expertise with modern development and operations practices.

TheECDE certification is a comprehensive program blending theoretical knowledge with practical implementation across multiple environments, including the following:

• DevSecOps fundamentals.Core principles, cultural transformation and security integration strategies.
• Application security.Secure coding practices,vulnerability assessment and remediation techniques.
• Infrastructure security. Both on-premises and cloud-native security implementation.
• CI/CD pipeline security. Security control integration for automated deployment pipelines.
• Cloud platforms.Cloud environments training with more than 100 labs -- including 32 on-premises, 32 AWS-focused and 29 Azure-focused.
• Automation and monitoring.Security automation tools and continuous monitoring implementation.

The program emphasizes practical application with more than 70% of the curriculum dedicated to hands-on laboratory exercises covering application and infrastructure DevSecOps scenarios.

The ECDE exam is a four-hour assessment consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions that requires a 70% passing score. Candidates must take official training before the exam or can attempt the exam without training. The exam plus training costs $1,199. Only the exam costs $450 and a minimum of two years of information security domain experience and a $100 nonrefundable application fee, which is waived for official training participants. The exam includes age verification requirements with special consent procedures for minor candidates. The certification is valid for three years.

EXIN: DevSecOps Manager

EXIN is a global certification institute with more than 40 years of experience. It has certified nearly 3 million professionals worldwide through 450+ training partners. The organization is ISO 27001 certified and specializes in vendor-neutral certifications. EXIN's DevSecOps Manager certification represents its focus on bridging development, security and operations management disciplines.

DevSecOps Manager is a career path certification requiring completion of three certifications:

1. EXIN Kanban Foundation. Continuous improvement methodologies and workflow optimization.
2. EXIN DevOps Professional. Advanced DevOps practices including theThree Ways, change control habits and security compliance maintenance.
3. EXIN Information Security Management Professional based on ISO/IEC 27001.Comprehensive information security management framework implementation.

The DevSecOps Manager curriculum focuses on integrated development, security and operations practices throughout the SDLC. It emphasizes leadership skills for managing secure CI/CD pipelines and cross-functional collaboration.

Certification is automatically awarded upon successful completion of all three prerequisite certifications. Component certification exams are 30 to 40 multiple-choice questions and one to one and a half hours each. Pricing varies by training partner and region, with individual certification costs determined by EXIN's authorized training providers. Kanban Foundation and DevOps Professional exams cost $268 each, and Information Security Management Professional based on ISO/IEC 27001 exam costs $311. The certification is valid for a lifetime.

Cloud security certifications

As organizations migrate critical workloads to the cloud, the demand for DevSecOps professionals with platform-specific expertise has surged. Each major cloud service provider offers unique security services, compliance frameworks and automation tools that require specialized knowledge to implement effectively. Cloud platform certifications validate a practitioner's ability to secure specific environments using native tools and services, demonstrating practical knowledge of platform-specific security controls that employers require.

AWS Certified DevOps Engineer -- Professional

TheAWS Certified DevOps Engineer -- Professional is the industry standard for validating advanced DevOps skills within AWS environments. This certification demonstrates expertise in implementing and managing continuous delivery systems and methodologies on AWS, with emphasis on security automation, IaC and monitoring.

Candidates must prove their ability to design and implement DevOps practices that integrate security controls throughout the development lifecycle, making it highly relevant for organizations heavily invested in AWS infrastructure.

The three-hour exam consists of 75 multiple-choice questions and costs $300. A pass-fail grade is awarded, with a passing score of 750 on a scale of 100 to 1,000. Two or more years of experience in provisioning, operating and managing AWS environments is recommended, as well as knowledge of the SDLC, programming and scripting. Certification is valid for three years.

Azure DevOps Engineer Expert

Microsoft'sAzure DevOps Engineer Expert certification focuses on designing and implementing DevOps practices that optimize collaboration, code quality and security within Azure environments. The certification covers advanced topics, such as secure development workflows, infrastructure automation and continuous monitoring strategies specific to Azure.

Professionals who earn this credential demonstrate proficiency in Azure DevOps Services, GitHub and Azure security tools, making them valuable for enterprises using Microsoft's comprehensive cloud and development ecosystem.

The two-hour exam, which consists of multiple-choice questions, case studies and scenario-based questions, requires a passing score of 700 on a scale of 1 to 1,000. Applicants must complete the Azure Administrator Associate or Azure Developer Associate certification prior to the DevOps Engineer Expert. The exam costs $165, and the certification is valid for one year.

Google Cloud: Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer

Google Cloud'sProfessional Cloud DevOps Engineer certification emphasizes site reliability engineering (SRE) principles, cloud security automation and Google Cloud Platform-specific DevOps practices. The certification validates skills in implementing monitoring solutions, managing incident response and optimizing service reliability at scale.

With Google's leadership in SRE methodology and cloud-native technologies, this certification is particularly valuable for organizations adopting SRE practices and building scalable, secure applications on Google Cloud.

The pass/fail two-hour exam consists of 50 to 60 multiple-choice questions and costs $200. Prior experience of three or more years in the industry, including one or more years of experience designing and managing production systems using Google Cloud, is recommended. The certification is valid for two years.

AI certifications

The rapid proliferation of AI systems across enterprises has created critical security gaps that traditional cybersecurity approaches cannot address. As organizations deploy machine learning (ML) models, LLMs and AI automation at scale,new attack vectors have emerged, including prompt injection,model poisoning, adversarial attacks and AI supply chain compromises.

The following certifications represent the current state of AI security education, offering practical expertise to defend against emerging threats in an increasingly AI-driven world.

SISA Cyber Security for AI: Certified Security Professional in Artificial Intelligence (CSPAI)

TheCSPAI is the world's first ANSI National Accreditation Board-accredited certification program on cybersecurity for AI. It is offered by SISA, a digital payment vendor that serves as a PCI Forensic Investigator for the PCI Security Standards Council.

The CSPAI certification focuses on positioning AI and generative AI (GenAI) in application integration while calibrating security requirements for AI applications.

Core topics include the following:

• Evolution of GenAI and its impact.
• Using GenAI to improve security posture.
• Improving SDLC efficiency using GenAI.
• Models for assessing GenAI risk.
• AI manager systems and privacy standards ISO 42001 and ISO 27563.
• Securing AI models and data.

Candidates must meet one of the following three criteria:

1. Minimum two years of infosec or AI/ML experience.
2. Completion of SISA's 16-hour CSPAI workshop.
3. Equivalent formal training covering exam blueprint topics.

The one-hour exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and requires a 56% passing score. CSPAI certification costs $300 with training available for an additional $700. The certification is valid for three years.

Practical DevSecOps: Certified AI Security Professional (CAISP)

TheCAISP, offered by Practical DevSecOps, provides a comprehensive seven-chapter curriculum on practical AI security implementation through hands-on laboratory exercises.

The training provides expertise in the following:

• AI security foundations. Core AI/ML concepts, neural networks, LLM architecture and security fundamentals.
• LLM attack methodologies. Understanding and attacking LLMs using the Mitre ATLAS (Adversarial Threat Landscape for Artificial-Intelligence Systems) matrix and real-world attack tools.
• OWASP LLM Top 10.Complete coverage of LLM vulnerabilities, including prompt injection, training data poisoning, model theft and supply chain attacks.
• AI DevOps security. Securing AI development pipelines, implementing DevSecOps for AI projects and defending against AI-specific attacks.
• AI threat modeling. STRIDE threat modeling methodology for AI systems, risk management and comprehensive threat libraries.
• AI supply chain security. Securing AI dependencies, model signing, software bill of materials, supply chain frameworks such as SLSA (Supply-chain Levels for Software Artifacts) and preventing dependency attacks.
• AI governance and compliance. Emerging threats; AI regulations, including EU AI Act andNIST Risk Management Framework; and compliance frameworks, such as ISO/IEC 42001.

The program features hands-on exercises using tools such as SteganoGAN, Adversarial Robustness Toolbox and BackdoorBox for real-world attack and defense scenarios.

The six-hour CAISP exam is a practical assessment of hands-on AI security skills. It requires an 80% passing score and costs $999. The certification does not expire.

Conclusion

The DevSecOps skills gap isn't closing; it's widening. While the market races toward $20-plus billion, organizations desperately need practitioners who can secure AI-powered applications, container environments and complex supply chains.

The certifications in this guide aren't just resume boosters; they're practitioners' competitive advantage in a field where practical skills command a premium salary. Traditional security knowledge isn't enough anymore. Employers want proof professionals can automate security controls, defend cloud-native architectures and respond to AI-enhanced threats.

Security professionals should pick the certification that matches their career goals and start building the hands-on skills that make them indispensable. The DevSecOps market won't wait, and neither should they.

Colin Domoney is a software security consultant who evangelizes DevSecOps and helps developers secure their software. He has previously worked for Veracode and 42Crunch and authored a book on API security. He is currently a CTO and co-founder, and an independent security consultant.