How Much Does the DevOps Professional Certification Cost?

The DevOps Professional Certification has quickly gained recognition as one of the most valuable credentials for IT professionals looking to enhance their skills in the world of development and operations. With organizations increasingly adopting DevOps methodologies, certified professionals are in high demand to help bridge the gap between development teams and operations, ensuring smoother workflows, faster delivery times, and improved quality. If you're considering pursuing the DevOps Professional certification, you're likely wondering, "How much does it cost?"

The cost of obtaining a DevOps Professional certification depends on various factors, such as the certification body you choose, the type of training program you select, additional study materials, and any retake fees. In this article, we break down these factors to help you better understand the financial commitment involved in obtaining your DevOps Professional certification.

The DevOps Professional Certification is a credential that validates a professional's expertise in DevOps principles, practices, and tools. It is designed for individuals who have experience in IT operations and software development and wish to deepen their understanding of the DevOps culture. The certification focuses on the integration of development and operations teams to improve collaboration, automate processes, and enhance the overall efficiency of software delivery. This certification is widely recognized by employers and demonstrates that an individual possesses the necessary skills to drive DevOps initiatives within an organization.

The certification typically covers a range of topics, including continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD), infrastructure as code (IaC), monitoring, security, and cloud technologies. Achieving the DevOps Professional Certification helps professionals stand out in the job market by showcasing their ability to streamline workflows, reduce deployment times, and improve system reliability. It also opens the door to new Career opportunities and roles within DevOps teams, making it a valuable asset for anyone looking to advance in the field of IT operations and software development.

The price of DevOps Professional certification can vary based on several key factors. Below, we highlight the major components that will contribute to the overall cost, so you can make a more informed decision about your investment.

Different organizations offer DevOps certifications, and the costs associated with obtaining these certifications can vary significantly. Some of the most prominent bodies include:

• DevOps Institute: Known for the DevOps Foundation and DevOps Professional certifications, DevOps Institute is one of the most well-known providers. The exam fee typically ranges from $400 to $600, depending on the level and specific certification.
• AXELOS: In collaboration with partners like PeopleCert, AXELOS provides DevOps certifications, such as the Certified DevOps Professional. The exam fees are usually around $400 to $550.
• The Linux Foundation: Offering a broader set of DevOps certifications that include cloud-native technologies, the Linux Foundation charges around $300 to $700 for the exam, depending on the specific certification you pursue.

While you can attempt the exam without formal training, most candidates choose to invest in training programs to better prepare for the certification exam. These training programs, offered either in-person or online, can vary in price:

• In-Person Training: typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,500, and these programs often span several days, allowing for more direct interaction with instructors and peers.
• Online Training: is generally more affordable, with prices ranging from $500 to $1,500. Many online courses offer flexible, self-paced learning, and some include live webinars and additional resources.
• Bundled Packages: Some training programs include the exam fee, while others require separate payment. Always verify what’s included before enrolling.

In addition to the formal training, some candidates prefer to purchase extra study materials to supplement their learning. These materials can include books, practice exams, online courses, and other resources. The costs typically include:

• Books and Study Guides: Cost typically ranges from $30 to $150, covering exam concepts, real-world use cases, and best practices.
• Practice Exams and Online Resources: Range from $50 to $200. These include mock tests, flashcards, and on-demand tutorials for better retention and confidence.

Though optional, these materials are highly recommended for comprehensive preparation.

If you do not pass the certification exam on your first try, most certification bodies charge a retake fee. These fees can vary based on the organization:

• DevOps Institute: Retake fees typically range from $200 to $400.
• AXELOS/PeopleCert: Retake fees generally fall between $150 and $300.
• The Linux Foundation: Expect to pay around $200 to $300 for a retake attempt.

Retake fees can quickly add up, so proper preparation before the exam is crucial.

Some organizations offer optional memberships that provide additional benefits, such as discounts on future exams, exclusive learning resources, and networking opportunities. The cost of membership typically includes:

• DevOps Institute: Membership costs around $150 to $250 annually and provides access to resources, discounts, and a network of professionals.
• The Linux Foundation: Membership is optional, with fees ranging from $99 to $250 per year, providing access to training discounts and additional DevOps resources.

While optional, these memberships can provide long-term value for ongoing professional development.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with obtaining a DevOps Professional certification:

• DevOps Institute:
  • Training & Exam Fees: $1,000 to $2,500
  • Optional Membership Fee: $150 to $250 per year
  • Exam Retake Fee (if needed): $200 to $400
• AXELOS/PeopleCert:
  • Training & Exam Fees: $1,200 to $2,000
  • Optional Membership Fee: $100 to $150 per year
  • Exam Retake Fee (if needed): $150 to $300
• The Linux Foundation:
  • Training & Exam Fees: $1,000 to $2,000
  • Exam Retake Fee (if needed): $200 to $300

The cost of obtaining a DevOps Professional certification can range from $1,000 to $3,000 or more, depending on the certification body, training provider, and additional costs such as study materials and retake fees. While the investment can be significant, the certification is widely recognized and can open the door to new career opportunities, higher earning potential, and career advancement.

If you're ready to take the next step in your DevOps journey, we offer comprehensive DevOps Professional Certification Training to help you prepare for the exam and achieve success in the field. For more information, check out our DevOps Professional Certification page.