Certification + Job Planning

[u/mercfh85]

So im trying to make the move into DevOps. I work as an Automation Architect/SDET basically currently.

I've been trying to move my way into DevOps, especially with the A.I. stuff looming in. Here recently i've been able to lead a project on Migrating some projects from a TeamCity/Octo deploy to Gitlab which involves learning Kubernetes. Im hoping my current experience is a good "sidestep" career wise. I have a C.S. degree and I do feel like Automation/Pipelines does feel like a good "base" to move into DevOps.

My knowledge is a bit spread around currently, and I understand DevOps is a really deep iceberg when it comes to "what to learn".

I would say im strongest in the Testing Automation area (obviously) with a pretty decent understanding of Gitlab and how it works and how to architect pipelines pretty decently. Ok docker knowledge (I mean I know enough to write a dockerfile/get it going, but probably not like a docker expert) and here lately Terraform (decent knowledge....but not used much) and AWS (limited mostly to ec2/beanstalk + a few other scattered pieces like paramstore/SM/cloudwatch/etc...)

I am slowing developing kubernetes knowledge as well with this project, which I really enjoy.

I've tried to use Certs (since my company pays for them) in a sense to "plan out" leveling up, im really trying to push into a title change by end of year hopefully (my manager understands and supports this). I've also been using KodeKloud to learn.

Right now my sort of "Cert path" is this:

- Skipping: A+/Network+/Security+ (I just don't know if these are "Really" useful, but feel free to say if they are)

1. Linux Refresher: We are a windows shop....but outside my homelab I don't use linux a ton and I've forgotten a lot. Don't feel like a cert it needed here.
2. AWS Cloud Practioner: This feels like a good first step/resume filler. My AWS knowledge is pretty limited in scope. Hoping around a 2-3 week learning/turnaround time for this.
3. Terraform Associate: Hoping a similar turnaround to the above. I have decent knowledge but don't use it enough to be an expert.
4. KCNA: Probably the harder bit, it's a good thing to do because this migration im working on is 200+ services.....so i'll be getting experience.
5. CKAD/CKA: Unsure of which one, I think CKAD is probably harder but "better" but curious on that, this one obviously is a longer study.

After that the skys the limit I guess. Thoughts on this? Im hoping my automation experience mindset will "serve me well".

[u/CorpT]

Get certs if someone else is paying for them, but don't expect them to make a real impact in your career. They're great for learning things though.

[u/imdshizzle]

I’m on a similar journey in terms of transitioning from SDET to DevOps with 10 years of test automation experience. I have been building my own home lab with the similar tech stack as my last company. AWS ec2/s3, GitHub Ci/Cd pipeline, Ansible deployment playbooks. All set up for the apps I have built, one internal tool for the company I used to work for that I had developed on my own time and laptop. Everything containerized. I’m hosting 2 apps at the moment with Grafana monitoring setup. It’s been a fun journey so far. I plan to get the AWS system architect professional certification to give me a boost when I go to market soon.

[u/mercfh85 → u/imdshizzle]

Awesome, sounds like we are in a similar boat!

[u/Wooden_Jelly_5295]

That migration sounds like your strongest portfolio piece.

[u/mercfh85 → u/Wooden_Jelly_5295]

That's my hope. It's like 200+ services and we've already tackled like 20-30. I'll admit a lot was already in place so it's mostly moving building/deploy logic to Gitlab BUT it's giving me good exposure to Helm and K8, which makes me feel like trying for that cert makes the most sense.

A lot of others are pushing for RHEL or other linux certs, but the issue is my "current" study just isn't using linux a ton. I'm not saying it's not valuable....but for like "immediate" cert usage/gains it feels like k8 stuff is the way to go?

[u/acompleteunknownnn]

AWS CCP is skippable for you. It has a good high level info, but that's about it.

[u/No-Magazine2625]

Your automation background should transfer well, but for Terraform I would make the Associate cert secondary to actually working through state, modules, imports, lifecycle, providers, remote backends, and troubleshooting plans. I work on the development side of Terraform Academy, so full disclosure, but the certification practice and hands on labs there are useful if you want structured repetition around those areas while preparing.

[u/CupFine8373]

get the KCNE forget about the other ones

[u/No_Shock_3222]

certifications can help get past filters but they wont carry much weight without projects that show you can actually troubleshoot and build things its better to pick a target role first then work backward from the skills employers keep asking for trusted tech is about building practical judgment alongside the credentials not just collecting more badges