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DevSecOps is a methodology that evolved from traditional DevOps. It integrates security practices into the software development lifecycle (SDLC) and makes it a primary focus of software projects. DevSecOps teams combine development, IT operations, and security processes to deliver a final product that is efficient, meets the needs of the client, and is secure. As more organizations adopt this framework, the demand for DevSecOps professionals, which include project managers, continues to rise. Acquiring DevSecOps certifications can not only demonstrate your expertise, but also open doors to new career opportunities. In this tutorial, we explore the best DevSecOps certifications for project managers and and what each certification entails.
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How to Choose the Right DevSecOps Certification
Certified DevSecOps Professional (CDP)
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP)
Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
Certified DevOps Leader (DOL)
How to Choose the Right DevSecOps Certification
Choosing the right DevSecOps certification can significantly impact your career as a project manager. To pick the right one, you will want to consider a number of factors, including:
- Your experience level
- Your role and responsibilities as a project manager
- Which career path you want to take
- Which aspects of DevSecOps interest you
- Prerequisites and skills required to obtain certification
- Whether or not the certification is globally recognized
Each DevSecOps certification listed in this guide offers unique benefits, so be sure to choose the one(s) that align best with your career goals.
Certified DevSecOps Professional (CDP)
The Certified DevSecOps Professional (CDP) certification is managed by the DevOps Institute. It was created for project managers who want to demonstrate their ability to integrate security practices into the DevOps lifecycle. The CDP certification covers most DevSecOps practices, making it an ideal choice for project managers wanting a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
Prerequisites
The CDP certification program has no specific prerequisites. It was made for project managers with various backgrounds and experience levels.
Certification Details
The CDP certification exam is made up of multiple-choice questions and takes 60 minutes to complete. It requires a passing score of 65% and costs $300.
Benefits of CDP Certification
Acquiring this DevSecOps certification comes with the following benefits:
- Comprehensive: The CDP certification process covers a broad range of DevSecOps principles and concepts, making it a good option for project managers that want to oversee secure development practices.
- Vendor-Neutral: The CDP certification is vendor-neutral, which means it focuses on principles and best practices that work regardless of project management tools or technologies being used.
- Employability: Having a CDP certificate can enhance your credibility as a DevSecOps project manager, which can make it easier to acquire leadership roles in security-focused dev teams.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification is an offering from ISC2. It is not specifically designed for DevSecOps professionals, but is well-regarded in the information security sector. It is ideal for those looking to demonstrate their expertise in information security, which is relevant for DevSecOps PMs.
Prerequisites
The CISSP has several prerequisites you should be aware of, including:
- 5 years of work experience (paid) in two or more CISSP domains
- A passing score of 70% on the CISSP exam
Certification Details
CISSP certification exams are multiple-choice. They take 3 hours to complete, with a passing score of 70%. The average cost of the exam, depending upon your membership status with ISC2, ranges between $700 and $750.
Benefits of CISSP Certification
Below are some of the main benefits of becoming CISSP certified:
- Breadth of Knowledge: The CISSP certification process covers many security domains that are relevant to DevSecOps, including risk management and security assessment.
- Career Opportunities: CISSP-certification opens doors for leadership and management roles in security and DevSecOps-focused organizations.
- Recognition: CISSP is a globally recognized certification that is well-respected by security-minded organizations and security experts.
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification is administered by ISACA. It was developed for PMs who focus on managing a company’s information security program. This is another certificate that is not strictly DevSecOps-specific, but it does cover elements of security governance and risk management that are critical in DevSecOps environments.
Prerequisites
The prerequisites of CISM certification include having a minimum of three years work experience with at least three CISM domains and passing the CISM exam.
Certification Details
The CISM certification exam is multiple-choice and lasts four hours. The passing score is 450, based on a scale of 200-800. The certification costs between $575 and $760, depending on your ISACA membership.
Benefits of CISM Certification
Below are some of the primary benefits of achieving CISM certification:
- Security Governance: CISM certification grants project managers the skills for security governance, risk management, and incident response – all of which are invaluable for DevSecOps roles.
- Risk Management Focus: DevSecOps project managers are often tasked with dealing with risk assessment and mitigation, making CISM a relevant certification for DevSecOps professionals.
- Career Opportunities: CISM-certification opens you up for the possibility of leadership positions in security and DevSecOps companies.
Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP)
The Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP) certification is another offering by ISC2. It has a focus on secure software development best practices. CSSLP covers many topics that are critical for ensuring that software is developed with security as a first step.
Prerequisites
The prerequisites for CSSLP certification include four or more years of experience working with one or more of the CSSLP domains and a passing score on the CSSLP exam.
Certification Details
The CSSLP certification exam consists of multiple-choice questions and lasts four hours. A passing score is 700 out of 1000 possible points. Costs for the certification range from $700 to $749 based on ISC2 membership.
Benefits of CSSLP Certification
The main benefits of CSSLP certification include:
- Security Development: Being CSSLP certified gives you the knowledge and skills needed to ensure that software is developed securely, a core skill of DevSecOps.
- Application Security: DevSecOps practices involve securing the entire software development lifecycle, making CSSLP a prime choice for project managers of development teams.
- Recognition: CSSLP certification is recognized by organizations around the globe and demonstrates your expertise in secure software development practices.
Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
The Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) certification is another offering from ISC2. It focuses on cloud security specifically, which is a bonus, as many DevSecOps projects are hosted in cloud-based environments.
Prerequisites
The prerequisites for taking the CSSP certification include having at least five years of work experience in information technology, with a minimum of three of those years focusing on information security and one year in at least one of the CSSP domains. You will also need to pass the CSSP exam.
Certification Details
The CSSP certification exam is multiple-choice. It lasts 4 hours and requires a passing score of 700 out of 1000. The cost for the CSSP ranges between $700 and $750.
Benefits of CSSP Certification
There are several benefits of completing CSSP certification, including:
- Cloud Security Experience: CCSP certification gives project managers the skills to secure cloud-based DevSecOps environments.
- Scalability: CCSP certification gives you the ability to manage security at scale in multiple environments, based on the increasing needs of your organization.
- Career Opportunities: CCSP-certified professionals are highly sought after for cloud security roles, giving you a leg up on the competition.
Certified DevOps Leader (DOL)
The Certified DevOps Leader (DOL) certification is administered by the DevOps Institute. Its primary focus is on the leadership and management elements of DevOps practices. The DOL covers topics like collaboration, cultural aspects, and the importance of security in DevOps teams.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for taking the DOL certification, meaning you can take it regardless of your experience or knowledge in DevOps. This makes it a great choice for beginners looking to enhance their career prospects.
Certification Details
The DOL certification exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions and is open book. It takes 60 minutes to complete and requires a passing score of 65%. Average cost for the exam is $300.
Benefits of Certified DevOps Leader Certification
Here are some of the main benefits of acquiring DOL certification:
- DevSecOps Culture: DOL certification places an emphasis on the importance of a DevSecOps culture. This makes it a great option for project managers leading DevSecOps projects.
- Collaboration: The DOL certification process focuses on collaboration between development, operations, and security teams, a principle at the core of DevSecOps.
- Leadership: DOL certification helps DevSecOps project managers develop leadership skills required for DevSecOps adoptions.
Final Thoughts on DevSecOps Certifications
In this tutorial, we learned that DevSecOps is an off-branch of DevOps, focusing on security first and enhancing collaboration between development, operations, and security teams.
As a project manager of software development teams, obtaining the right DevSecOps certification can help enhance your career, increase your knowledge, and raise your earning potential.
When choosing the proper DevSecOps certification, consider your career goals, which aspects of DevSecOps interest you, and the types of organizations you want to be a part of. Regardless of the certification you choose, remember that it’s not just about the credential; it is also about acquiring the knowledge and skills needed to manage secure and successful DevSecOps projects.