Practical DevSecOps Engineer Certification (PDSEC)
As organizations accelerate their digital transformation, they are adopting DevOps practices to deliver software faster and more reliably. However, this rapid pace also exposes applications and infrastructures to security risks. Traditional security models—applied only at the end of the development cycle—are no longer effective in an era of continuous delivery.
This has led to the rise of DevSecOps—a modern approach that embeds security practices into every stage of the DevOps pipeline. Instead of treating security as an afterthought, DevSecOps ensures that automation, compliance, and monitoring are built directly into development and operations workflows.
The Practical DevSecOps Engineer Certification (PDSEC) is a comprehensive, vendor-neutral program designed to create professionals who are equally skilled in DevOps automation and cybersecurity best practices. It equips learners to design, deploy, and secure applications and infrastructures in real-world enterprise environments.
What is the Practical DevSecOps Engineer Certification (PDSEC)?
The PDSEC program is a hands-on certification that validates your ability to:
Automate IT operations and software delivery pipelines.
Implement Infrastructure as Code (IaC) securely.
Containerize and orchestrate applications in secure environments.
Integrate security scanning tools into CI/CD workflows.
Monitor, detect, and respond to vulnerabilities in real time.
Unlike traditional DevOps certifications, PDSEC goes beyond deployment automation by embedding application security testing, compliance automation, and runtime protection into the curriculum.
To become PDSEC-certified, candidates must clear a three-step evaluation system:
40-question theoretical exam to assess knowledge.
Online-proctored lab exam to validate practical skills.
Verbal mock interview to prepare for real-world job readiness.
This ensures that learners graduate as well-rounded DevSecOps engineers—technically competent, security-aware, and professionally polished.
Why PDSEC Stands Out?
While DevOps certifications exist in the market, they often lack a security-first perspective. PDSEC fills this gap by providing:
Comprehensive DevSecOps coverage: automation, cloud, containers, and security.
Vendor-neutral training: applicable across all enterprise environments.
Hands-on evaluation: practical lab testing to ensure real-world readiness.
Security integration mindset: learners practice shifting security “left” into CI/CD.
Professional development: interview preparation through verbal assessments.
PDSEC doesn’t just make you a DevOps engineer—it makes you a secure DevOps engineer ready for enterprise challenges.
Who Can Enroll in the PDSEC Program?
The PDSEC program is designed for IT professionals, developers, and security specialists who want to enhance their skills by blending DevOps with cybersecurity.
Ideal Learners Include:
System & Network Administrators – transitioning into automation and security-driven workflows.
Software Developers – aiming to integrate secure coding and automated testing into CI/CD.
DevOps Engineers – expanding into security and compliance automation.
Cloud Engineers – strengthening knowledge of cloud-native security.
Security Analysts – looking to apply their expertise in DevSecOps pipelines.
Fresh Graduates & Students – preparing for high-growth DevSecOps careers.
Career Switchers – professionals from IT, QA, or cybersecurity domains entering DevSecOps.
Eligibility Criteria
The PDSEC certification is open to all learners with a passion for DevOps and security. There are no strict prerequisites, but the following knowledge areas are recommended:
Basic Linux knowledge – commands, file systems, permissions.
Understanding of software development basics – version control, build processes.
Foundational networking/security awareness – firewalls, access controls, protocols.
Even if you’re new to DevSecOps, the program’s progressive learning path ensures you build skills from fundamentals to advanced security practices.
Key Highlights of PDSEC
Vendor-neutral certification covering the full DevSecOps pipeline.
13+ tools and frameworks spanning CI/CD, containers, IaC, monitoring, and security testing.
Three-stage certification process: theory, labs, and interview.
One free lifetime retake per stage for learner-friendly flexibility.
Hands-on labs replicating real-world enterprise challenges.
Career readiness for DevOps, DevSecOps, and security automation roles.
Why Choose Our Certification?
Course Curriculum of the Practical DevSecOps Engineer Certification (PDSEC)
The PDSEC curriculum is carefully designed to build step-by-step mastery in DevSecOps practices. It integrates DevOps tools with security-focused automation, ensuring learners can deliver applications faster without compromising security.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the modules covered in the program:
Module 1: Linux Administration for DevSecOps
Linux is the foundation of modern DevOps and security environments. This module builds strong system administration skills while also introducing hardening techniques for secure deployments.
Key Topics:
Linux file system and process management
User, group, and permission controls
Managing services, firewalls, and system security
Package management and patching
System monitoring and troubleshooting
Security hardening best practices for Linux servers
Outcome: Ability to manage and secure Linux-based infrastructures—the backbone of cloud and container environments.
Module 2: Shell Scripting & Automation
Automation is at the heart of DevSecOps. This module teaches how to write secure, efficient shell scripts for task automation.
Key Topics:
Writing and debugging Bash scripts
Conditional statements, loops, and functions
Automating server maintenance and patching
File handling and log monitoring
Secure scripting practices to prevent vulnerabilities
Outcome: Proficiency in secure task automation, reducing human errors and repetitive manual work.
Module 3: Git – Secure Version Control
Version control enables collaboration and accountability. This module covers Git essentials while emphasizing secure code management.
Key Topics:
Git basics: branching, merging, and tagging
Working with remote repositories
Git workflows for teams (feature branches, pull requests)
Secure commit practices and code integrity
Managing access control and repository security
Outcome: Ability to manage and secure source code across distributed teams.
Module 4: Jenkins – CI/CD with Security Gates
Jenkins powers continuous integration and delivery pipelines. In PDSEC, learners will configure pipelines with security scans and testing.
Key Topics:
Jenkins setup and pipeline creation
Automated builds, testing, and deployments
Integrating static (SAST) and dynamic (DAST) security tools
Adding vulnerability scans into pipelines
Role-based access control in Jenkins
Outcome: Skills to embed security testing directly into CI/CD pipelines for early risk detection.
Module 5: Docker – Secure Containerization
Containers are essential for DevOps, but they also introduce security concerns. This module ensures learners can build and deploy secure containers.
Key Topics:
Docker installation and fundamentals
Building images with Dockerfiles
Managing container security and image scanning
Securing registries and runtime environments
Multi-container applications with Docker Compose
Outcome: Mastery in containerizing applications securely and efficiently.
Module 6: Kubernetes – Orchestration with Security
Kubernetes is the industry standard for orchestrating containers. This module covers Kubernetes operations with a strong focus on workload and cluster security.
Key Topics:
Kubernetes architecture: nodes, pods, services, deployments
RBAC (Role-Based Access Control) and security policies
ConfigMaps, Secrets, and secure storage
Network policies and pod security standards
Securing Kubernetes clusters against threats
CI/CD integration with Kubernetes
Outcome: Ability to deploy, manage, and secure enterprise Kubernetes clusters.
Module 7: Ansible – Secure Configuration Management
Ansible enables infrastructure automation, but misconfigurations can lead to risks. This module trains learners in secure playbook design and compliance automation.
Key Topics:
Ansible architecture and inventory management
Writing secure playbooks and roles
Automating compliance with policies (CIS benchmarks, NIST, etc.)
Encrypting sensitive data with Ansible Vault
Integrating Ansible into CI/CD for security patching
Outcome: Expertise in standardizing and securing IT environments at scale.
Module 8: Terraform – Infrastructure as Code (IaC) Security
Terraform provisions infrastructure automatically. This module highlights how to design IaC with security-first practices.
Key Topics:
Terraform installation and workflow
Writing configuration files for cloud resources
State management and versioning
Securing IaC templates from misconfigurations
Policy as Code: enforcing compliance with guardrails
CI/CD integration for IaC security
Outcome: Proficiency in secure, repeatable, and auditable infrastructure deployments.
Module 9: Cloud Security Fundamentals
Cloud adoption requires built-in security. This module provides vendor-neutral knowledge of cloud architecture and protection strategies.
Key Topics:
Identity and Access Management (IAM)
Shared responsibility model in cloud security
Encryption and key management
Securing compute, storage, and networking
Cloud-native monitoring and security tools
Outcome: Understanding how to design and operate secure cloud environments.
Module 10: DevSecOps Security Tools (SAST, DAST & Vulnerability Management)
This module introduces learners to specialized security tools that integrate directly into DevOps pipelines.
Key Topics:
Static Application Security Testing (SAST)
Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST)
Software Composition Analysis (SCA) for dependencies
Vulnerability scanning for containers and infrastructure
Automated compliance testing
Outcome: Skills to embed automated security testing across all stages of the DevOps lifecycle.
Module 11: Monitoring & Observability with a Security Lens
Monitoring ensures performance, but in DevSecOps, it also detects security anomalies.
Key Topics:
Metrics collection with Prometheus
Visualization with Grafana dashboards
Infrastructure monitoring with Zabbix
Log aggregation and security event detection with ELK
Real-time alerting for performance and intrusion
Outcome: Ability to monitor both system health and security posture continuously.
Module 12: Incident Response & Compliance Automation
The final module prepares learners for real-world DevSecOps challenges—responding to threats and ensuring compliance.
Key Topics:
Automated incident detection and response
Security playbooks for common attacks
Integrating SOAR concepts in pipelines
Compliance automation for frameworks (GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS)
Creating audit-ready environments
Outcome: Capability to securely operate DevOps environments while meeting compliance requirements.
Integrated Learning Path
The curriculum is structured to move progressively:
Foundations – Linux, Shell Scripting, Git.
Automation – Jenkins, Ansible, Terraform.
Containers & Cloud – Docker, Kubernetes, Cloud Security.
Security Integration – SAST, DAST, vulnerability scans.
Observability & Compliance – Prometheus, Grafana, ELK, Zabbix, incident response.
By the end, learners emerge as true DevSecOps engineers, able to balance speed with security in enterprise environments.
Certification Process of the Practical DevSecOps Engineer Certification (PDSEC)
The PDSEC certification process goes beyond theoretical knowledge. It evaluates candidates on their conceptual understanding, practical problem-solving, and professional communication skills. This ensures graduates are workplace-ready DevSecOps engineers who can deliver secure, automated pipelines in real-world environments.
The process has three stages:
Stage 1: Theoretical Exam
The journey starts with a 40-question multiple-choice (MCQ) test. This evaluates the candidate’s knowledge of core DevSecOps concepts, security-first practices, and tool fundamentals.
Exam Details:
Format: Multiple-choice & scenario-based questions
Duration: 60 minutes
Mode: Online, proctored exam
Passing Score: Defined by program standards
Exam Coverage:
Principles of DevOps, SecOps, and DevSecOps
Linux fundamentals and security hardening
CI/CD concepts with integrated security checks
Containerization & orchestration security practices
Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and automation tools
Cloud security basics and compliance principles
Monitoring, logging, and incident response
Outcome: Proves a candidate has the theoretical foundation to implement secure DevOps workflows.
Stage 2: Online-Proctored Lab Exam
The second stage tests hands-on technical expertise in a simulated enterprise environment. Candidates complete real-world DevSecOps tasks, validating their ability to integrate automation and security together.
Exam Details:
Format: Practical lab challenges
Duration: 90–120 minutes
Mode: Online, proctored exam
Sample Lab Scenarios:
Configure a secure Git repository with branching policies.
Build a Jenkins pipeline with integrated SAST and DAST scans.
Write a shell script to automate system patching securely.
Deploy a containerized application with Docker and enforce image scanning.
Secure Kubernetes workloads with RBAC and network policies.
Provision infrastructure using Terraform with compliance guardrails.
Automate configuration management using Ansible Vault for secrets.
Set up Prometheus and Grafana to detect anomalies and security breaches.
Use ELK stack for centralized log monitoring and incident investigation.
Outcome: Validates a learner’s ability to implement DevSecOps in practical, real-world environments.
Stage 3: Verbal Mock Interview
The final stage prepares candidates for the professional and communication aspects of DevSecOps roles. It simulates a real-world job interview where learners must explain their decisions, troubleshoot on the spot, and showcase problem-solving confidence.
Interview Details:
Format: Verbal, interactive Q&A session
Duration: 20–30 minutes
Mode: Online (video-based evaluation)
Evaluation Criteria:
Ability to explain technical solutions clearly
Articulating security-first thinking in DevOps workflows
Problem-solving approach in pipeline and infrastructure challenges
Communication skills with technical and non-technical stakeholders
Professional demeanor and confidence
Outcome: Ensures candidates can communicate their expertise effectively, a critical skill for enterprise roles.
Retake Policy
PDSEC follows a learner-friendly retake system:
One free lifetime retake per stage (theory, lab, or interview).
Additional attempts available with a nominal fee.
This ensures learners can complete certification without fear of one setback derailing their progress.
Skills You Will Gain from PDSEC
The Practical DevSecOps Engineer Certification equips learners with both technical and professional skills to thrive in modern IT environments.
1. DevOps Foundations with Security
Master Linux system administration and hardening.
Automate tasks securely using shell scripting.
Manage source code safely with Git best practices.
2. Secure CI/CD Pipelines
Build automated pipelines with Jenkins.
Integrate SAST, DAST, and vulnerability scanning into builds.
Deploy applications faster without sacrificing security.
3. Cloud & Infrastructure as Code (IaC) Security
Automate infrastructure provisioning with Terraform.
Apply compliance guardrails with Policy as Code.
Standardize secure environments with Ansible.
4. Containerization & Orchestration Security
Package and run applications securely with Docker.
Manage Kubernetes workloads with RBAC, secrets, and network policies.
Ensure resilience, scalability, and compliance in containerized deployments.
5. Monitoring, Logging & Incident Response
Collect metrics with Prometheus.
Build dashboards in Grafana for security & performance insights.
Centralize logs and detect threats using the ELK stack.
Automate incident detection and response playbooks.
6. Professional & Communication Competence
Explain DevSecOps workflows in job interviews.
Communicate effectively with developers, operations, and security teams.
Build confidence for client-facing and leadership roles.
Why These Skills Are Crucial?
Modern enterprises face a dual challenge:
Delivering applications at speed.
Keeping infrastructure and applications secure.
PDSEC-certified professionals are prepared to handle both. They are capable of:
Designing automation pipelines that integrate compliance and security.
Ensuring cloud-native deployments are secure by default.
Detecting and mitigating risks before they reach production.
Bridging the gap between DevOps teams and security teams.
With PDSEC, learners don’t just become DevOps engineers—they become secure DevOps leaders.
Career Opportunities After the Practical DevSecOps Engineer Certification (PDSEC)
The adoption of DevSecOps practices is rapidly becoming the norm in modern enterprises. As organizations shift toward cloud-native architectures, microservices, and automated delivery pipelines, they also face increased security risks. This has created a global demand for professionals who can combine DevOps efficiency with robust security controls.
By completing the PDSEC program, learners gain the expertise to work in multi-disciplinary roles that require mastery of automation, cloud, security, and compliance.
Top Career Roles for PDSEC Graduates
1. DevSecOps Engineer
A core role where professionals integrate security into DevOps workflows. Responsibilities include building CI/CD pipelines with embedded security gates, automating vulnerability scans, and enforcing compliance.
2. Cloud Security Engineer
Specializes in securing cloud-native infrastructures. Focus areas include IAM (Identity and Access Management), workload security, data protection, and compliance enforcement in hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
3. Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) with Security Focus
Balances performance, availability, and security of large-scale systems. Works closely with DevOps teams to ensure uptime while mitigating risks.
4. Application Security Engineer (AppSec)
Integrates SAST, DAST, and SCA tools into the development lifecycle to identify and fix vulnerabilities before applications reach production.
5. Automation & Infrastructure Security Specialist
Designs and manages Infrastructure as Code (IaC) systems like Terraform and Ansible while applying security guardrails and compliance automation.
6. Container Security Specialist
Focuses on securing containerized environments and orchestrated workloads in Kubernetes. Manages RBAC, secrets, pod security, and runtime monitoring.
7. Security Operations Engineer (SecOps)
Bridges operations and security teams by automating monitoring, incident response, and threat detection using observability tools.
8. Compliance Automation Engineer
Develops automated compliance frameworks (GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, etc.) integrated into pipelines, ensuring regulatory requirements are met continuously.
9. Cybersecurity Engineer with DevOps Focus
Specializes in designing holistic cybersecurity strategies for cloud-native and DevOps environments.
10. Technical Consultant / Solutions Architect
Advises enterprises on adopting DevSecOps practices at scale, designing secure architectures, and integrating automation pipelines.
Global Demand for DevSecOps Engineers
The DevSecOps market is growing exponentially as organizations prioritize “security by design”.
Industry Highlights:
The global DevSecOps market is projected to surpass USD 23 billion by 2030, with annual growth rates of 30%+.
90% of enterprises now recognize DevSecOps as critical for securing digital transformation.
Container adoption has increased, making Kubernetes and container security a top hiring priority.
Regulatory compliance frameworks (GDPR, PCI-DSS, HIPAA) are pushing organizations toward compliance automation.
Companies urgently need professionals who can combine DevOps agility with strong security practices—a skillset validated by PDSEC.
Salary Insights for PDSEC-Certified Professionals
Salaries for DevSecOps professionals are among the highest in IT, reflecting their cross-disciplinary expertise.
Average Salary Ranges (Annually):
India: INR 10,00,000 – 25,00,000
Canada: CAD 95,000 – 140,000
United Kingdom: GBP 60,000 – 95,000
Germany: EUR 65,000 – 100,000
France: EUR 55,000 – 85,000
United States: USD 115,000 – 165,000
United Arab Emirates: AED 200,000 – 280,000
Singapore: SGD 95,000 – 135,000
Australia: AUD 105,000 – 150,000
Japan: JPY 8,000,000 – 12,000,000
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