Introduction:
Embarking on the journey towards becoming a Certified DevSecOps Professional (CDP) with Practical DevSecOps proved to be an enriching experience that not only tested the boundaries of my expertise but also provided profound insights into the dynamic field of DevSecOps. This comprehensive 36-hour practical exam, divided into 12 hours for hands-on tasks and 24 hours for a professional report, covers an extensive array of critical aspects, including Compliance as Code (CaC), Infrastructure as Code (IaC), Vulnerability Management, and Software Composition Analysis (SCA), in addition to the previously mentioned components.
Hands-On Tasks:
The core of the certification lies in its 12-hour practical exam, presenting participants with 5 distinct DevSecOps tasks. These tasks span crucial domains such as IaC scanning, CaC, Static Application Security Testing (SAST), Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST), Vulnerability Management, and Software Composition Analysis. The hands-on nature of the exam ensures a holistic understanding, allowing participants to not only comprehend theoretical concepts but also adeptly apply them in real-world scenarios.
DevSecOps Pipeline Creation:
A standout feature of the CDP certification is its emphasis on crafting a comprehensive DevSecOps Pipeline. The course meticulously explores the intricacies of integrating diverse security measures into the development process. Participants learn how to seamlessly incorporate SAST, DAST, IaC scanning, CaC, Vulnerability Management, and SCA using a multitude of tools and CI/CD platforms.
Tool Diversity:
The Practical DevSecOps course excels in its coverage of a diverse range of tools, ensuring participants gain practical experience with leading SAST and DAST tools, IaC scanning solutions, CaC platforms, and tools for Vulnerability Management and SCA. This diversity not only broadens one's skill set but also equips professionals with the adaptability to cater to different project requirements.
Professional Report:
The certification journey culminates in a 24-hour endeavor to articulate the entire process and outcomes in a comprehensive professional report. This component not only evaluates the participant's ability to perform technical tasks but also assesses their communication skills and capacity to document and present complex security concepts, including CaC, IaC scanning, Vulnerability Management, and SCA, in a clear and concise manner.
Conclusion:
The Certified DevSecOps Professional (CDP) certification by Practical DevSecOps stands out as a challenging yet immensely rewarding experience. With a focus on hands-on tasks, diverse tool usage, and the creation of a robust DevSecOps Pipeline that incorporates CaC, IaC scanning, Vulnerability Management, and SCA, this certification is an invaluable investment for professionals seeking to excel in the dynamic realm of secure software development.