GitLab CI vs Azure DevOps Certification
Compare GitLab CI/CD and Azure DevOps for CI/CD pipeline expertise.
GitLab Certified CI/CD Specialist
GitLab
Azure DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400)
Microsoft
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Compare all aspects of these certifications side by side
| Feature | GitLab Certified CI/CD Specialist | Azure DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400) |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | GitLab | Microsoft |
| Difficulty Level | Associate | Expert |
| Exam Duration | 90 minutes | 150 minutes |
| Exam Cost | $250 USD | $165 USD |
| Exam Format | Multiple choice + practical | 40-60 questions + labs |
| Prerequisites | None | AZ-104 or AZ-204 |
| Validity Period | 2 years | 1 year (renewal) |
| Ideal For | DevOps engineers using GitLab | DevOps engineers on Azure |
| Salary Range | $110,000 - $155,000 | $130,000 - $175,000 |
What Each Certification Covers
Key topics and domains covered in each exam
GitLab Certified CI/CD Specialist Focus Areas
- GitLab CI/CD
- Pipelines
- Runners
- Artifacts
- Environments
Azure DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400) Focus Areas
- Azure Pipelines
- Repos
- Artifacts
- Boards
- Test Plans
Our Recommendation
GitLab is all-in-one; Azure DevOps integrates deeply with Microsoft ecosystem.
Choose GitLab Certified CI/CD Specialist
Choose GitLab for unified DevOps platform with built-in SCM.
Choose Azure DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400)
Choose Azure DevOps for Microsoft-centric organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: GitLab Certified CI/CD Specialist or Azure DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400)?
GitLab is all-in-one; Azure DevOps integrates deeply with Microsoft ecosystem.
What are the salary differences between GitLab Certified CI/CD Specialist?
GitLab Certified CI/CD Specialist typically offers salaries around $110,000 - $155,000, while Azure DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400) offers $130,000 - $175,000.
Which certification should I get first?
Choose GitLab for unified DevOps platform with built-in SCM. Choose Azure DevOps for Microsoft-centric organizations.
How long does it take to prepare for these certifications?
Preparation time varies based on experience. Most candidates spend 4-12 weeks studying, depending on their background and the certification difficulty level.
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