What Is the Best DevOps Course for Beginners?

DevOps has become a vital aspect of software development in the modern world by bridging the gap between development and operational processes, improving collaboration, and speeding up the process and delivery speed. For those just starting and wanting to get into the realm of DevOps, choosing a course very carefully on the path to learning DevOps is a paramount starting point for building a crystal clear platform. There are innumerable choices available - from free online courses to an expensive paid course - I am certain it is sometimes a cumbersome job to think about the best course to do. The highlight of this blog is what makes a good DevOps course for beginners, some essential considerations, and some of our recommendations to get you on your way.

Why Learn DevOps?

Before diving into course recommendations, let’s understand why DevOps is worth learning. DevOps is a set of practices that combines software development (Dev) and IT operations (Ops) to improve collaboration, automate workflows, and deliver high-quality software faster. It emphasizes tools like version control, CI/CD pipelines, containerization, and cloud platforms, alongside cultural principles like shared responsibility and continuous improvement.

For beginners, DevOps offers a lucrative and rewarding career path. According to industry reports, DevOps engineers are in high demand, with salaries often exceeding $100,000 annually for entry-level roles in the U.S. Moreover, DevOps skills are versatile, applicable across industries, and essential for roles like DevOps engineer, site reliability engineer (SRE), and cloud architect. A beginner-friendly course can help you master these skills and open doors to exciting opportunities.

What Makes a DevOps Course Ideal for Beginners?

Not all DevOps courses are created equal, especially for those new to the field. Here are key factors to look for when choosing a beginner-friendly course:

1. Clear Introduction to Core Concepts: A good course should explain DevOps fundamentals—such as CI/CD, infrastructure as code (IaC), and monitoring—in simple terms, assuming no prior knowledge.

2. Hands-On Learning: Practical experience is crucial. Look for courses with labs, projects, or simulations that let you work with tools like Git, Docker, Kubernetes, Jenkins, and AWS.

3. Structured Learning Path: Beginners benefit from a clear, step-by-step curriculum that progresses from basic to advanced topics without overwhelming the learner.

4. Tool-Focused Training: DevOps is tool-heavy, so the course should cover popular tools and platforms, ideally with real-world applications.

5. Community and Support: Access to forums, mentors, or Q&A sessions can help clarify doubts and keep you motivated.

6. Affordability and Accessibility: Free or low-cost courses are ideal for beginners testing the waters, but paid courses often offer more depth and certification.

7. Certification: A recognized certificate can boost your resume and validate your skills to employers.

With these criteria in mind, let’s explore some of the best DevOps courses for beginners in 2025.

Top DevOps Courses for Beginners

1. Rextonitsolutions: DevOps Courses

RextonIT Solutions has developed a complete set of DevOps courses to help learners understand how to join development and IT management. Our DevOps courses include extensive hands-on experience with DevOps-related development tools such as Docker, Kubernetes, Jenkins, Ansible, GIT, and many more! These courses will benefit both beginners and experienced development professionals. Our DevOps curriculum is organized to cover automation, CI/CD, infrastructure as code, and working through a real-world project. RextonITSolutions has expert trainers, labs with hands-on experience, and both online and classroom instruction. This way, students can learn the lessons in a variety of job roles or tasks that can be adapted to the fast-paced IT environment. This would be an ideal opportunity for anyone wanting to start or increase their skills and/or careers in DevOps.

2. Udemy: "DevOps Beginners to Advanced" by Imran Teli

• Overview: This highly rated Udemy course is a comprehensive introduction to DevOps, covering everything from Linux basics to advanced CI/CD pipelines. It’s designed for absolute beginners and includes over 30 hours of video content.

• Key Features:

• Covers Git, Jenkins, Docker, Kubernetes, Ansible, and AWS.

• Includes hands-on labs and real-world projects, like setting up a CI/CD pipeline.

• Affordable, often available for $10–$20 during Udemy sales.

• Lifetime access and a certificate of completion.

• Why It’s Great for Beginners: The course starts with basic concepts like Linux commands and shell scripting, making it accessible for those with no technical background. The hands-on projects help build confidence, and the instructor’s clear explanations make complex topics digestible.

• Drawbacks: The course is lengthy, which might be overwhelming for some learners. It’s also self-paced, so discipline is required.

3. Coursera: "Introduction to DevOps" by IBM

• Overview: Offered by IBM on Coursera, this course is part of the DevOps and Software Engineering Professional Certificate. It’s a beginner-friendly introduction to DevOps principles, tools, and practices.

• Key Features:

• Covers DevOps culture, CI/CD, cloud computing, and monitoring.

• Includes hands-on labs using IBM Cloud and open-source tools.

• Part of a broader certificate program, ideal for career switchers.

• Flexible pacing with an estimated 10 hours to complete.

• Offers a shareable certificate.

• Why It’s Great for Beginners: The course is concise and focuses on practical skills, with IBM’s industry expertise adding credibility. It’s also part of a larger specialization, allowing learners to progress to more advanced topics.

• Drawbacks: Requires a Coursera subscription ($39/month) for full access, though you can audit it for free without a certificate.

4. Pluralsight: "DevOps Fundamentals"

• Overview: Pluralsight’s DevOps Fundamentals path is a curated series of courses designed for beginners. It covers the basics of DevOps workflows, tools, and culture.

• Key Features:

• Focuses on Git, Jenkins, Docker, and cloud platforms.

• Interactive learning with quizzes and exercises.

• Part of Pluralsight’s extensive DevOps learning path.

• Offers a 10-day free trial.

• Why It’s Great for Beginners: The modular structure allows learners to focus on specific skills, and the platform’s assessments help gauge progress. It’s ideal for those who prefer bite-sized lessons.

• Drawbacks: Requires a subscription ($29/month or $299/year), which may be costly for some. Less hands-on compared to Udemy.

5. freeCodeCamp: "DevOps Tutorial for Beginners" (YouTube)

• Overview: freeCodeCamp’s YouTube channel offers a free, comprehensive DevOps tutorial that covers the basics in a single video. It’s perfect for those wanting a no-cost entry point.

• Key Features:

• Covers DevOps concepts, Git, Docker, and CI/CD pipelines.

• Free and accessible to everyone.

• Includes practical examples and tool demos.

• Why It’s Great for Beginners: It’s completely free, making it ideal for those unsure about investing in a paid course. The video format is engaging, and the content is concise yet informative.

• Drawbacks: Lacks hands-on labs and certification. It’s better as a starting point than a complete learning solution.

6. AWS Training: "AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials"

• Overview: While not strictly a DevOps course, this free AWS training is an excellent starting point for beginners interested in cloud-based DevOps. It covers AWS services critical to DevOps workflows.

• Key Features:

• Free, with optional paid certification.

• Covers AWS fundamentals, including EC2, S3, and Lambda.

• Includes hands-on labs in the AWS console.

• Prepares you for the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification.

• Why It’s Great for Beginners: Many DevOps roles involve cloud platforms, and AWS is the market leader. This course provides a solid foundation for cloud-based DevOps tools.

• Drawbacks: Focuses on AWS rather than broader DevOps concepts, so it’s best paired with another course.

How to Choose the Right Course for You

The best DevOps course depends on your goals, budget, and learning style. Here are some tips to help you decide:

• If you’re on a budget: Start with freeCodeCamp’s YouTube tutorial or AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials. Both are free and provide a solid introduction.

• If you want hands-on experience: Udemy’s “DevOps Beginners to Advanced” is ideal for its extensive labs and projects.

• If you prefer a structured program: Coursera’s IBM course or Pluralsight’s DevOps Fundamentals path offer clear learning paths and certifications.

• If you’re aiming for a cloud-focused role: Supplement your learning with AWS or Azure-specific training, as cloud skills are increasingly vital in DevOps.

• If you need flexibility: Self-paced options like Udemy or Pluralsight allow you to learn at your speed.

Tips for Success in Learning DevOps

1. Build a Lab Environment: Set up a local or cloud-based environment to practice tools like Docker, Kubernetes, and Jenkins. AWS Free Tier or Google Cloud’s free credits are great for this.

2. Contribute to Open-Source Projects: Platforms like GitHub let you collaborate on real projects, applying your skills and building your portfolio.

3. Join Communities: Engage with DevOps communities on Reddit, Discord, or X to ask questions and stay updated on trends.

4. Practice Consistently: Dedicate time daily or weekly to learning and experimenting with tools.

5. Pursue Certifications: After mastering the basics, consider certifications like AWS Certified DevOps Engineer or Kubernetes Certified Administrator to stand out.

Conclusion

Selecting an ideal DevOps course for beginners is based on your personal learning preferences and career aspirations. Udemy’s “DevOps Beginners to Advanced” course, at a low cost with practical application, is a great one. Coursera’s IBM course is another great option as it offers more structure and flexibility. There are free options, such as freeCodeCamp and certain AWS training options, that are great for learning and expanding your understanding of DevOps without spending any money. Choosing a course that appeals to you and is suited to your needs while practicing and engaging with the community will support your goals. You will become proficient in DevOps in no time and can enter an exciting and highly rewarding career path in this field.