DevSecOps is one of the fastest-growing fields in tech, blending software development, IT operations, and cybersecurity. Becoming a DevSecOps Specialist in just six months is ambitious but achievable with a structured plan. This roadmap breaks down exactly how to learn DevSecOps step by step.
You’ll cover essential skills, practice with real tools, and even prepare for DevSecOps certification – all within half a year. The key is consistent effort, the right guidance (including an instructor-led course from Refonte Learning), and hands-on practice. By following this guide, you can fast-track your DevSecOps career path and enter the job market with a competitive edge.
Months 1–2: Build Your DevSecOps Foundations
The first two months focus on establishing a strong foundation. Start by understanding what DevSecOps is and why it matters. Learn core DevOps concepts – how software gets built, tested, and deployed continuously. At the same time, grasp basic cybersecurity principles and why they’re critical.
Next, study common vulnerabilities (e.g. the OWASP Top 10) and learn how attacks like SQL injection or cross-site scripting work. Pick up a programming or scripting language (Python or Bash is a great choice) since automation is central to DevSecOps. You should also become familiar with Linux command-line basics, as many DevSecOps tools run on Linux.
Consider enrolling in a DevSecOps training program for beginners (for example, Refonte Learning’s Cybersecurity & DevSecOps course) to get structured guidance. A good course will cover both DevOps and security fundamentals step-by-step. Having a structured curriculum and mentor support early on can accelerate your learning and keep you accountable.
Learn the fundamentals: Spend these first weeks reading and watching tutorials on DevOps culture and security basics. Make sure you understand continuous integration (CI), continuous delivery (CD), basic networking, and cloud computing concepts.
Hands-on with basics: Practice using Git for version control on a simple project to get used to collaborative coding. Simultaneously, use a Linux environment (like a Ubuntu VM or WSL) to run commands and write simple bash scripts.
Security basics: Explore free resources on secure coding and vulnerability prevention. Try a beginner-friendly cybersecurity lab or interactive website to see how common attacks work and how to mitigate them.
Month 3: Master CI/CD and DevOps Tools
By month three, it’s time to dive into the DevOps toolchain – the backbone of DevSecOps workflows. Focus on mastering version control and continuous integration tools for DevSecOps automation. Start with Git and a platform like GitHub or GitLab to manage code. Learn branching, merging, and collaborating through pull requests.
Next, set up a simple CI/CD pipeline for a sample application. You might use Jenkins (one of the top CI/CD tools) or a cloud service like GitHub Actions to automatically build and test your code whenever you push changes. This hands-on exercise solidifies how pipelines work, which is fundamental before adding security steps.
Begin learning Docker this month as well, so you can containerize your application – containers are core to modern DevOps and you’ll need to secure them later. If possible, also experiment with a cloud CI service (for example, try running your pipeline on GitLab CI or CircleCI) to see how automation works in different environments. The Refonte Learning DevOps Engineering program covers tools like Jenkins, Docker, and cloud CI/CD in depth, which can accelerate your learning through real project experience.
Build a CI pipeline: Configure a basic pipeline for your project. For example, use Jenkins to compile code and run tests automatically with each commit. This will teach you the mechanics of CI/CD.
Learn containerization: Write a simple Dockerfile and containerize your application. Run it locally with Docker to understand how containerization works, as this knowledge will be crucial for later security steps.
Explore cloud CI/CD: Take advantage of free tiers on platforms like GitHub Actions or GitLab CI. Practice setting up a build job in the cloud and integrating it with your repository, mirroring what many companies do in practice.
Month 4: Integrate Security into Your Pipeline
In month four, start weaving security into the pipeline you built – this is where DevOps evolves into DevSecOps. Add Static Application Security Testing (SAST) tools into your build process. Use a scanner like SonarQube or Snyk to automatically check your code for vulnerabilities with each build. Get in the habit of reviewing the scan reports and fixing the issues flagged to build a security-first mindset.
Next, implement Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) on your running application. Use a tool like OWASP ZAP to simulate attacks on your web application and catch runtime security flaws. If you containerized your app, run a container vulnerability scanner (e.g. Trivy) on your Docker image to find known issues. The goal is to automate these checks so that security testing happens continuously without waiting for a separate audit.
This month truly shows how development and security merge. It’s the hands-on answer to how to learn DevSecOps – by integrating security as part of development.
The Refonte Learning DevSecOps training program shines here, providing guided practice with SAST/DAST and container security tools. Under expert mentorship, you learn to interpret security findings and implement fixes – a critical skill for any DevSecOps specialist.
Add code scanning: Integrate a SAST tool into your CI pipeline. For instance, set up SonarQube or have Snyk scan your code on each commit. Work on at least one vulnerability it finds, so you understand the remediation process.
Run DAST on your app: Deploy your app in a test environment and use OWASP ZAP to scan it. Review the results (like finding missing security headers or input validation issues) and then improve your app’s security based on those findings.
Scan your containers: If you’re using Docker, run a container scan with a tool like Trivy or Anchore. Address any critical vulnerabilities by updating the base image or patching dependencies in your container.
Month 5: Expand into Cloud and Infrastructure Security
Month five broadens your scope to the environment your applications run in. DevSecOps specialists need to understand cloud and infrastructure security since most modern applications live in the cloud. Learn the basics of cloud deployment and security on a platform like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. Practice deploying your application to a cloud service and apply security best practices (for example, setting up proper identity and access roles, network rules, and enabling SSL/TLS for web apps). Understanding cloud infrastructure is crucial, as most CI/CD pipelines will deploy to cloud environments.
At the same time, dive into Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools such as Terraform or Ansible. Write infrastructure scripts to automate the setup of your environment, then use an IaC security scanner (like Checkov or AWS Config) to catch misconfigurations in your templates. Also familiarize yourself with secrets management – use tools like HashiCorp Vault or cloud key management services to keep API keys and passwords out of your code and configs. By the end of this month, you’ll have a more holistic view of securing not just the application, but the entire stack around it.
Refonte Learning offers advanced modules on cloud security and infrastructure automation that can be invaluable in this phase. Their instructors walk you through real-world scenarios (like securing an AWS deployment via Terraform), helping you solidify these advanced skills faster. With or without a course, be sure to document everything you’re learning – these notes and projects can become part of your portfolio to show employers.
Cloud deployment project: Deploy your evolving application to a cloud environment and implement basic security measures. For example, set up an AWS EC2 or Azure App Service and ensure you use security groups/firewall rules to restrict access and enable encryption in transit.
Secure your IaC: Use Terraform or a similar tool to script your infrastructure (such as creating a server and database). Then run a tool like Checkov to scan your IaC script for security issues (e.g. open SSH ports or weak password policies) and fix any problems it highlights.
Manage secrets properly: Move any sensitive credentials (database passwords, API tokens) out of your code. Practice using an environment variable, Vault, or cloud secret manager to supply secrets to your application at runtime, so you never expose them in code repositories.
Month 6: Get Certified and Launch Your Career
The final month is about validation and career preparation. Now that you’ve built up skills and projects, consider earning a DevSecOps certification to formalize your knowledge. The DevSecOps Foundation certification (offered by DevOps Institute) is a popular starting point that aligns with many of the practices you’ve learned. Studying for a certification will reinforce key concepts and fill any gaps in your understanding. Plus, having a recognized credential can boost your resume and credibility in interviews.
Meanwhile, consolidate your hands-on work into a portfolio. Polish up your projects (for example, your secure CI/CD pipeline or your cloud infrastructure scripts) and push the code to a public repository like GitHub where hiring managers can see it. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile to highlight your new DevSecOps skills, the tools you’ve mastered, and any certifications earned. If you participated in a structured course or earned a certificate of completion (say from Refonte or another provider), be sure to include that as well.
Finally, start applying for junior DevSecOps engineer or related roles – and be prepared to discuss your projects and what you learned. Networking is also key: attend a local DevOps/Cloud security meetup or join online communities (LinkedIn groups, Reddit’s r/devsecops, etc.) to connect with professionals and uncover job leads. As you launch your job search, Refonte Learning can support you through its alumni network and career services (resume reviews, mock interviews, etc.), helping turn your six months of learning into a landable job opportunity.
Earn a certification: Choose a cert like DevSecOps Foundation or another relevant credential and schedule the exam. Even if optional, the process of studying will give you a structured review of everything you’ve covered.
Build your portfolio: Create a brief presentation or README documentation for the projects you completed. Describe the problem you solved, the tools you used, and the security measures you implemented – this shows employers you can apply DevSecOps in practice.
Prepare for interviews: Write down common DevSecOps interview questions and practice answering them. Be ready to explain things like how you set up CI/CD, how you handled a security issue in your project, or how you would improve security in a developer workflow.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Becoming a DevSecOps specialist in six months is a challenging journey, but with the right roadmap, it’s within reach. This guide has provided a month-by-month plan to build your skills in a logical sequence – from foundational knowledge to advanced practices.
The demand for DevSecOps talent is high, and by following this roadmap you’ll be equipped with the tools and know-how to meet it. Stay persistent and keep learning; the field of DevSecOps evolves quickly, so a continuous learning mindset will serve you well.
Now it’s time to put your plan into action. If you’re ready to accelerate your transformation, Refonte Learning is here to support you with expert-led DevSecOps course, mentorship, and career guidance. Take the first step today – your future as a DevSecOps specialist awaits!
FAQs: Becoming a DevSecOps Specialist
Q1: Can I really become a DevSecOps specialist in 6 months?
A: Six months is ambitious, but with focused effort and a solid plan it’s doable. Many career changers have successfully made the switch in around that time. If you dedicate several hours each week and follow a structured roadmap or intensive bootcamp, you can build the foundation needed to land a junior DevSecOps role in six months.
Q2: Do I need a background in DevOps or cybersecurity to start?
A: No specific background is required – though basic IT knowledge helps. Many people start from scratch; the key is to learn the fundamentals (Linux, coding, security basics) systematically as outlined in the roadmap. A motivated learner who follows a rigorous study plan or takes a structured course can break into DevSecOps without prior experience.
Q3: What DevSecOps certification should I pursue?
A: It depends on your goals. A popular choice is the DevSecOps Foundation certification from DevOps Institute, which covers core practices and principles. Others pursue a “Certified DevSecOps Professional” credential or a security certification like CompTIA Security+. Pick one that aligns with your career interests, but remember that hands-on experience is just as important as any certificate.
Q4: Do I need programming skills for DevSecOps?
A: You should have basic scripting or programming skills. You don’t need to be a software engineer, but be comfortable writing simple scripts (for example, in Python or Bash) to automate tasks and integrate security tools into pipelines. The good news is you can learn these skills alongside your security training, as many DevSecOps courses teach essential scripting for beginners.
Q5: How can I get real-world experience while learning?
A: Build your own mini-projects to apply what you learn – treat each step of this roadmap as a real-world project (for example, secure a sample web application as if it’s running in production). Additionally, contribute to open-source security projects or join cyber hackathons to gain practical experience. If possible, get a short internship for hands-on exposure; notably, Refonte Learning’s program includes a virtual internship with mentorship that simulates real DevSecOps work.