In 2025, mastering CI/CD (Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery) is crucial for engineers who want to streamline software releases.
CI/CD skills enable DevOps teams to integrate code changes frequently and deploy updates reliably, which is why demand for these skills is soaring globally.
Fortunately, there are numerous online DevOps training options—from global platforms like Refonte Learning to university-backed programs—designed to help you build expertise in CI/CD.
This article explores the best online courses for DevOps Engineers to master CI/CD, covering beginner-friendly classes, advanced certifications, and actionable career tips to ensure you stay ahead in your DevOps journey.
Why Mastering CI/CD is Essential for DevOps Engineers
CI/CD has become the backbone of modern software development and operations. It automates the building, testing, and deployment of applications, allowing teams to ship features faster with fewer errors. For a DevOps engineer, strong CI/CD knowledge means you can:
Deliver Software Faster: By automating integration and deployment, you reduce manual effort and catch bugs early. Companies with mature CI/CD pipelines often deploy code to production daily or even hourly.
Improve Reliability and Quality: CI/CD practices enforce testing and consistency. Every code change goes through a standardized pipeline, resulting in more stable releases. This reliability is a huge asset in high-stakes environments.
Stay Competitive in the Job Market: DevOps roles worldwide frequently list CI/CD tools (like Jenkins, GitLab CI, or GitHub Actions) as required skills. Employers know that engineers fluent in CI/CD can hit the ground running. For instance, even structured DevOps programs dedicate significant time to CI/CD, reflecting its importance in industry.
Handle Complex Systems: As systems scale, manual deployments become untenable. CI/CD knowledge lets you manage microservices architectures and cloud environments efficiently, which is essential for senior DevOps positions.
In short, mastering CI/CD isn’t just about learning tools—it’s about adopting a DevOps mindset of continuous improvement and automation. Next, we’ll look at how to choose a training program that equips you with these critical skills.
What to Look for in a DevOps CI/CD Course
Not all courses are created equal. When evaluating the best CI/CD courses for DevOps engineers, keep these factors in mind:
Hands-On Practice: Look for courses that include building real CI/CD pipelines and projects. Practical labs and assignments are key. For example, Refonte Learning DevOps program includes real-world projects where you create CI/CD pipelines from scratch, reinforcing each concept.
Coverage of Popular Tools: The course should teach the tools and platforms in demand. Ensure the curriculum covers technologies like Jenkins, Git and GitHub, Docker containers, and maybe cloud-based CI/CD tools (GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, AWS CodePipeline, etc.). A well-rounded training will expose you to multiple tools so you can be versatile.
Up-to-Date Content: DevOps evolves quickly. The best online courses in 2025 should reflect current best practices (such as using containerized build agents, or employing Kubernetes for deployments). Check that the course was updated recently or is taught by active industry professionals.
Certification or Certificate: If your goal is a DevOps CI/CD certification, choose courses that align with recognized credentials. Some courses offer certificates of completion or even prepare you for vendor certifications (like AWS DevOps Engineer or Azure DevOps Expert). Even if not an official cert, a certificate from a reputable platform (Coursera, Refonte Learning, etc.) can bolster your resume.
Mentorship and Community Support: Learning CI/CD can be challenging, so having access to instructor support or a community forum is valuable. Refonte Learning offers mentorship and community Q&A for their learners. This support can help you troubleshoot pipeline errors or clarify complex topics as you progress.
Flexibility and Format: Since many learners are working professionals, consider the format. Self-paced online courses or ones with flexible schedules allow you to balance learning with work.
By keeping these criteria in mind, you can select a CI/CD training program that not only teaches you the theory but also gives you the practical experience and confidence to implement pipelines in the real world.
Best CI/CD Courses for DevOps Engineers (Beginner-Friendly)
If you’re just starting with CI/CD, begin with a foundation of the basics. The following are some of the best online courses for DevOps engineers to learn CI/CD from the ground up:
Refonte Learning DevOps Engineering Program (CI/CD Module)
Format: Online, 3 months. This comprehensive program by Refonte Learning covers DevOps end-to-end, with a strong focus on CI/CD fundamentals.
It starts from the ground up—teaching version control with Git, then continuous integration using tools like Jenkins and GitHub Actions, and continuous deployment strategies to cloud platforms.
Beginners benefit from hands-on projects (such as building a CI/CD pipeline for a demo application) under the guidance of mentors. The program is suitable for beginners yet dives deep, making it a one-stop solution.
Pricing: Approx. $300 (includes a training certificate and optional internship experience).
Why it stands out: Refonte Learning offers an industry-oriented curriculum with real projects, so you finish not just with theoretical knowledge but a portfolio to show employers.
IBM “Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery” (Coursera)
Format: Online, ~14 hours. Offered by IBM on Coursera, this course is an excellent introduction to CI/CD concepts. It covers the goals and benefits of CI/CD, explains how to set up simple pipelines, and introduces tools like Jenkins and Tekton.
Pricing: Free to audit (paid option for certificate, around $49/month Coursera subscription).
Certificate: Yes, a Coursera certificate is available.
Why choose it: It’s beginner-friendly and doesn’t assume much prior knowledge. By the end, you’ll understand how DevOps teams automate testing and deployment – a great starting point for further DevOps CI/CD education or certification.
DevOps CI/CD for Beginners (Udemy)
Format: Online, self-paced (~5 hours). This top-rated Udemy course walks absolute beginners through continuous integration and delivery in a very practical way. You’ll learn by doing – setting up a simple Git repository, configuring Jenkins to build and test code, and using Docker to containerize an application for deployment.
Pricing: Typically $15–20 (Udemy frequently discounts courses).
Certificate: Yes, Udemy provides a certificate of completion.
Highlights: Short lectures with demos make it easy to follow, and you can replay sections as needed. It’s perfect if you want a quick, hands-on introduction without a long-term time commitment.
DevOps Foundations: Continuous Delivery/Continuous Integration (LinkedIn Learning)
Format: Online video course (~2 hours). This course (part of LinkedIn Learning’s broader DevOps Foundations series) gives a high-level overview of CI/CD practices. It introduces key terms and concepts, and shows simple examples of automation using popular tools.
Pricing: Requires LinkedIn Learning subscription (around $30/month, free trial available).
Certificate: Yes, downloadable upon completion.
Who it’s for: Professionals who understand software development but are new to DevOps. In a short time, it clarifies how continuous integration and delivery fit into the development lifecycle. It’s less in-depth than others, but very digestible and up-to-date.
These beginner-friendly courses will help you build a solid base. Many learners start with one or two of these to grasp CI/CD fundamentals, then move on to more advanced programs or specialized tool training.
Advanced CI/CD Courses and Certifications for DevOps Engineers
Once you have the basics down and perhaps some experience running simple pipelines, you might be ready to tackle more advanced CI/CD training. Advanced courses often cover complex pipeline scenarios, specific cloud environments, or prepare you for professional certifications.
Here are some top picks:
Udacity Cloud DevOps Engineer Nanodegree
Format: Online, project-based (~4 months). Udacity’s Nanodegree is an immersive program covering CI/CD alongside other DevOps skills. It’s considered intermediate-to-advanced. You will design CI/CD pipelines for cloud deployments, implement infrastructure as code, and containerize applications.
Pricing: Approximately $1200 (with monthly payment plans or discounts available).
Certificate: Nanodegree credential upon completion.
Why it’s worth it: The program is very hands-on, culminating in real projects like deploying a CI/CD pipeline for a live application on AWS. This experience is invaluable for seasoned professionals looking to level up. It also covers related topics (monitoring, logging) for a holistic skill set.
AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional (Training & Cert)
Format: Online courses + exam. For those focusing on AWS, the DevOps Engineer Professional certification is highly regarded.
Preparation: AWS offers its own training paths, and platforms like A Cloud Guru or Whizlabs have dedicated courses and practice exams. These courses dive into AWS-specific CI/CD tools (CodePipeline, CodeBuild, etc.), advanced automation, and deployment strategies (blue/green, canary releases) on AWS. Exam Info: 180-minute exam, ~$300 fee.
Why pursue it: Achieving this certification demonstrates advanced CI/CD skills in a cloud context. Even if you don’t take the exam, the knowledge gained from the training (like how to automate complex cloud deployments) is directly applicable to large-scale DevOps projects.
Microsoft Azure DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400 Training)
Format: Online modules or instructor-led courses + exam. This is the top DevOps certification for Azure. To earn it, you complete the AZ-400 exam (and need a prerequisite Azure associate cert).
Training: Microsoft Learn provides free AZ-400 learning paths covering Azure Pipelines (for CI/CD), Infrastructure as Code with Azure, monitoring, and more. There are also instructor-led courses through learning partners for a more guided experience.
Why pursue it: If your work involves the Azure ecosystem, this certification ensures you’re proficient in implementing CI/CD and DevOps best practices using Microsoft’s tools. It’s an advanced credential that can boost your profile in enterprises adopting Azure DevOps Server/GitHub Enterprise.
Jenkins Pipeline Bootcamp (Udemy/Pluralsight)
Format: Online, self-paced (~6-8 hours). For a tool-specific deep dive, consider a course focused entirely on Jenkins or another CI server. For instance, “The Complete Jenkins CI/CD Bootcamp” on Udemy teaches you advanced Jenkins techniques: pipeline as code (Jenkinsfile), distributed build agents, integrating Jenkins with Docker and Kubernetes, and security best practices.
Pricing: ~$20 on Udemy (or available via Pluralsight subscription).
Who it’s for: DevOps engineers who already use Jenkins but want to unlock its full potential in complex environments. Mastering a widely-used tool like Jenkins at an expert level can make you the go-to CI/CD person in your team.
Refonte Learning DevOps Expert Projects
Even after completing a formal course, continuing with advanced projects is crucial.
Refonte Learning often provides alumni or advanced students with capstone projects or internships focusing on CI/CD in real-world scenarios (such as implementing a CI/CD pipeline for a microservices application with Kubernetes).
While not a separate course, these opportunities through Refonte’s platform allow experienced learners to apply advanced techniques in a supervised setting.
The combination of training plus practical experience ensures you can design and troubleshoot complex pipelines in any environment.
By exploring these advanced courses and certifications, you’ll deepen your CI/CD expertise. Whether you choose a vendor-specific path (AWS/Azure) or a tool-focused course, the key is to challenge yourself with real scenarios.
Employers highly value DevOps engineers who can not only set up basic pipelines but also optimize and scale them for enterprise needs.
Actionable Takeaways for Your DevOps Career
Completing a CI/CD course is just the beginning. To truly reap the benefits and advance your career, consider these actionable tips:
Apply CI/CD on Real Projects: Don’t stop at coursework. Take a personal project (or create a new one) and implement a full CI/CD pipeline for it. For example, set up a Git repository and configure a Jenkins or GitHub Actions pipeline to run tests and deploy to a cloud service. Contributing to open-source projects is another great way to practice. Real-world application solidifies your knowledge and gives you concrete examples to discuss in job interviews.
Earn Recognized Certifications: Leverage what you learned to get certified. After an online course, you might be ready for exams like the AWS DevOps Engineer Professional or the DevOps Institute’s continuous delivery certification. Having a well-known certification on your resume can validate your CI/CD skills to employers. It signals that you not only took a course but mastered the subject to an industry standard.
Stay Tool-Agnostic and Learn New Tools: The DevOps toolchain is vast and ever-changing. Try not to become overly attached to one tool. If you learned CI/CD with Jenkins, challenge yourself to also experiment with GitLab CI or CircleCI. Got comfortable with one cloud? Try deploying on another. Versatility makes you more adaptable in a job. Many top DevOps engineers keep a habit of learning one new tool or technology each quarter to stay fresh.
Engage with the DevOps Community: Join forums, online communities, or local DevOps meetups. Platforms like Stack Overflow, Reddit (r/devops), and LinkedIn groups can be invaluable. If you studied via Refonte Learning, continue engaging in our alumni network or forums. Sharing experiences, asking questions, and reading about others’ CI/CD setups will expose you to different perspectives and advanced tips. Networking can also lead to job referrals and collaborations.
Embed the DevOps Mindset at Work: Finally, use your CI/CD knowledge to foster a true DevOps culture. Encourage your team to adopt pipelines for repetitive tasks. Advocate for automated testing and deployment in your workplace if they aren’t in place yet. By taking initiative—perhaps you introduce a CI/CD pipeline in a legacy project—you demonstrate leadership. This not only improves your organization’s processes but also positions you as a DevOps champion ready for higher responsibility.
By following these steps, you turn your training into tangible career growth. The key is continuous learning and proactive application. CI/CD is not a one-and-done skill; it’s a practice that you refine over time, along with the rest of your DevOps toolkit.
Conclusion: Become DevOps Engineer
Mastering CI/CD is a game-changer for any DevOps engineer aiming to excel in 2025 and beyond. The best part is that learning these skills has never been more accessible.
Through online DevOps training program by Refonte Learning, as well as courses on Coursera, Udemy, and other platforms, you can build expertise from anywhere in the world.
The journey requires dedication and practice, but it pays off in faster deployments, more reliable systems, and greater career opportunities.
Whether you earn a formal certification or simply apply the knowledge on the job, investing in CI/CD skills will keep you at the forefront of the DevOps field.
Start with our recommended courses, keep experimenting, and watch as continuous integration and delivery transform the way you work and elevate your DevOps career.
FAQs About CI/CD Courses for DevOPs
Q: What is CI/CD in DevOps?
A: CI/CD stands for Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (or Deployment). In a DevOps context, it refers to the process of frequently integrating code changes into a shared repository (CI), running automated tests, and then automatically deploying those changes to production or staging environments (CD). The goal is to streamline software releases—developers merge code often, and the system continuously builds and validates the code, so new features or fixes can be delivered faster and with fewer errors.
Q: How long does it take to learn CI/CD?
A: The basics of CI/CD can be learned in a matter of weeks with focused study, especially if you already have some software background. Many intro courses are around 10-20 hours long. To become proficient (able to design and troubleshoot pipelines independently) often takes a few months of practice. It depends on how deep you go and how much hands-on experience you get. A structured course (for example, a 3-month program with Refonte Learning or a Nanodegree) can accelerate your learning by guiding you through projects. Remember that learning is ongoing—even experienced DevOps engineers continually refine their CI/CD skills as new tools emerge.
Q: Do I need programming skills to learn CI/CD?
A: You don’t need to be a software developer, but basic scripting and coding skills are very helpful. CI/CD involves automating steps like building code, running tests, and deploying applications. This often means writing configuration files (YAML for pipelines, etc.) and occasional scripts (Bash, Python, Groovy for Jenkins pipelines, etc.). Many CI/CD courses assume you have beginner-level programming knowledge or they teach a bit as you go. If you’re not from a coding background, you can still learn CI/CD—just be ready to pick up some scripting along the way. The good news is that courses and platforms like Refonte Learning or Coursera often include introductory modules on the needed scripting or have forums where you can get help on the code parts.
Q: Which certification is best for CI/CD and DevOps?
A: There isn’t a single “CI/CD certification” that stands alone, but several DevOps-oriented certifications cover CI/CD extensively. The best one for you might depend on the environment you work in.
If you work with cloud technologies: AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional or Azure DevOps Engineer Expert are highly regarded. Both require strong CI/CD knowledge (AWS focuses on CodePipeline/CodeBuild, Azure on Azure DevOps/YAML pipelines).
If you work with Kubernetes: The Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) isn’t purely CI/CD, but it covers deploying and managing containerized applications which is closely related, and often taken by DevOps engineers.
Vendor-neutral options: The DevOps Institute offers certifications like DevOps Foundation and DevOps Engineering; these include CI/CD principles.
Additionally, many online programs (like a Refonte Learning certificate) can be valuable to show you’ve completed formal training. Ultimately, the best certification is one that aligns with your career goals and the technologies you use or plan to use.
Q: Are online CI/CD courses worth it for experienced developers?
A: Yes, experienced software developers or IT professionals can absolutely benefit from CI/CD courses. If you’ve been developing software but haven’t implemented automated pipelines, a CI/CD course will introduce best practices that can dramatically improve your workflow. Experienced folks often pick up new advanced techniques or tools from such courses—like integrating security scans into CI, or mastering a new CI/CD platform.
Moreover, formalizing your knowledge through a course can fill gaps; for example, a developer might be familiar with Jenkins but not with cloud deployment strategies, which a course could cover. Many experienced engineers use courses to prepare for certifications as well. In summary, as long as you choose a course appropriate for your level (perhaps skip the absolute beginner stuff and pick an advanced or specialized one), it’s a worthwhile investment to stay up-to-date in the DevOps field.