Security certifications are everywhere, but most are multiple-choice exams you can cram for and forget. What sold me on Practical DevSecOps is the opposite approach: hands-on labs and a practical exam where you actually do the work. Here is my honest 2026 review.
Disclosure: this post contains an affiliate link. If you enroll through it I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend training I would take myself.
Practical DevSecOps is an online training provider offering hands-on, lab-based certifications in DevSecOps, AI Security, AppSec, Container Security, Kubernetes Security, API Security, Threat Modeling and Software Supply Chain Security. You learn in browser-based labs, get 24/7 instructor support, and prove your skills in a practical, hands-on exam rather than a multiple-choice quiz. It is trusted by 10,000+ learners and rated 5 stars by 600+ reviewers on Trustpilot.
If you want to move into or level up in DevSecOps with skills you can use on Monday morning, this is built for you.
The AI Security, Kubernetes and Container tracks are timely specializations that employers are actively hiring for.
The lab-first, practical-exam format suits people who retain more from hands-on work than from reading slides.
These are in-depth, paid programs with real exams. If you only need a checkbox credential, this is more rigorous (and pricier) than that.
The heart of the program. State-of-the-art online labs run in your browser, so you practice real DevSecOps tooling and workflows without setting up your own environment.
Certifications are earned through a practical exam where you perform real tasks, not a multiple-choice test. That is what makes the credentials more credible to employers.
Tracks span DevSecOps (e.g. the Certified DevSecOps Professional), AI Security, Container and Kubernetes Security, API Security, Threat Modeling and Software Supply Chain Security - covering the areas in highest demand right now.
Courses are self-paced with lifetime-style access to materials and 24/7 instructor support, so you can fit study around a full-time job and still get help when stuck.
Practical DevSecOps prices each certification individually, with bundles that save money (the site advertises savings of at least USD 270 on bundles) and enterprise options for teams. Individual certifications are a premium, professional-development investment rather than a cheap course.
Rather than quote figures that may change, I will point you to the live pricing page for current course and bundle prices. The smart move: if you are taking more than one track, look at the bundles, and check whether your employer offers a training budget - many do for security certs.
✅ Pros
✅ Genuinely hands-on labs and practical exams
✅ Current, in-demand tracks (AI Security, Kubernetes, supply chain)
✅ Self-paced with 24/7 instructor support
✅ Strong reputation (10,000+ learners, 5-star on 600+ reviews)
✅ Bundles to reduce cost across multiple certs
❌ Cons
❌ Premium pricing - a real investment per certification
❌ Demanding format; the practical exam requires real effort
❌ Best value if you are committed to a security career path
❌ Brand recognition still growing versus legacy certs
Legacy certifications often carry strong name recognition but test theory through multiple-choice exams. Practical DevSecOps trades some of that brand familiarity for job-ready, hands-on skills and a practical exam. If your goal is passing HR keyword filters, a legacy cert may matter more; if your goal is actually being able to do DevSecOps work, the hands-on format here is more useful. Many professionals end up valuing both for different reasons.
For people serious about a DevSecOps or AI/cloud security career, yes. The lab-based learning and practical exams mean the certification reflects real ability, which is exactly what hiring managers in this field want to see. It is a premium investment, so I would pick the track that matches your career goal, consider a bundle if you want several, and check for an employer training budget. As hands-on security training goes, it is one I can recommend.
No. Certifications are earned through a practical, hands-on exam where you perform real tasks, which is the main reason the credentials carry weight.
Tracks include DevSecOps (e.g. Certified DevSecOps Professional), AI Security, Container Security, Kubernetes Security, API Security, Threat Modeling and Software Supply Chain Security.
Yes. Courses are self-paced with browser-based labs and 24/7 instructor support, so you can study around a job.
Yes. Bundles reduce the cost of taking multiple certifications, and enterprise options exist for teams. Check the current pricing page for details.
You can explore the courses here: Visit Practical DevSecOps.
Affiliate disclosure: the link above is an affiliate link. If you enroll through it, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
