Why is it so important to stay at the forefront of technology? What tools and methodologies form the foundation of modern IT infrastructure? And is certification truly the key to success? Vadim Timonin, a leading DevOps engineer and expert in automation, knows the answers.
His career is a clear example of how continuous learning and development enable outstanding achievements in the IT industry. Vadim has made significant contributions to global giants such as Fujitsu, H&M, and Thryv, proving his expertise at the highest level.
The secret to success, he says, lies in constant improvement, deep immersion in new technologies, and continuous expansion of expertise. In this article, Vadim will discuss the role of certification in a DevOps engineer's career, how crucial it really is for professional growth, and what opportunities it unlocks.
Q: Is certification a mandatory attribute of a successful DevOps engineer, or is it merely a formality? How does it actually impact career prospects and salary levels?
Certification in DevOps is not just a formality, but it is also not the only path to success. It validates knowledge and skills, but on its own, it cannot replace real-world experience. It is important to understand that a DevOps engineer is a specialist who solves complex infrastructure challenges, meaning that practical expertise plays a crucial role.
That said, certification offers significant advantages. First, it structures knowledge and helps systematize the understanding of tools and methodologies. Second, it serves as a strong argument during job applications, especially in large international companies. In the United States, for example, certification is often used as a filter in the candidate selection process: a certified engineer's resume is more likely to pass the initial screening than that of a specialist without verified skills.
Additionally, certifications from leading vendors such as Red Hat, AWS, Google, and Microsoft increase an employer's trust. Through my experience working in international companies, I have personally seen how certification can accelerate career growth by opening doors to more complex and higher-paying roles.
However, it is essential to remember that certification alone does not guarantee success. It provides tools but does not make an engineer an expert. The key factor is the practical application of knowledge and the ability to solve real-world problems. That is why I see certification not as an end goal but as a means to expand one's horizons, strengthen one's market position, and validate one's expertise.
Q: Your track record includes prestigious certifications from Red Hat, Amazon, Google, and other leading vendors. When and why did you start your certification journey? Which certifications have been the most important for you, and why?
My certification journey began with Red Hat, and it was a deliberate choice. I wanted to systematize my knowledge in Linux and automation, so my first step was obtaining the Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) and Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) certifications. These exams validate a high level of expertise in Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and server infrastructure management.
One of the first large-scale projects where I applied this knowledge was my work with H&M. As part of the project, I was responsible for automating the company's server fleet using Ansible—a configuration management tool that simplifies centralized administration, reduces the likelihood of errors, and minimizes routine operations. Realizing that this technology was becoming the standard for infrastructure automation, I continued deepening my expertise and earned the Red Hat Certified Specialist in Ansible Automation and Red Hat Certified Specialist in Ansible Best Practices (Ansible Tower) certifications. These certifications confirmed my ability to build scalable and resilient infrastructure solutions.
At the same time, in 2020, the industry was rapidly shifting toward container technologies, with Kubernetes and OpenShift becoming the standards for container orchestration. I already had experience working with Docker, but I wanted to go further and gain a deeper understanding of deploying and managing container clusters. That was when I decided to pursue certification in this area, choosing Red Hat for its hands-on approach to exams.
I have always preferred Red Hat certifications because their exams are entirely practical: to pass, you must deploy, configure, and troubleshoot a real system in an isolated environment. This format closely mirrors real-world work and is highly valued by employers because it ensures that a specialist not only understands theory but can also apply it in practice. Moreover, the knowledge gained during preparation is always aligned with current industry trends.
A milestone in my professional development was achieving the Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA) credential—the highest level of Red Hat certification. To earn it, one must successfully pass at least five expert-level exams, demonstrating deep expertise in various aspects of Linux infrastructure, containerization, automation, and cloud solutions. RHCA status is not just a line in a résumé; it is recognition of one's ability to design and implement complex architectural solutions at the level of the world's leading experts.
Q: How has certification impacted your career? What new professional opportunities has it opened for you?
Certification has had a profound impact on my career. When I achieved Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA) status, there were very few such specialists in the CIS region, making it a significant competitive advantage. Companies working with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), Ansible, OpenShift, and other solutions saw me not just as an engineer but as an expert capable of not only maintaining infrastructure but also designing complex solutions.
One of the most defining moments in my career was my collaboration with Digital-IQ, an American IT consulting firm specializing in cloud technologies, DevOps, and automation. Among its clients are major organizations such as Walmart, Discover Bank, and Verizon.
Working at Digital-IQ gave me the opportunity to participate in ambitious projects and collaborate with exceptional professionals whose experience and problem-solving approaches contributed to my continued growth.
One of the most significant projects I worked on was the infrastructure for Thryv, a U.S.-based company developing cloud solutions for small and medium-sized businesses. Thryv's products are used by thousands of companies across the U.S., helping to automate customer interactions, sales, document management, and other business processes. This isn't just a business tool—it's a critical service relied upon daily by thousands of entrepreneurs.
At Thryv, I played a key role in the development and optimization of the company's cloud infrastructure, as well as in automating CI/CD processes, which accelerated service deployment and improved platform reliability. Additionally, I worked on containerizing services and integrating them with Kubernetes, ensuring scalability and flexibility in solutions.
Ultimately, Red Hat certification opened doors for me to world-class projects and enabled me to work with leading companies where my expertise in automation, cloud solutions, and containerization was in high demand. This once again proves that certification is not just a formality—it is a real tool for career growth and breaking into the international market.
Q: You have experience working in both the CIS and the U.S. In your opinion, how does the approach to certification differ in these regions? How important is certification for employment and career growth in the U.S. compared to the CIS?
Having worked in both the CIS and the U.S., I've seen firsthand how differently these regions assess certification and its role in career development.
In the CIS, hiring decisions tend to focus more on real-world experience, successful projects, and how quickly an engineer can solve practical tasks. Certification is certainly valued, but it is often seen as an additional advantage rather than a strict requirement. The primary emphasis is on the ability to apply technologies effectively in practice, and if a candidate can demonstrate this without certifications, the lack of one is not always a dealbreaker.
In the U.S., however, certification plays a much more significant role. Due to high competition in the job market, companies prefer candidates with proven expertise. Many large organizations use certification as a screening tool during the hiring process—for example, resumes featuring AWS, Red Hat, Google Cloud, or Kubernetes certifications are far more likely to pass the initial selection.
Another key factor is salary expectations. In the U.S., certified engineers command higher salaries because companies view them as professionals who have already demonstrated their competence and ability to work with specific technologies at an advanced level. In the CIS, even with certifications, an engineer's salary often depends more on negotiation skills, hands-on project experience, and reputation within the professional community.
Q: Certification requires significant investments—both in time and money. What advice would you give to those just starting this journey?
Choose certifications that are in high demand.
Not all certifications hold the same value. Some become obsolete quickly, while others remain relevant for years. Certifications like Red Hat, AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and Kubernetes are widely sought after, whereas niche certifications may only be useful in specific industries.
Prioritize hands-on exams.
It's best to go for certifications that include practical tests rather than just theoretical questions. For example, Red Hat and Kubernetes exams require candidates to complete real tasks in a test environment, which reinforces learning and prepares you for real-world challenges.
Personally, I favor Red Hat exams because they closely simulate real-world scenarios. These are not just multiple-choice tests—you need to deploy a system, configure services, troubleshoot issues, and only then is your result validated. This makes the certification much more valuable.
Practice with real-world cases.
Theory is essential, but hands-on experience is what truly solidifies knowledge. If possible, set up test environments and work directly with the technologies you're studying.
For example, before taking my Kubernetes certification, I had already extensively worked with documentation, deployed clusters in production, automated deployments, and written Helm charts. This hands-on experience gave me a deep understanding of the technology and confidence during the exam.
Financial investment pays off quickly.
Certification requires an upfront investment, but it pays off quickly through salary growth. Certified DevOps engineers are in high demand, and in the U.S., certified professionals earn significantly more. Choosing the right certification is not an expense—it's an investment in your future that provides both knowledge and a competitive edge.
