> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://developer.harness.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://developer.harness.io/university/readme/continuous-delivery.md). # Continuous Delivery & GitOps Learn Continuous Delivery & GitOps through Harness University Eliminate scripting and manual deployments with Argo CD-as-a-Service and powerful, easy-to-use pipelines. Empower your teams to deliver new features, faster – with AI/ML for automated canary and blue/green deployments, advanced verification, and intelligent rollback. Go to [Harness University](/university/readme.md) for the full catalogue of courses and certifications. ## Self-Paced Training Free self-paced courses that you can consume on your own time.
Harness Platform FundamentalsSelf-paced video course introducing the Harness Platform.
Product version: Free Plans of any module		https://university-registration.harness.io/self-paced-training-platform-fundamentals
Introduction to AI AgentsSelf-paced tidbit introducing the Custom AI Agents.
Product version: Paid Plans of any module		https://university-registration.harness.io/self-paced-training-tidbit-custom-ai-agents
Continuous Delivery & GitOpsSelf-paced video course introducing Harness Continuous Delivery & GitOps.
Product version: Harness CD & GitOps Free Plans		https://university-registration.harness.io/self-paced-training-harness-continuous-delivery-gitops
Introducing CD Service SetupSelf-paced tidbit introducing CD Service Setup.
Product version: Harness CD & GitOps Free Plans		https://university-registration.harness.io/self-paced-training-tidbit-introducing-cd-service-setup
Introduction to GitOps Application Deployments with Feature ManagementSelf-paced tidbit introducing GitOps applications with feature management.
Product version: Harness CD & GitOps Free Plans		https://university-registration.harness.io/self-paced-training-tidbit-harness-deploying-a-gitops-application-with-feature-management
Introduction to Basic CD DeploymentsSelf-paced tidbit introducing basic CD deployments.
Product version: Harness CD & GitOps Free Plans		https://university-registration.harness.io/self-paced-training-tidbit-introduction-to-basic-cd-deployments
Introduction to Policy as Code [OPA]Self-paced tidbit introducing Policy as Code [OPA].
Product version: Harness CD & GitOps Free Plans		https://university-registration.harness.io/self-paced-training-tidbit-policy-as-code
Introduction to Drift DetectionSelf-paced tidbit introducing Drift Detection.
Product version: Harness CD & GitOps Free Plans		https://university-registration.harness.io/self-paced-training-tidbit-harness-cd-drift-detection
Introduction to Pipeline ControlsSelf-paced tidbit introducing Pipeline Controls.
Product version: Harness CD & GitOps Free Plans		https://university-registration.harness.io/self-paced-training-tidbit-harness-cd-pipeline-controls-in-build-deploy-and-rollback
Introduction to Continuous Verification with PrometheusSelf-paced tidbit introducing Continuous Verification with Prometheus.
Product version: Harness CD & GitOps Free Plans		https://university-registration.harness.io/self-paced-training-tidbit-harness-continuous-verification-with-prometheus
Introduction to Custom Plugins in CD StepsSelf-paced tidbit introducing Custom Plugins in CD Steps.
Product version: Harness CD & GitOps Free Plans		https://university-registration.harness.io/self-paced-training-tidbit-harness-custom-plugins-in-cd-steps
## Instructor-Led Training Intensive two-day courses are designed for engineers looking to deepen their understanding and expertise in Harness.
Introduction to the Harness PlatformSelf-paced hands-on, prerequisite course to all module-specific ILT courses.
Product version: Paid Plans of any module		https://university-registration.harness.io/introduction-to-the-harness-platform
Continuous Delivery & GitOpsDeep dive into advanced Continus Delivery concepts using Kubernetes as the deployment infrastructure.
Product version: Harness CD & GitOps Paid Plans		https://university-registration.harness.io/ilt-continuous-delivery-gitops
## Certifications Test and validate your knowledge of Harness by becoming a Harness Certified Expert. {% tabs %} {% tab title="For Developer" %} ### Continuous Delivery & GitOps - Developer ![Continuous Delivery & GitOps - Developer badge](https://2307127582-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Feh03Q8VHpO02MFM5nUSL%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-d6267d0b404368d6ad32c7d8fb5df8445906848b%2Fcert_dev_cd_badge.svg?alt=media) **Product version:** Harness CD & GitOps Free Plans Assesses the fundamental skills to deploy your applications with CD & GitOps projects. #### Review Study Guide | Topic | Material | | ------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **1. Application Architectures and Services for Deployment** | | | Define Continuous Delivery | [CD overview and key concepts](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/get-started/key-concepts/) | | Delegates | [Delegate overview](https://developer.harness.io/docs/platform/delegates/delegate-concepts/delegate-overview/) | | Service Overrides | [Services and environments overview](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/get-started/services-and-environments-overview#service-overrides) | | Artifact/Kubernetes Manifest Sources | [Harness Kubernetes Services](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/deploy-srv-diff-platforms/kubernetes/kubernetes-executions/deploy-manifests-using-apply-step) | | Overrides | [Propagate and Override CD Services](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/x-platform-cd-features/services/propagate-and-override-cd-services) | | **2. Swimlanes** | | | Services and Environments | [Services and environments overview](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/get-started/services-and-environments-overview/) | | Infrastructure and Environments | [Kubernetes Infrastructure](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/deploy-srv-diff-platforms/kubernetes/define-your-kubernetes-target-infrastructure) | | SSH Deployments | [Secure Shell (SSH) deployment tutorial](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/deploy-srv-diff-platforms/traditional/ssh-ng) | | Blue/Green Deployments | [Create a Kubernetes Blue Green Deployment](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/deploy-srv-diff-platforms/kubernetes/kubernetes-executions/create-a-kubernetes-blue-green-deployment) | | Canary Deployments | [Create a Kubernetes Canary Deployment](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/manage-deployments/deployment-concepts) | | **3. Continuous Delivery** | | | Barriers | [Synchronize Parallel Stages and Step Groups](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/x-platform-cd-features/cd-steps/flow-control/synchronize-deployments-using-barriers/) | | Conditional Execution | [Define conditional executions for stages and steps](https://developer.harness.io/docs/platform/pipelines/step-skip-condition-settings) | | Steps | [Use looping strategies](https://developer.harness.io/docs/platform/pipelines/looping-strategies/looping-strategies-matrix-repeat-and-parallelism) | | Looping Strategies | [Best Practices for Looping Strategies](https://developer.harness.io/docs/platform/pipelines/looping-strategies/best-practices-for-looping-strategies) | | Terraform Provider | [Harness Terraform Provider overview](https://developer.harness.io/docs/platform/automation/terraform/harness-terraform-provider-overview/) | | Cloud Formation Provider | [CloudFormation How-tos](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/cd-infrastructure/cloudformation-infra/cloud-formation-how-tos) | | Git Trigger | [Triggers](https://developer.harness.io/docs/category/triggers/) | | Webhooks | [Trigger Pipelines using Git Events](https://developer.harness.io/docs/platform/triggers/triggering-pipelines/) | | API Triggers | [Get started with Harness APIs](https://developer.harness.io/docs/platform/automation/api/api-quickstart) | | Policy as Code | [Policy as Code Overview](https://developer.harness.io/docs/platform/governance/policy-as-code/harness-governance-overview/) | | Kubernetes Sidecars | [Add a Kubernetes Sidecar Container](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/deploy-srv-diff-platforms/kubernetes/cd-kubernetes-category/add-a-kubernetes-sidecar-container) | | Approvals | [Approvals](https://developer.harness.io/docs/category/approvals/) | | Failure Strategies | [Define a Failure Strategy on Stages and Steps](https://developer.harness.io/docs/platform/pipelines/failure-handling/define-a-failure-strategy-on-stages-and-steps) | | **4. Continuous Verification** | | | APM/Log Based Verification | [Verify Deployments with the Verify Step](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/verify/verify-deployments-with-the-verify-step) | | Validate Deployments | [Continuous Verification](https://developer.harness.io/docs/category/verify-deployments) | | HTTP Execution Checks | [HTTP step reference](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/x-platform-cd-features/cd-steps/utilities/http-step/) | | **5. GitOps** | | | GitOps Basics | [Harness GitOps Basics](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/gitops/get-started/harness-git-ops-basics/) | | Install GitOps Agent | [Harness CD GitOps Tutorial](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/gitops/get-started/harness-cd-git-ops-quickstart) | | **6. Data Visibility** | | | Describe Dashboards | [Overview and Service dashboards](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/monitor-deployments/monitor-cd-deployments) | | Selectors | [Select delegates with delegate selectors and tags](https://developer.harness.io/docs/platform/delegates/manage-delegates/select-delegates-with-selectors/) | | Tagging and Labeling | [Select delegates with delegate selectors and tags](https://developer.harness.io/docs/platform/delegates/manage-delegates/select-delegates-with-selectors/) | | **7. Security** | | | Role Based Access Control | [RBAC in Harness](https://developer.harness.io/docs/platform/role-based-access-control/rbac-in-harness) | [**Register for Exam**](https://university-registration.harness.io/certified-continuous-delivery-developer) #### Exam Details The Continuous Delivery Developer exam tests your knowledge and skills of the Harness Continuous Delivery module. **Prerequisites** * Basic terminal skills * Basic understanding of on premise or cloud architecture **Exam Details** Exam Duration: 90 minutes Question Type: Multiple choice | Covered Domain | Percentage | | ------------------------------------------------------ | ---------- | | Understanding and Configuring Deployment Architectures | 10% | | Exploring Kubernetes Deployment & Manifests | 15% | | Deployment Environment Configuration | 10% | | Application Tagging and Deployment Strategies | 15% | | Mastering Continuous Delivery | 20% | | Diving into Continuous Verification | 10% | | Leveraging GitOps | 10% | | Gaining Data Visibility | 5% | | Ensuring Security | 5% | **Exam Objectives**
List of Objectives The following is a detailed list of exam objectives: | # | Objectives | | --- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | 1 | **Understanding and Configuring Deployment Architectures** | | 1.1 | Define what deployment means and what makes it continuous. | | 1.2 | Explain different application architectures. | | 1.3 | Identify the necessary artifacts, manifests, and services for a deployment. | | 2 | **Exploring Kubernetes Deployment & Manifests** | | 2.1 | Understand the purpose and use of Kubernetes manifests (flat file, helm, etc.) | | 2.2 | Identify and configure overrides for service variables (secrets, non-secrets). | | 2.3 | Understand the concept of basic, rolling, canary, and blue/green deployments. | | 3 | **Deployment Environment Configuration** | | 3.1 | Understand and set up environments for your Kubernetes deployment, including Prod and Non-prod. | | 3.2 | Describe and configure infrastructure definitions and overrides for an environment. | | 4 | **Application Tagging and Deployment Strategies** | | 4.1 | Learn about tagging, labeling, identifiers, and their uses. | | 4.2 | Understand and configure rolling, canary, and blue/green deployments for different application types. | | 5 | **Mastering Continuous Delivery** | | 5.1 | Automate deployments in your environment. | | 5.2 | Identify pre-deployment steps and set up triggers. | | 5.3 | Describe and configure Policy as Code, ticketing, documentation, fetching process, approval process, and failure strategies. | | 6 | **Diving into Continuous Verification** | | 6.1 | Identify deployment verification types. | | 6.2 | Understand verification through deployment logs and deployment health checks. | | 6.3 | Monitor server health and execution checks during a deployment. | | 7 | **Leveraging GitOps** | | 7.1 | Explain the principles, use cases, and benefits of GitOps. | | 7.2 | Install the GitOps agent and connect your Kubernetes cluster and application repository to Harness. | | 7.3 | Set up an application in Harness using GitOps. | | 8 | **Gaining Data Visibility** | | 8.1 | Describe dashboards. | | 8.2 | Configure notifications, alerts, and tagging and labeling for governance and reporting. | | 9 | **Ensuring Security** | | 9.1 | Understand two-factor authentication (2FA). | | 9.2 | Describe Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) and built-in roles. |
**Next Steps** The Continuous Delivery Developer exam can start immediately after registering. Please allow up to 90 mins for the exam. 1. Create an account in Harness University 2. Register for an exam 3. Take the exam [**Register for Exam**](https://university-registration.harness.io/certified-continuous-delivery-developer) {% endtab %} {% tab title="For Administrator" %} ### Continuous Delivery & GitOps - Administrator ![Continuous Delivery & GitOps - Administrator badge](https://2307127582-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Feh03Q8VHpO02MFM5nUSL%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-ac89efea2205a89105507574c4e56fafbad16529%2Fcert_adm_cd_badge.svg?alt=media) **Product version:** Harness CD & GitOps Paid Plans Assesses the fundamental skills to deploy and maintain CD & GitOps projects and the overall Harness Platform. This exam builds upon the Continuous Delivery & GitOps Developer Certification. #### Review Study Guide | Topic | Material | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **1. Deployment Management with Harness CD** | | | Understanding the mechanisms of Kubernetes deployments via Harness CD | [Kubernetes deployments overview](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/deploy-srv-diff-platforms/kubernetes/kubernetes-deployments-overview/) | | Managing artifacts and manifests for application deployment | [CD artifact sources](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/x-platform-cd-features/services/artifact-sources/) | | Handling deployment issues and implementing troubleshooting strategies | [Deployment concepts and strategies](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/manage-deployments/deployment-concepts/) | | **2. Delegate and Infrastructure Management** | | | Configuring Harness Delegates for specific tasks | [Configure delegate metrics](https://developer.harness.io/docs/platform/delegates/manage-delegates/delegate-metrics/) | | Implementing best practices for delegate installation | [Learn delegate concepts](https://developer.harness.io/docs/category/delegate-concepts) | | Ensuring effective logging and communication from Harness Delegates | [Delegate overview](https://developer.harness.io/docs/platform/delegates/delegate-concepts/delegate-overview/) | | **3. Implementing and Managing Canary and Traditional Deployments** | | | Setting up and managing Kubernetes Canary deployments | [Create a Kubernetes Canary deployment](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/deploy-srv-diff-platforms/kubernetes/kubernetes-executions/create-a-kubernetes-canary-deployment/) | | Utilizing Harness CD features for deployments | [CD steps, stages, and strategies](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/x-platform-cd-features/executions/stages-steps-strategies/) | | Addressing deployment issues | [Monitor deployments and services in CD dashboards](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/monitor-deployments/monitor-cd-deployments) | | **4. Effective Use of Harness Expressions and Variables** | | | Using Harness expressions and variables within deployments | [Use Harness expressions](https://developer.harness.io/docs/platform/variables-and-expressions/harness-variables) | | Managing and referring service variables at runtime | [Services and environments basics](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/get-started/services-and-environments-overview/) | | **5. Harness Configuration Management and Parameter Control** | | | Managing parameters securely using Harness | [Kubernetes steps timeouts and deadline parameters](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/deploy-srv-diff-platforms/kubernetes/cd-k8s-ref/kubernetes-steps-timeouts-and-deadline-parameters/) | | Understanding and implementing values overrides | [Add and override values YAML files](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/deploy-srv-diff-platforms/kubernetes/cd-kubernetes-category/add-and-override-values-yaml-files/) | | Handling Helm Chart parameter control | [Deploy using Helm Chart](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/get-started/cd-tutorials/helm-chart) | | **6. Secure and Efficient Artifact Management** | | | Onboarding new applications using Harness CD | [Onboarding guide](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/cd-onboarding/new-user/onboarding-path/) | | Integrating Harness with artifact repositories | [Connect to an Artifact repository](https://developer.harness.io/docs/platform/connectors/artifact-repositories/connect-to-an-artifact-repo/) | | **7. Implementing and Utilizing GitOps with Harness** | | | Understanding and addressing drift between Git and deployed workloads | [Monitor deployments and services in CD dashboards](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/monitor-deployments/monitor-cd-deployments/) | | Managing Harness Git Experience for different entities | [Harness Git Experience quickstart](https://developer.harness.io/docs/platform/git-experience/configure-git-experience-for-harness-entities/) | | **8. Implementing and Managing Secret Management** | | | Integrating Harness with different Secrets Managers | [Use secrets managers](https://developer.harness.io/docs/platform/get-started/tutorials/add-secrets-manager) | | Ensuring secure handling of secrets in pipelines | [Add and reference file secrets](https://developer.harness.io/docs/platform/secrets/add-file-secrets/) | | **9. Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and Provisioning Management** | | | Implementing IaC principles with Harness | [Harness Policy As Code overview](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/x-platform-cd-features/advanced/cd-governance/harness-governance-overview/) | | Troubleshooting IaC deployment issues | [Troubleshooting CD](https://developer.harness.io/docs/troubleshooting/troubleshooting-nextgen#continuous-delivery) | | **10. Harness User and Access Management** | | | Implementing and managing user authentication | [Role-based access control (RBAC) in Harness](https://developer.harness.io/docs/platform/role-based-access-control/rbac-in-harness/) | | Implementing and managing Role-Based Access Control within Harness | [Role-based access control (RBAC) in Harness](https://developer.harness.io/docs/platform/role-based-access-control/rbac-in-harness/) | | **11. Implementation of Policies and Governance in Deployment** | | | Implementing deployment halts or restrictions | [Freeze deployments](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/manage-deployments/deployment-freeze/) | | Managing stability during critical times | [Harness Continuous Verification (CV) overview](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/verify/verify-deployments-with-the-verify-step/) | | **12. Harness UI and UX Proficiency** | | | Navigating and utilizing Harness UI for configurations | [Harness UI Overview](https://developer.harness.io/docs/platform/get-started/harness-ui-overview) | | Efficiently locating and modifying configurations within the UI | [Account Settings](https://developer.harness.io/docs/platform/get-started/harness-ui-overview) | | **13. Custom and Advanced Deployment Strategies** | | | Creating and managing custom deployment strategies | [Deployment concepts and strategies](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/manage-deployments/deployment-concepts/) | | Handling deployment to various infrastructure types | [Deployment concepts and strategies](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/manage-deployments/deployment-concepts/) | | **14. Advanced Troubleshooting and Optimization** | | | Implementing advanced troubleshooting steps in CD stages and pipelines | [Troubleshooting CD](https://developer.harness.io/docs/troubleshooting/troubleshooting-nextgen#continuous-delivery) | | Optimizing delegate usage and managing workload distribution | [Manage delegates](https://developer.harness.io/docs/category/manage-delegates) | [**Register for Exam**](https://university-registration.harness.io/continuous-delivery-gitops-administrator) #### Exam Details The Continuous Delivery & GitOps Administrator exam tests your knowledge and skills of the Harness Continuous Delivery module. **Prerequisites** * Basic terminal skills * Intermediate understanding of on-premise or cloud architecture * This exam builds upon the [Continuous Delivery & GitOps Developer Exam](/university/readme/continuous-delivery.md) **Exam Details** | Exam Type | Duration | | ------------------ | ----------- | | **Knowledge Exam** | 90 minutes | | **Hands On Exam** | 120 minutes | | Covered Domain | Percentage | | ------------------------------------------------- | ---------- | | Deployment Management and Troubleshooting | 15% | | Delegate and Infrastructure Management | 10% | | Deployment Strategies (Canary, Traditional, etc.) | 10% | | Harness Expressions and Variable Management | 10% | | Configuration Management and Parameter Control | 15% | | Artifact and Repository Management | 5% | | GitOps, Drift Management, and Git Integrations | 10% | | Secret Management and Security Configurations | 5% | | IaC, Provisioning, and Cloud Configurations | 10% | | User, Access, and Identity Management | 5% | | Policies, Governance, and Deployment Restrictions | 5% | **Exam Objectives**
List of Objectives The following is a detailed list of exam objectives: | # | Objective | | ---- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- | | 1 | **Deployment Management with Harness CD** | | 1.1 | Understanding the mechanisms of Kubernetes deployments via Harness CD | | 1.2 | Managing artifacts and manifests for application deployment | | 1.3 | Handling deployment issues and implementing troubleshooting strategies | | 2 | **Delegate and Infrastructure Management** | | 2.1 | Configuring Harness Delegates for specific tasks | | 2.2 | Implementing best practices for delegate installation | | 2.3 | Ensuring effective logging and communication from Harness Delegates | | 3 | **Implementing and Managing Canary and Traditional Deployments** | | 3.1 | Setting up and managing Kubernetes Canary deployments | | 3.2 | Utilizing Harness CD features for deployments | | 3.3 | Addressing deployment issues | | 4 | **Effective Use of Harness Expressions and Variables** | | 4.1 | Using Harness expressions and variables within deployments | | 4.2 | Managing and referring service variables at runtime | | 5 | **Harness Configuration Management and Parameter Control** | | 5.1 | Managing parameters securely using Harness | | 5.2 | Understanding and implementing values overrides | | 5.3 | Handling Helm Chart parameter control | | 6 | **Secure and Efficient Artifact Management** | | 6.1 | Onboarding new applications using Harness CD | | 6.2 | Integrating Harness with artifact repositories | | 7 | **Implementing and Utilizing GitOps with Harness** | | 7.1 | Understanding and addressing drift between Git and deployed workloads | | 7.2 | Managing Harness Git Experience for different entities | | 8 | **Implementing and Managing Secret Management** | | 8.1 | Integrating Harness with different Secrets Managers | | 8.2 | Ensuring secure handling of secrets in pipelines | | 9 | **Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and Provisioning Management** | | 9.1 | Implementing IaC principles with Harness | | 9.2 | Troubleshooting IaC deployment issues | | 10 | **Harness User and Access Management** | | 10.1 | Implementing and managing user authentication | | 10.2 | Implementing and managing Role-Based Access Control within Harness | | 11 | **Implementation of Policies and Governance in Deployment** | | 11.1 | Implementing deployment halts or restrictions | | 11.2 | Managing stability during critical times | | 12 | **Harness UI and UX Proficiency** | | 12.1 | Navigating and utilizing Harness UI for configurations | | 12.2 | Efficiently locating and modifying configurations within the UI | | 13 | **Custom and Advanced Deployment Strategies** | | 13.1 | Creating and managing custom deployment strategies | | 13.2 | Handling deployment to various infrastructure types | | 14 | **Advanced Troubleshooting and Optimization** | | 14.1 | Implementing advanced troubleshooting steps in CD stages and pipelines | | 14.2 | Optimizing delegate usage and managing workload distribution |
**Next Steps** The Continuous Delivery Administrator exam can start immediately after registering. Please allow up to 90 mins for the knowledge exam and up to 2 hours for the hands on exam. 1. Create an account in Harness University 2. Register for an exam. There is a $50 fee for the exam 3. Review the [instructions for the Hands On Exam](/university/readme/instructions.md) 4. Take the exams 1. There will be a knowledge and hands on portion. [**Register for Exam**](https://university-registration.harness.io/continuous-delivery-gitops-administrator) {% endtab %} {% tab title="For Architect" %} ### Continuous Delivery & GitOps - Architect ![Continuous Delivery & GitOps - Architect badge](https://2307127582-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Feh03Q8VHpO02MFM5nUSL%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-f96b6825533d3e6b21f47b66643e950c75d2a61d%2Fcert_arc_cd_badge.svg?alt=media) **Product version:** Harness CD & GitOps Paid Plans Assess key technical job functions and advanced skills in design, implementation and management of CD & GitOps. This exam builds upon the Continuous Delivery & GitOps Administrator Certification. #### Review Study Guide | Objective | Material | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **1. Harness Delegates Management** | | | Understand and troubleshoot Delegate installation and connectivity | [Install a delegate](https://developer.harness.io/docs/platform/delegates/delegate-concepts/delegate-overview/#install-a-delegate) | | Implement high availability for Harness Delegates | [High availability](https://developer.harness.io/docs/self-managed-enterprise-edition/advanced-configurations/external-db/postgresql/use-an-external-postgres-database/#high-availability) | | Manage Delegate upgradability and customization using INIT\_SCRIPT | [Install a delegate with third-party tool custom binaries](https://developer.harness.io/docs/platform/delegates/install-delegates/install-a-delegate-with-3-rd-party-tool-custom-binaries/) | | **2. Security Practices in Harness** | | | Apply the Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP) in Harness setup | [Manage roles](https://developer.harness.io/docs/platform/role-based-access-control/add-manage-roles/) | | Implement secure deployment practices in varied environments | [Deployment concepts and strategies](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/manage-deployments/deployment-concepts) | | Manage and mitigate security concerns related to Delegate access and use | [Role-based access control (RBAC) in Harness](https://developer.harness.io/docs/platform/role-based-access-control/rbac-in-harness/) | | **3. Designing and Implementing CD Pipelines in Harness** | | | Develop and optimize pipelines using Harness | [Developer day to day guide](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/cd-onboarding/new-user/rampup-dev) | | Implement and manage pipeline templates using GitOps practices | [Best practices and guidelines for templates](https://developer.harness.io/docs/platform/templates/templates-best-practices/) | | Manage artifacts and dependencies in pipeline stages | [CD artifact sources](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/x-platform-cd-features/services/artifact-sources/) | | **4. Infrastructure as Code and Configuration Management** | | | Differentiate and apply concepts of IaC and Configuration Management within Harness | [Harness Policy As Code quickstart](https://developer.harness.io/docs/platform/governance/policy-as-code/harness-governance-quickstart/) | | Implement and optimize the use of Terraform within Harness pipelines | [Terraform Cloud provisioning](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/cd-infrastructure/terraform-infra/terraform-cloud-deployments/) | | Handle and manage dependencies and initial requirements for IaC within Harness | [Harness Policy As Code quickstart](https://developer.harness.io/docs/platform/governance/policy-as-code/harness-governance-quickstart/) | | **5. Continuous Verification (CV) and Observability in Harness** | | | Utilize various tools for logs and APM in CV strategies | [APM and logging tools](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/verify/cv-results/apm-logs/) | | Implement effective observability and monitoring of Harness components | [Monitor deployments and services in CD dashboards](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/monitor-deployments/monitor-cd-deployments/) | | Understand and optimize feedback loops within CD pipelines | [Pipeline design guide](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/cd-onboarding/new-user/pipeline-design-guide) | | **6. Utilizing and Managing Secrets and Configurations in Harness** | | | Efficiently manage secrets within Harness | [Use secrets managers](https://developer.harness.io/docs/platform/get-started/tutorials/add-secrets-manager) | | Ensure secure and optimal handling of configurations | [Keep your pipelines DRY](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/cd-onboarding/new-user/rampup-dry) | | **7. Deployment Strategies and Rollbacks in Harness** | | | Implement different deployment strategies (e.g., Canary, Blue-Green) using Harness | [Blue Green deployment](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/manage-deployments/deployment-concepts/#blue-green-deployment) | | Design and troubleshoot rollback strategies for failed deployments | [Deployment concepts and strategies](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/manage-deployments/deployment-concepts) | | Manage and troubleshoot Helm and Umbrella Chart deployments in Kubernetes | [Deploy using Helm Chart](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/get-started/cd-tutorials/helm-chart) | | **8. Integrating and Optimizing the Use of Cloud Providers and Platforms in Harness** | | | Implement optimal Harness setups for varied cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure) | [Deploy services on different platforms](https://developer.harness.io/docs/category/deploy-services-on-different-platforms) | | Manage and troubleshoot deployments in varied environments (e.g., AWS EKS, Lambda) | [Deploy services on different platforms](https://developer.harness.io/docs/category/deploy-services-on-different-platforms) | | **9. Automating and Customizing Workflow Triggers in Harness** | | | Design and implement custom pipeline triggers with parameters | [Trigger pipelines using custom triggers](https://developer.harness.io/docs/platform/triggers/trigger-deployments-using-custom-triggers/) | | Ensure secure and authorized trigger execution in Harness workflows | [Manage input sets and triggers in Git Experience](https://developer.harness.io/docs/platform/git-experience/manage-input-sets-in-simplified-git-experience/) | | **10. Harness Best Practices for Scalable and Efficient CD** | | | Implement best practices for utilizing Harness features for scalable and efficient CD | [Scale Kubernetes pods](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/deploy-srv-diff-platforms/kubernetes/kubernetes-executions/scale-kubernetes-replicas/) | | Optimize user experience and performance through effective management of Harness components | [Monitor deployments and services in CD dashboards](https://developer.harness.io/docs/continuous-delivery/monitor-deployments/monitor-cd-deployments/) | | **11. Problem Solving and Troubleshooting in Harness Environment** | | | Develop proficiency in troubleshooting common issues within Harness | [Troubleshoot Harness](https://developer.harness.io/docs/troubleshooting/troubleshooting-nextgen/) | | Implement problem-solving strategies for diverse deployment and operational challenges | [Continuous delivery troubleshooting](https://developer.harness.io/docs/troubleshooting/troubleshooting-nextgen/#continuous-delivery) | [**Register for Exam**](https://university-registration.harness.io/continuous-delivery-gitops-architect) #### Exam Details The Continuous Delivery & GitOps Architect exam tests your knowledge and skills of the Harness Continuous Delivery module. **Prerequisites** * Basic terminal skills * Advanced understanding of on-premise or cloud architecture * This exam builds upon the [Continuous Delivery & GitOps Developer Admin](/university/readme/continuous-delivery.md) **Exam Details** | Exam Type | Duration | | ------------------ | ----------- | | **Knowledge Exam** | 90 minutes | | **Hands On Exam** | 120 minutes | | Covered Domain | Percentage | | ------------------------------------------------------------ | ---------- | | Harness Delegates Management | 15% | | Security Practices in Harness | 10% | | Designing and Implementing CD Pipelines in Harness | 20% | | Infrastructure as Code and Configuration Management | 15% | | Continuous Verification (CV) and Observability in Harness | 10% | | Utilizing and Managing Secrets and Configurations in Harness | 10% | | Deployment Strategies and Rollbacks in Harness | 10% | | Integrating and Optimizing Cloud Providers and Platforms | 5% | | Automating and Customizing Workflow Triggers in Harness | 5% | | Harness Best Practices for Scalable and Efficient CD | 5% | | Problem Solving and Troubleshooting in Harness Environment | 5% | **Exam Objectives**
List of Objectives The following is a detailed list of exam objectives: | # | Objective | | ---- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | 1 | **Harness Delegates Management** | | 1.1 | Understand and troubleshoot Delegate installation and connectivity | | 1.2 | Implement high availability for Harness Delegates | | 1.3 | Manage Delegate upgradability and customization using INIT\_SCRIPT | | 2 | **Security Practices in Harness** | | 2.1 | Apply the Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP) in Harness setup | | 2.2 | Implement secure deployment practices in varied environments | | 2.3 | Manage and mitigate security concerns related to Delegate access and use | | 3 | **Designing and Implementing CD Pipelines in Harness** | | 3.1 | Develop and optimize pipelines using Harness | | 3.2 | Implement and manage pipeline templates using GitOps practices | | 3.3 | Manage artifacts and dependencies in pipeline stages | | 4 | **Infrastructure as Code and Configuration Management** | | 4.1 | Differentiate and apply concepts of IaC and Configuration Management within Harness | | 4.2 | Implement and optimize the use of Terraform within Harness pipelines | | 4.3 | Handle and manage dependencies and initial requirements for IaC within Harness | | 5 | **Continuous Verification (CV) and Observability in Harness** | | 5.1 | Utilize various tools for logs and APM in CV strategies | | 5.2 | Implement effective observability and monitoring of Harness components | | 5.3 | Understand and optimize feedback loops within CD pipelines | | 6 | **Utilizing and Managing Secrets and Configurations in Harness** | | 6.1 | Efficiently manage secrets within Harness | | 6.2 | Ensure secure and optimal handling of configurations | | 7 | **Deployment Strategies and Rollbacks in Harness** | | 7.1 | Implement different deployment strategies (e.g., Canary, Blue-Green) using Harness | | 7.2 | Design and troubleshoot rollback strategies for failed deployments | | 7.3 | Manage and troubleshoot Helm and Umbrella Chart deployments in Kubernetes | | 8 | **Integrating and Optimizing the Use of Cloud Providers and Platforms in Harness** | | 8.1 | Implement optimal Harness setups for varied cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure) | | 8.2 | Manage and troubleshoot deployments in varied environments (e.g., AWS EKS, Lambda) | | 9 | **Automating and Customizing Workflow Triggers in Harness** | | 9.1 | Design and implement custom pipeline triggers with parameters | | 9.2 | Ensure secure and authorized trigger execution in Harness workflows | | 10 | **Harness Best Practices for Scalable and Efficient CD** | | 10.1 | Implement best practices for utilizing Harness features for scalable and efficient CD | | 10.2 | Optimize user experience and performance through effective management of Harness components | | 11 | **Problem Solving and Troubleshooting in Harness Environment** | | 11.1 | Develop proficiency in troubleshooting common issues within Harness | | 11.2 | Implement problem-solving strategies for diverse deployment and operational challenges |
**Next Steps** The Continuous Delivery Architect exam can start immediately after registering. Please allow up to 90 mins for the knowledge exam and up to 2 hours for the hands-on exam. 1. Create an account in Harness University 2. Register for an exam. There is a $50 fee for the exam 3. Review the [instructions for the Hands-on Exam](/university/readme/instructions.md) 4. Take the exams 1. There will be a knowledge and hands-on portion. [**Register for Exam**](https://university-registration.harness.io/continuous-delivery-gitops-architect) {% endtab %} {% endtabs %}