The CDM certification from GSDC evaluates technical and operational capabilities across modern software delivery environments. There are no mandatory prerequisites, though DevOps experience or foundational knowledge is recommended. This page provides free practice questions, exam specifications, and targeted topic reviews to help candidates prepare. You can explore questions covering continuous integration, infrastructure automation, deployment, and monitoring to assess your understanding before taking the official examination.
The CDM has 40 questions and takes about 1.5 hours[1] (GSDC, verified Oct 25, 2026).
Numbers in brackets link to the official sources listed under Sources & last verified. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
| Item | Detail | Source · Verified |
|---|---|---|
| Number of questions | 40 multiple-choice questions[1] | GSDC · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Time limit | 90 minutes[1] | GSDC · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Passing score | 65%[1] | GSDC · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Retake policy | 1 free retake included[1] | GSDC · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Validity | 5 years[1] | GSDC · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Eligibility | No mandatory prerequisites; DevOps experience recommended[1] | GSDC · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Score release | Certificate emailed within 2 business days[2] | GSDC · Oct 25, 2026 |
According to GSDC, “Prior work experience or foundational knowledge in DevOps practices is recommended”[1]
The CDM credential from GSDC assesses proficiency in DevOps principles, practices, and collaborative tooling. The program aims to validate an individual's capability to align software development cycles with operational workflows. Candidates do not face mandatory prerequisites before sitting for the test, although prior work experience or foundational knowledge in DevOps practices is recommended by GSDC.
The examination consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. Test takers have a time limit of 90 minutes to finish all questions. To earn the credential, candidates must achieve a passing score of 65%. If an applicant does not attain the required passing mark on an initial attempt, the registration includes 1 free retake. Following the evaluation, the official certificate is emailed within 2 business days to successful candidates. Once awarded, the credential remains valid for 5 years.
Because testing environments, exam delivery policies, and remote proctoring procedures can vary or undergo updates, candidates should check the official GSDC website for current administrative guidance before scheduling their testing session.
Prepare for the CDM - Certified DevOps Master exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.
Question: What is the MOST important factor when selecting assessment tools for CDM certification work?
Answer: B. Validity, reliability, and appropriateness for the specific context
Explanation:
Option B is correct because assessment tools must demonstrate validity, reliability, and contextual fit to produce meaningful and defensible evaluation results. Option A is incorrect because cost is a practical constraint rather than the primary factor governing measurement quality. Option C is incorrect because administration speed does not substitute for accuracy or sound evaluation design. Option D is incorrect because personal familiarity reflects subjective convenience rather than objective suitability. The general rule is to select evaluation instruments based on sound measurement properties and alignment with target objectives rather than operational convenience or expense.
Question: When new equipment is introduced in Certified DevOps Master, what is REQUIRED before staff use it?
Answer: B. Formal training, competency verification, and documentation
Explanation:
Option B is correct because introducing new equipment requires formal instruction, verification of operational competence, and recorded documentation to ensure safe, repeatable usage across technical environments. Option A is incorrect because a brief verbal overview lacks the depth and verification needed to ensure safe handling. Option C is incorrect because informal observation does not confirm that an individual possesses necessary operational skills. Option D is incorrect because self-directed manual reading provides no objective validation of operational competence. The general rule is that operational changes require structured preparation, verified ability, and auditable records before independent execution.
Question: Which statement BEST describes the relationship between Certified DevOps Master certification and industry evolution?
Answer: B. Requirements evolve periodically to reflect advances in knowledge and practice
Explanation:
Option B is correct because technical certifications must periodically update their standards to incorporate emerging tools, collaborative workflows, and evolving industry standards. Option A is incorrect because static requirements would cause credentials to become obsolete as technologies advance. Option C is incorrect because professional bodies adjust standards based on technological progress and practitioner practices, not merely regulatory directives. Option D is incorrect because certification criteria aim to reflect modern technical complexity rather than reducing rigorous expectations. The general rule is that professional credentials evolve alongside industry practices to maintain relevance and technical validity.
To prepare effectively for the CDM examination, combine official documentation review with topic-focused practice. Begin by assessing core cultural and delivery concepts using CDM DevOps Principles & Culture alongside CDM Continuous Integration & Continuous Delivery. Reviewing these topics establishes a solid grasp of automation pipelines and collaborative workflows.
Next, focus on operational execution and infrastructure management. Work through CDM Infrastructure Automation & Configuration Management, followed by CDM Cloud & Containerization and CDM Deployment & Operations. Concurrently, review CDM Security & Compliance (DevSecOps) and CDM Monitoring, Logging & Incident Response to address observability and governance.
As test day approaches, simulate pacing by answering question sets within the official 90 minutes limit. Make sure you consistently exceed the 65% passing score across 40 questions before sitting for the evaluation.
There are no mandatory prerequisites required to take the CDM examination. However, GSDC recommends that candidates have prior work experience or foundational knowledge in DevOps practices before sitting for the test. Candidates can register directly without submitting formal educational credentials or prior certifications.
The CDM exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions and has a duration of 90 minutes. Candidates review each question and select the most appropriate option within the allotted testing window. The test evaluates comprehension across DevOps methodology, automation, continuous delivery, and operational practices.
You need a passing score of 65% to pass the CDM exam. The assessment evaluates 40 multiple-choice questions, so test takers must demonstrate consistent knowledge across all tested operational and delivery topics to meet this threshold. Official scores reflect whether candidate performance satisfies the standard set by GSDC.
Candidates receive 1 free retake included with their certification exam registration. If you do not meet the 65% passing score on your initial test session, you can schedule this retake without paying an additional examination fee. Check the official GSDC portal for scheduling procedures.
The GSDC certificate is valid for 5 years, and certificates are emailed within 2 business days after finishing the exam. Successful test takers receive their digital credential directly via email from GSDC, confirming their standing throughout the active validity period without requiring immediate renewal.
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