A guide to Kubernetes certification paths

Developers are increasingly using Kubernetes’ open-source platform to manage containerized workloads and services. Kubernetes containers became popular because it was impossible to define a resource boundary for multiple applications in a traditional CPU environment, and resource misuse created an inefficient environment.

Kubernetes solves the problem by allowing applications to work as isolated containers inside a single operating system. These lightweight containers have their own filesystem, CPU share, memory, storage space, etc. You can move the container across clouds and OS distributions, which makes them a powerful resource. Currently, there are three different Kubernetes certifications that you can take to develop your knowledge and skills even further. Keep reading to see which one is right for you.

Why should I get Kubernetes certifications?

Kubernetes certifications create new opportunities for career growth. A recent survey by Cloud Native Computing Foundation suggests that Kubernetes is the go-to choice for more than 78% of organizations, and nearly 84% of companies run containers in production. Such trends are also visible in the 2021 Red Hat OpenShift report, which states that more than half of IT companies intend to increase the use of containers in the future.

Many organizations shortlist employment candidates who hold the Kubernetes certification, so getting certified helps you stand out and often means less competition when you’re looking for a new job. Companies are also willing to pay more to K8s engineers because hiring managers realize that very few individuals are skilled in this emerging field.

Kubernetes certifications paths

The Linux Foundation manages Kubernetes certification. There are currently five certifications. These are:

• Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD)
• Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)
• Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS)
• Kubernetes and Cloud Native Security Associate (KCSA)
• Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate (KCNA)

Developer path: As the name suggests, a developer builds and manages Kubernetes applications. You will design, build, and configure apps. Developers can define the resources that applications will use and troubleshoot relevant issues.

Administrative path: The administrative path focuses on managing the Kubernetes environment. Administrators may install, manage, and configure production-grade Kubernetes clusters. They’re the people behind the Kubernetes operations.

The administrative path also leads to certification as a Kubernetes Security Specialist. The CKS certification ensures best practices and covers the necessary skills to secure container-based apps and platforms from threats. It is important to note that you must hold a Certified Kubernetes Administrator license before pursuing a Kubernetes Security Specialist license.

Foundational cloud-native path: This path is designed for beginners and professionals seeking to understand cloud-native ecosystems. The KCNA certification validates knowledge of Kubernetes fundamentals, while the KCSA certification focuses on cloud-native security principles, making them excellent starting points for a cloud-native career.

Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD)

The Certified Kubernetes Application Developer exam is developed by Linux Foundation and the Cloud Native Computing Foundation. It’s a two-hour online exam that tests the candidate’s ability to perform the responsibilities of a Kubernetes developer. The two-hour exam is the first step for many new individuals.

Prerequisites

There is no prerequisite to take CKAD; however, prior experience in an IT field will help candidates easily grasp the concepts. The exam will not test candidates on material related to container runtimes and microservice architecture, but it assumes that you should know these contents.

To pass the exam, you should be comfortable with the following:

• An OCI-Compliant container Runtime.
• Concepts and architectures related to Cloud Native application.
• Knowledge of programming languages such as Java, Python, and Node.js.

Content

The course content consists of seven domains and competencies. These include core concepts, configuration, multi-container pods, observability, pod design, service and networking, and state persistence.

The exam

For the CKAD exam, candidates must score 66% or above to become certified. The exam consists of performance-based tasks that candidates must solve in a command line. Each test is proctored online using audio, video, and screen-sharing feeds, allowing the examiner to view candidates’ desktops.

It will cost you $300 to take the Certified Kubernetes Application Developer exam, but you may be eligible for a bundled discount when opting for training and the exam. The certification is valid for three years.

Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)

Certified Kubernetes Administrator certificate ensures you can install, configure, and manage production-grade Kubernetes clusters. After passing the exam, you also become eligible to take the CKS exam.

Prerequisites

Although this certificate does not have prerequisites, candidates should preferably have prior experience in the IT field. The exam is designed for Kubernetes administrators, IT professionals, and cloud administrators.

To pass the exam, candidates should be comfortable in:

• Understanding the key concepts of Kubernetes networking, storage, security, and maintenance.
• Establishing basic use cases for end-users.
• Knowledge of application lifecycle, troubleshooting, and API object primitives.

Content

The exam question tests candidates’ knowledge of five key subjects. Nearly 40% of the content covers storage and troubleshooting. Another 15% is dedicated to workloads and scheduling. Cluster architecture, installation, and configuration comprise almost 25% of the exam’s questions. The remaining 20% tests your knowledge of services and networking.

The exam

You must score at least 66% to pass the CKA exam. The exam is proctored online, and you can review documents installed by the distribution. Candidates can also review the exam content instructions presented in the command line terminal. The Procter will allow you to open one additional tab on the Chrome browser to access particular online assets.

The cost of the exam is $300, which includes a free retake. The certification is valid for three years. You will receive the result within 36 hours after the completion of the exam.

Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS)

The two-hour exam for Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist evaluates candidates based on the best practices required to secure the Kubernetes environment. To pass the exam, candidates must demonstrate knowledge of securing container-based applications and the Kubernetes platform during build, deployment, and runtime.

Prerequisites

To sit in the exam, you need to pass the Certified Kubernetes Administrator exam first. You may purchase the CKS certification before the actual exam, but you can only take the exam after completing the prerequisite.

Here are some of the important points to grasp before the exam:

• Understand a broad range of best practices required to secure a Kubernetes environment.
• Basic knowledge of dealing with Kubernetes and cloud security issues in a real-world environment.
• Ability to set up clusters, run security audits, detect threats, and do static analysis.

Content

The exam is divided into six modules. The cluster setup comprises 10% of the overall content, while cluster hardening and system hardening make up 30%. The remaining 60% evaluates supply chain security, microservice vulnerability, and managing runtime security.

The exam

The exam, which consists of 15 to 20 performance-based tasks, costs $300 to register for. During the exam, you can access Kubernetes documentation, tools, and app armor. Unlike the two other certifications, CKS certification is valid for two years.

Certified Kubernetes and Cloud Native Security Associate (KCSA)

The Kubernetes and Cloud Native Security Associate (KCSA) exam is designed by the Linux Foundation to validate foundational cloud-native security skills. It serves as a starting point for those new to Kubernetes security or cloud-native technologies. The exam evaluates a candidate’s understanding of Kubernetes security concepts, cloud-native infrastructure, and industry best practices.

Prerequisites

There are no formal prerequisites for the KCSA exam. However, having a basic understanding of Kubernetes and IT security concepts can be helpful.

To pass the exam, candidates should be comfortable in:

• Understanding Kubernetes cluster components and their security features.
• Applying security fundamentals for cloud-native environments.
• Managing container security using best practices.

Content

The exam is divided into six modules. The overview of cloud-native security accounts for 14% of the content, while Kubernetes cluster component security and Kubernetes security fundamentals each comprise 22%. The Kubernetes threat model and platform security cover 16% each, and compliance and security frameworks comprise the remaining 10%.

The exam

The KCSA exam costs $250 and is an online, proctored, multiple-choice test. Candidates have 12 months from the purchase date to schedule and complete the exam. Two exam attempts are included. The certification is valid for three years.

Certified Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate (KCNA)

The Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate (KCNA) exam is designed by the Linux Foundation to validate foundational knowledge of Kubernetes and the wider cloud-native ecosystem. It is an entry-level certification for those new to cloud-native technologies, providing a strong starting point for IT professionals and developers.

Prerequisites

The KCNA exam has no prerequisites, making it accessible to beginners and IT professionals who want to develop cloud-native skills.

To pass the exam, candidates should be comfortable in:

• Understanding Kubernetes fundamentals and container orchestration.
• Recognizing cloud-native architecture principles.
• Applying cloud-native observability and application delivery practices.

Content

The exam is divided into five modules. Kubernetes fundamentals account for 46% of the content, container orchestration makes up 22%, and cloud-native architecture covers 16%. Cloud-native observability and application delivery account for 8% of the total.

The exam

The KCNA exam costs $250 and is an online, proctored, multiple-choice test. Candidates have 12 months from the purchase date to schedule and complete the exam, with one free retake included. Like the CKS certification, the KCNA certification is only valid for two years.

Kubernetes certifications comparison table

Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) vs. Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD)

Many people need clarification about the two certifications. Because of their relevancy and similarities, they can’t decide which certification to pursue. Here’s our take on the subject.

If you have basic app development experience or are new to Kubernetes, starting as a Certified Kubernetes Application Developer may be better. The certification mainly tests your cloud-native developer and DevOps skills. In contrast, the Certified Kubernetes Administrator exam requires a thorough knowledge of the entire Kubernetes infrastructure and Linux system.

While both exams test various similar features, the Certified Kubernetes Administrator takes it up a notch by evaluating your problem-solving skills in installing, troubleshooting, maintaining, and upgrading. It also means that getting CKAD certification may be a better approach for anyone relatively new to the Kubernetes environment.

Additional cloud native certifications

As the cloud-native ecosystem continues to expand, several certifications complement Kubernetes expertise by focusing on specific cloud-native technologies. These certifications enable IT professionals to deepen their knowledge in specialized areas such as monitoring, service mesh, and cloud-native application delivery.

Prometheus Certified Associate (PCA)

The Prometheus Certified Associate (PCA) certification validates a candidate’s knowledge of observability and monitoring using Prometheus. This exam covers Prometheus fundamentals, querying with PromQL, and setting up alerts and dashboards.

Istio Certified Associate (ICA)

The Istio Certified Associate (ICA) certification focuses on the Istio service mesh, emphasizing service discovery, traffic management, and microservice security. It is ideal for developers and operators of microservice-based applications.

Other cloud native certifications

• Helm Certified Associate: Focuses on using Helm to simplify Kubernetes application deployment and management. Candidates learn about creating, managing, and maintaining Helm charts and handling Helm releases and repositories.
• Fluent Certified Associate: Emphasizes centralized logging, data processing, and log aggregation in cloud-native environments. Candidates learn about configuring Fluentd for log collection, filtering, and forwarding in distributed systems.
• Envoy Certified Associate: Validates expertise in using Envoy proxy for securing, managing, and routing microservice traffic. Candidates learn about configuring Envoy for service discovery, load balancing, traffic routing, and applying security policies such as TLS encryption and access control.

What are the overall benefits of Kubernetes certification?

Containers and the cloud are rapidly changing the IT landscape. Besides a potential rise in pay, new career opportunities, and respect from your peers, Kubernetes certifications allow everyone to integrate the newly acquired knowledge into their existing environment.

The certification allows developers to create container-based management systems. Kubernetes’s flexible environment enables developers to use a variety of programming languages and frameworks to strengthen the existing cloud infrastructure.

Operations can use Kubernetes to bridge the gap between developers and users who are not adept at learning all the scripts and tools. The team can use the technology and expertise gained from certifications to package an application with its required infrastructure.

Security professionals can use Kubernetes and containers to increase the development speed while keeping everything secure. The end-to-end toolchain supporting the existing cloud-native infrastructure creates an attack surface, which is often challenging to defend. Kubernetes can help solve this problem.

How to prepare for Kubernetes exams

A few essential tips will come in handy when preparing for Kubernetes exams:

• You can review the exam guide on the Linux Foundation’s official website. It will help you get the latest updates in each domain.
• Don’t ignore the significance of hands-on training even if you have prior experience and know-how of Kubernetes. Competent training instructors can also answer unresolved queries.
• Master the Linux command line and practice problems using a text editor. Learn systems services because the exam environment relies on them.
• Get used to the exam console as it is different from stand-alone platforms. Shortcuts that work on other platforms may not work here.
• You should also learn how to set up and administer a cluster from scratch. Various online resources can help you do it.
• Maintain your speed by memorizing where to find specific topics in the documentation. Since you only need to solve two-thirds of the questions, skip time-consuming questions and solve them if you have the time.

Taking the next step

Achieving Kubernetes certifications and learning Kubernetes skills can transform your IT career by enhancing your technical expertise, boosting your resume, and opening up exciting job opportunities. Whether you’re just starting with Kubernetes or seeking advanced cloud-native security skills, these certifications validate your capabilities and set you apart in the tech industry.

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