share post
In an age of virtualization and cloud computing, developers increasingly use Kubernetes’ open-source platform to manage containerized workloads and services. Kubernetes container became popular because it was impossible to define a resource boundary for multiple applications in a traditional CPU environment. Misuse of resources 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, the share of CPU, 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.
In this article we will cover:
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.
The Linux Foundation manages Kubernetes certification. There are currently three certifications. These are:
Depending on your interest, you can either take the developer path or the administrator path.
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.
The Certified Kubernetes Application Developer exam is developed by Linux Foundation and the Cloud Native Computing Foundation. It’s a two-hour online exam, which tests the candidate’s ability to perform the responsibilities of a Kubernetes developer. The two-hour exam is the first step for many individuals new to the field.
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 in:
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.
For the CKAD exam, candidates will need to score 66% or above to become certified. The exam consists of performance-based tasks that candidates need to solve in a command line. Each test is proctored online using audio, video, and screen sharing feed, 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 certificate ensures that you can install, configure, and manage production-grade Kubernetes clusters. After passing the exam, you also become eligible to take the CKS exam.
This certificate does not have prerequisites, but candidates should preferably have prior experience in the IT field. The exam is specifically suited to meet the needs of Kubernetes administrators, IT professionals, and cloud administrators.
To pass the exam, candidates should be comfortable in:
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.
You will need to score at least 66% to pass the CKA exam. The exam is proctored online, and you’re allowed to 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.
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.
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 cannot take the exam before completing the prerequisite.
Here are some of the important points to grasp before the exam:
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.
It costs $300 to register for the exam and the exam consists of 15 to 20 performance-based tasks. During the exam, you can access Kubernetes documentation, tools, and app armor. Unlike the two other certifications, CKS certification is valid for two years.
A lot of people are confused about the two certifications. Due to the 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, it may be better to start as a Certified Kubernetes Application Developer. 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 a variety of 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.
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.
Developers can use the certification to create container-based management systems. The flexible environment of Kubernetes will enable 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. Using the technology and expertise gained from certifications, the team can 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.
A few important tips will come in handy when preparing for Kubernetes exams:
Optm, a technology partner, discusses their relationship with LogicMonitor, as well as industry trends.
LogicMonitor announced the appointment of Nitin Navare as Chief Technology Officer (CTO).
There are a few Agile certifications available to choose from, and in this article, we’ll discuss the best agile certifications currently available for IT professionals.
