Kubernetes Certifications Guide 2026: CKA, CKAD, CKS
Master Kubernetes with CNCF performance-based certifications.
Kubernetes Certification Path
The Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) offers three Kubernetes certifications targeting different roles. All exams are hands-on, performance-based - you work in a real Kubernetes cluster.
CKA - Certified Kubernetes Administrator
- Focus: Cluster administration and operations
- Duration: 2 hours (performance-based)
- Passing Score: 66%
- Cost: $445 USD (includes 1 free retake)
- Best For: DevOps engineers, SREs, sysadmins
- Validity: 3 years
CKAD - Certified Kubernetes Application Developer
- Focus: Application deployment and management
- Duration: 2 hours (19 questions)
- Passing Score: 66%
- Cost: $445 USD (includes 1 free retake)
- Best For: Developers deploying to K8s
- Validity: 3 years
CKS - Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist
- Focus: Kubernetes security hardening
- Duration: 2 hours (performance-based)
- Passing Score: 67%
- Cost: $445 USD (includes 1 free retake)
- Prerequisite: Must hold valid CKA
- Best For: Security engineers, DevSecOps
CKA Domains
| Domain | Focus |
|---|---|
| Cluster Architecture | Installation, kubeadm, upgrades |
| Workloads & Scheduling | Deployments, pods, scheduling |
| Services & Networking | Network policies, ingress, DNS |
| Storage | PV, PVC, StorageClasses |
| Troubleshooting | Cluster and application issues |
CKAD Domains
| Domain | Focus |
|---|---|
| Application Design & Build | Container images, Jobs, CronJobs |
| Application Deployment | Deployments, rolling updates, Helm |
| Application Observability | Probes, logging, debugging |
| Application Environment | ConfigMaps, Secrets, ServiceAccounts |
| Services & Networking | Services, Ingress, NetworkPolicies |
2025 Exam Updates
- Gateway API: Managing ingress traffic
- Helm & Kustomize: Application management
- CRDs & Operators: Extending Kubernetes
- Killer.sh Simulator: 2 sessions included with purchase
Recommended Certification Path
- Developers: CKAD → CKA → CKS
- Ops/DevOps: CKA → CKAD → CKS
- Security: CKA → CKS
Exam Tips
- All exams are 100% hands-on (no multiple choice)
- Master kubectl commands and YAML
- Practice with killer.sh simulator
- Time management is critical (2 hours goes fast)
- Use kubectl explain and docs.kubernetes.io
Career Impact
- CKA/CKAD: $130,000 - $170,000 USD
- CKS: $150,000 - $190,000 USD
- Essential for cloud-native roles
- Platform engineering and SRE positions
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