Frequently Asked Questions: CKA and CKAD & CKS
Last updated
Was this helpful?
Last updated
Was this helpful?
The Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) certification is designed to ensure that certification holders have the skills, knowledge, and competency to perform the responsibilities of Kubernetes Administrators. The CKA certification allows certified administrators to quickly establish their credibility and value in the job market, and also allowing companies to more quickly hire high-quality teams to support their growth.
The Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD) can design, build and deploy cloud-native applications for Kubernetes. A CKAD can define application resources and use Kubernetes core primitives to create/migrate, configure, expose and observe scalable applications. The exam assumes working knowledge of container runtimes and microservice architecture.
The successful candidate will be comfortable: – working with (OCI-compliant) container images – applying Cloud Native application concepts and architectures – working with and validating Kubernetes resource definitions
The Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) certification is designed to provide assurance that certification holders are accomplished Kubernetes practitioners (as evidenced by holding the CKA credential) who have demonstrated competence on a broad range of best practices for securing container-based applications and Kubernetes platforms during build, deployment and runtime.
Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) candidates must have taken and passed the Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) exam prior to attempting the CKS exam.
Please review our for pricing information.
The certification exam is proctored remotely via streaming audio, video, and screen sharing feeds. The screensharing feed allows proctors to view candidates' desktops (including all monitors). The audio, video, and screen sharing feeds will be stored for a limited period of time in the event that there is a subsequent need for review.
The online proctored exam is taken on PSI's Proctoring Platform "Bridge", using the PSI Secure Browser (a web browser created to guarantee a secure exam delivery over a virtual connection).
The PSI Secure Browser download/installation will being when you Select “Launch exam” from the PSI Dashboard.
Candidates must provide their own computer with:
All browsers are supported, however PSI highly recommends using the latest version of Google Chrome for the best exam scheduling experience, and because the secure browser is Chrome-based and will give a more accurate experience..
One active monitor (either built in or external) (NOTE: Dual Monitors are NOT supported) The Linux Foundation recommends a screen size of 15” or higher to support the ExamUI. The Linux Foundation recommends a screen resolution of 1080p.
Reliable internet access
Ensure others on the same internet connection are not performing activities that use excessive bandwidth (i.e. holding conference calls, streaming content, gaming, etc.)
A wired connection is often more stable and robust than a wireless connection
Turn off bandwidth-intensive services (e.g. file sync, dropbox, BitTorrent)
HTTPS connectivity to AWS S3 endpoints like https://*.s3.amazonaws.com/* is required, make sure your network environment is not blocking those requests (e.g. Firewall rules, HTTP Proxy, etc)
Microphone
Mac users may need to allow the PSI Secure Browser within their 'System Preferences: Security & Privacy: Privacy' settings for Microphone, Camera, Automation and Input Monitoring.
Please check to make sure it is working before you start your exam session.
Webcam
Ensure the webcam is capable of being moved as you will have to pan your surroundings to check for potential violations of exam policy.
Mac users may need to allow the PSI Secure Browser within their 'System Preferences: Security & Privacy: Privacy' settings for Microphone, Camera, Automation and Input Monitoring.
If you will be testing from an employer-provide ISP please ensure that streaming will be allowed using WebRTC.
To ensure a smooth exam experience, we recommend using personal devices without stringent security features, and on which you have the privileges needed to install applications and to end system process' and services.
We strongly advise test takers to avoid using work-provided devices for their exams, as this practice can result in technical challenges. Although it is sometimes possible to initiate and access the exam on such devices, work devices often come with security features and work-related applications that can disrupt the exam software, causing technical complications.
Candidates are not allowed to have other applications or browser windows running except the one on which the Exam is being shown.
Below are the expectations for an acceptable testing environment:
Clutter-free work area
No objects such as paper, writing implements, electronic devices, or other objects on top of surface
No objects such as paper, trash bins, or other objects below the testing surface
Clear walls
No paper/print outs hanging on walls
Paintings and other wall décor is acceptable
Candidates will be asked to remove non-décor items prior to the exam being released
Lighting
Space must be well lit so that proctor is able to see candidate’s face, hands, and surrounding work area
No bright lights or windows behind the examinee
Other
Candidate must remain within the camera frame during the examination
Space must be private where there is no excessive noise. Public spaces such as coffee shops, stores, open office environments, etc. are not allowed.
Candidates need to provide identification (ID) that meets the requirements outlined below:
All IDs must be a valid (unexpired) Government-issued original, physical document (not photocopied or electronic)
IDs must include the candidate's name, photo, and signature*
*Government-issued biometric IDs that do not contain signature will be accepted
Acceptable forms of ID:
International travel passport
Government-issued driver’s license/permit
Government-Issued local language ID (with photo and signature)
National identity card State or province-issued identity card
Alien registration card (green card or permanent resident/visa)
住民基本台帳 (Basic Resident Register with photo) or マイナンバーカード(My Number Card)
Minors, between the age of 16-18, are permitted to take an online proctored exam with PSI, provided they complete the following requirements:
At check in, the minor candidate must present a valid student ID as a form of identification
During the PSI check-in process, the candidate's guardian must also present a valid ID and must provide verbal consent during the PSI check-in process.
Exams may be administered to citizens of a sanctioned country listed below PROVIDED the citizens are tested OUTSIDE the sanctioned country and their exam registration and current ID show an address OUTSIDE the sanctioned country.
Cuba
Iran
Syria
North Korea
Crimea Region of Ukraine
Candidates are allowed 2 hours to complete the CKA, CKAD and CKS Exams.
For the CKA Exam, a score of 66% or above must be earned to pass. For the CKAD Exam, a score of 66% or above must be earned to pass. For the CKS Exam, a score of 67% or above must be earned to pass.
Upon completion, exams are scored automatically and barring any exceptions or technical difficulties, a score report will be sent to the candidate via email within 24 hours from the time that the exam was completed.
Please review the Resources Allowed information published here:
The CKA, CKAD and CKS exam environment is currently running etcd v3.5
The CKA exam environment is currently running Kubernetes v1.32 The CKAD exam environment is currently running Kubernetes v1.32 The CKS exam environment is currently running Kubernetes v1.32
The CKA, CKS and CKAD exam environment will be aligned with the most recent K8s minor version within approximately 4 to 8 weeks of the K8s release date.
CKA, CKAD and CKS Exam tasks are available in English, Simplified Chinese, and Japanese.
When an exam is launched, the exam tasks will default to the preferred language setting detected in the Candidate’s browser. If the preferred language is not available for that exam, then the exam tasks default to English. Candidates may switch between available languages during the exam by clicking on the “Language Control Dropdown List” in the Content Panel of the exam console.
CKA, CKAD and CKS Certifications are valid for 2 years.
(NOTE: CKA and CKAD Certifications achieved prior to April 01, 2024 are valid for 3 years).
Candidates have the option to retake and pass the exam to renew their certification. Certification Renewal must be completed prior to the certification expiration date. The renewed certification will be valid for a further 2 years effective from the date the exam is passed.
We understand that taking the exams via remote desktop and a new platform environment may cause a lag time for some, however there are trade offs needed to offer this exam remotely. We will continually monitor and seek to improve the testing experience over time.
When eligible, we do offer a retake for those who do not pass the first time, regardless of why.
The main function of the proctors during the exam is to facilitate the check-in process and to monitor the session. They do not, nor are they expected to, have the technical expertise to weigh in or provide insight on the exam servers or exam content. Proctoring for Linux Foundation Exams is .
If you’re interested in taking an online proctored exam through PSI and want a better understanding of what to expect before registering, watch the
Candidates should run the to verify that their machine meets the technical requirements for taking a proctored exam.
Supported OS: Please review the , published by PSI, in particular the supported Operating System Information.
Please review the to ensure your machine will meet the requirements of our online proctor.
The first and last name on the ID must exactly match entered on your exam checklist
A Parent/Guardian must complete the form, and submit it to , at least 2 weeks prior to the scheduled date of the exam
Candidates who register for the , , and * exams will have access to an exam simulator, provided by . *(excluding CKA-SINGLE, CKAD-SINGLE & CKS-SINGLE exams)
Login to and click Start/Resume to view your exam preparation checklist. The link to the Simulator is available on the Top Right-Hand corner of the Exam Preparation Checklist.
Candidates will have two attempts (per exam registration). Each attempt grants 36 hours of access starting from the time of activation. The exam simulations include questions similar to the ones candidates can expect to encounter on the real exam. Please review the section of the site for further information.
The Linux Foundation offers a free which provides an introduction to many key concepts for Kubernetes. The course builds on this introductory material and is designed as preparation for the Certified Kubernetes Administrator Exam.
The topics covered in the course are directly aligned with the knowledge domains tested by the Certified Kubernetes Application Developer Exam.
The course provides the skills and knowledge on a broad range of best practices for securing container-based applications and Kubernetes platforms during build, deployment and runtime. This course is designed as preparation for the Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) Exam, and will substantially increase students' ability to become certified.