What is a Kubernetes Certification?

Kubernetes is an open-source platform for managing containers at scale. Containers are a type of microservice packaged to aid in workloads focusing on automation and declarative configuration. Since Google released it in 2014, it has been among the fastest-growing open-source projects after Linux. According to the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF), 5.6 million developers use Kubernetes [1]. 

Discover how earning a Kubernetes certification can benefit your career and help develop your skills. Explore different Kubernetes certification options to find one that suits you. 

Overview of Kubernetes certification

Developers use Kubernetes to create microservice applications that can be accessed anywhere. Aside from developers, multiple professionals, including those in operations like DevOps engineers, and security teams, use Kubernetes. Whatever your professional orientation, a Kubernetes certification validates your skills and experience using this open-source container platform.

Kubernetes offers a range of certifications to support you in your field, from application development to security to cloud computing.

Benefits of obtaining a Kubernetes certification

Given Kubernetes' widespread use in application development, operations, and security, earning a certification can equip you with the right skills and open new career opportunities.

Benefits include:

• Credibility: Employers widely recognize Kubernetes certifications as a benchmark for container orchestration knowledge.

• Career development: There is a range of Kubernetes certifications available, each of which can help you at different stages of your career, from entry-level to more advanced. 

• Higher salaries: According to PayScale, certification in Kubernetes equates to a salary of $126,000 per year [2]. 

Popular Kubernetes certifications

Kubernetes offers five certifications delivered by the Linux Foundation and a range of training partners. Each certification focuses on a different area or possible career direction, with some building on others:

• Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)

• Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD)

• Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS)

• Kubernetes and Cloud Native Security Associate (KCSA)

• Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate (KCNA)

1. Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)

The Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) certification helps you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to work as a Kubernetes administrator. When working towards this certification, you’ll cover topics like installing, configuring, and managing Kubernetes clusters. 

The online course can take up to twelve months to complete and includes a two-hour exam. You’ll also have access to an exam simulator to practice in an exam environment. Requirements: No formal prerequisites.

Cost (US): $445 [3]

2. Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD)

The Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD) certification focuses on designing, building, configuring, and exposing cloud native applications. You’ll learn to build, evaluate, and troubleshoot scalable tools and applications. This course is online, and you must schedule your exam within twelve months. The exam is two hours long and performance-based. As part of the course, you’ll have access to an exam simulator and the opportunity to retake your exam once.

Requirements: No formal prerequisites

Cost (US): $445 [4]

3. Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS)

The Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) focuses on security best practices. The course supports learners in developing skills for ensuring the security of container-based platforms and applications when building and deploying them. 

To complete the course, you must take a two-hour performance-based exam within 12 months of starting.

Requirements: Candidates must hold a CKA certification and demonstrate experience using Kubernetes before applying.

Cost (US): $445 [5]

4. Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate (KCNA)

The Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate certification focuses on Kubernetes in the wider context of the cloud native ecosystem, particularly on Kubernetes.

The exam for this course takes 90 minutes and is multiple-choice. 

Requirements: No formal prerequisites. 

Cost (US): $250 [6]

5. Kubernetes and Cloud Native Security Associate (KCSA)

The Kubernetes and Cloud Native Security Associate (KCSA) is a pre-professional exam focusing on basic security configuration in Kubernetes and security technology in a cloud native ecosystem for people who want to go onto a professional qualification. 

You’ll have 90 minutes to complete this multiple-choice exam, which is available online.

Requirements: No formal prerequisites for this beginner certification.

Cost (US): $250 [7]

How to get Kubernetes certification

Kubernetes certifications are delivered in partnership with the Linux Foundation. You can find details of all the certifications, costs, and exams on the Kubernetes and Linux Foundation websites, where you pay, register for courses, and access your personal online education portal. 

1. Choose the right certification.

With five Kubernetes certifications available, you have plenty of options for finding a certification that aligns with your career goals and skills. You can choose between certifications for administrator roles, developer roles, and security jobs. Courses are also at different levels, from beginner to intermediate.

2. Review certification requirements.

Each certification states entry requirements in the general information when you apply. Generally, you don’t need any specific experience or qualifications to access Kubernetes certifications apart from applying for the CKS, for which you must hold a CKA.

3. Enroll in training programs.

Kubernetes offers free and paid training programs through the Linux Foundation and other partners on a range of topics relating to Kubernetes. Examples include:

• Introduction to Kubernetes 

• Kubernetes Fundamentals

• Kubernetes for Developers

• Introduction to Serverless on Kubernetes 

You may also be able to purchase subscription packages that cover the exam and additional educational material to help you with your studies. Kubernetes courses are also available on Coursera, such as the Kubernetes For Absolute Beginners with Hands-on Labs, delivered by KodeKloud. 

4. Create a study plan.

Get organized and create a study plan to know what you'll look at and when. Have clear goals and activities to cover, and schedule breaks to avoid being overwhelmed and burnt out. Look over course material to predict what you might come up with in an exam so that you can prepare possible answers.

5. Register for the exam.

Once you decide which Kubernetes certification you want to study for, you must register, set up an account, and pay for your exam. Since it's an online course, you’ll need a PC or Mac and appropriate software like Microsoft Word and Adobe Reader. 

Career opportunities with Kubernetes certification

Earning a Kubernetes certification can help you access various job opportunities in software development, DevOps, cloud computing, and security. Some examples of jobs and their average annual base salary include:

• DevOps engineer: $109,530 [8]

• Cloud architect: $148,258 [9]

• Site reliability engineer: $124,680 [10]

• Kubernetes administrator: $72,268 [11]

• Kubernetes engineer: $118,424 [12]

• Data engineer: $106,678 [13]

Build Kubernetes skills and knowledge on Coursera

Kubernetes certifications can help you excel in your career in multiple fields, from security to cloud computing to DevOps. You can choose from several certifications to suit your skills and career aspirations.

If you already have a degree and want to build on that, you might start by looking at master's programs in computer and information technology on Coursera. If you’re new to Kubernetes, check out the Kubernetes For Absolute Beginners with Hands-on Labs, delivered by KodeKloud.

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