Table of contents
1 . What is Kubernetes
Kubernetes is an open-source container orchestration system for automating software deployment, scaling, and management. Originally designed by Google, the project is now maintained by the Cloud Native Computing Foundation.
2 . Types of Kubernetes certification according to expertise 📊
The CNCF and the Kubernetes ecosystem are incredibly welcoming, with many resources to help you get started or extend your knowledge. Along with the documentation, meetups, slack channel, and website, the CNCF and Linux Foundations have partnered to create hands-on exams to educate and test your knowledge about Kubernetes.
Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD) :
The CKAD is built for developers who will interact in a Kubernetes environment. Application concepts and architectures, runtimes, and the programming language basics are essential.
Certified Kubernetes Admin (CKA):
The CKA is built for operations teams, sysadmins, and DevOps Engineers who will focus more on Kubernetes features and functionality over container runtimes. This exam is designed to test the general knowledge and applicability of everything Kubernetes, including general workflow, storage, debugging, and more.
Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) :
The final feather in the cap comes courtesy of the CKS. The CKS is also created for operations and sysadmins but focuses on security considerations and tooling. Security teams will get significant use out of the CKA requirement since it teaches security teams about the day-to-day challenges of operation teams. Overall, both operations and security teams will get a lot of use out of the CKS.
KUBERNETES AND CLOUD NATIVE ASSOCIATE (KCNA) :
The KCNA is a pre-professional certification designed for candidates interested in advancing to the professional level through a demonstrated understanding of Kubernetes foundational knowledge and skills. This certification is ideal for students learning about or candidates interested in working with cloud-native technologies.
KUBERNETES AND CLOUD SECURITY ASSOCIATE (KCSA) – COMING SOON!
KCSA will demonstrate a candidate’s basic knowledge of evaluating the security configuration of a Kubernetes cluster for compliance with security requirements including their ability to harden security controls, test and monitor the security, and assist in the identification and assessment of security risks and vulnerabilities.
3 . Certification cost 💵💸
The costs associated with Kubernetes administration certification depend on which certification you pursue: the Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD) exam costs $395; The cost of The Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate (KCNA) exam is $250 and includes one free retake; The The Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) exam cost is $395; Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) certification runs $395 – other associated course learning materials fees may also incur depending on individual circumstances.
4 . Why is this certification important 🎯
A Kubernetes certification makes your resume look good and stand out from the competition. As companies rely more and more on k8s, your expertise will be an immediate asset.
A top certification like the CKA or the CKAD gives you might potential for a better salary. Passing these exams is not an easy task, so companies seeking k8s engineers are willing to pay more because the certifications show that you’re not only experienced, but you truly understand the platform.
After passing the exam, Kubernetes concepts become simple and almost second-nature.
The k8s architecture was built on 12 factor app principles, so by becoming k8s certified, you’ve got a good foundation in the 12 factor app principles, which goes supports a variety of SaaS applications. Talk about growing your skillset.
5 . Who can apply for which certification ?🤷♀️🤷♂️
- Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)
This certification is aimed at sysadmins and DevOps engineers who are involved with day-to-day Kubernetes operations.
- Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD)
I recommend CKAD certification for all developers & engineers who focus more on cloud-native microservices application development & deployment.
- Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS)
The CKS exam is recommended for engineers involved in cloud-native security.
6 . Is this certification helps to get a job in the DevOps field? 👨💻
This certification program is meant for those professionals aspiring to get a job based on their Kubernetes skills. Once you pass this certification program, recruiters will not think twice to realize that you are a Kubernetes specialist. Basically, this certification is valid for 3 years.
7 . Best exam references
🚩 https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/certified-kubernetes-administrator-study-guide-cka/
🚩 https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/how-to-become-a-certified-kubernetes-application-developer/
🚩 https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/how-to-pass-the-certified-kubernetes-security-specialist-exam/
🚩 https://www.cncf.io/certification/cka/
🚩 https://www.cncf.io/certification/ckad/
🚩 https://www.cncf.io/certification/cks/
🚩 https://www.cncf.io/certification/kcna/
That's all for this blog, I hope you will learn something new. And feel free to share your thoughts and feedback, Thanks for reading.
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