CKA
Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)
The Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) is a performance-based certification from the Cloud Native Computing Foundation that validates hands-on ability to manage production Kubernetes clusters. Candidates complete 17 real tasks in a live Kubernetes environment with access to official documentation — no multiple choice questions. CKA is the gold standard for Kubernetes administration and is required for cloud-native engineering roles worldwide.
CKA Exam Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) |
| Governing Body | CNCF / Linux Foundation |
| Number of Questions | 17 |
| Time Limit | 120 minutes |
| Passing Score | 66% |
| Exam Fee | $395 USD |
| Category | IT Certifications |
| C3RT App Available On | iPhone, iPad, and Mac |
| Official Source | CNCF / Linux Foundation official website ↗ |
CKA Content Areas and Domains
| Domain / Content Area | Exam Weight |
|---|---|
| Cluster Architecture, Installation and Configuration | 25% |
| Workloads and Scheduling | 15% |
| Services and Networking | 20% |
| Storage | 10% |
| Troubleshooting | 30% |
Domain weights are approximate and based on the CNCF / Linux Foundation content outline. Always verify at the official source before your exam.
Topics Covered
- ✓ Kubernetes Cluster Architecture and Installation (kubeadm)
- ✓ Workloads — Pods, Deployments, StatefulSets, DaemonSets, CronJobs
- ✓ Services and Ingress Networking
- ✓ Persistent Volumes, PVCs, and StorageClasses
- ✓ Cluster Troubleshooting — kubelet, etcd, API server, scheduler
- ✓ RBAC — Roles, ClusterRoles, ServiceAccounts
- ✓ Application Lifecycle Management — rolling updates, rollbacks, ConfigMaps, Secrets
How C3RT Helps You Pass the CKA
Adaptive Practice
Questions adapt to your weak areas automatically so every study session on the CKA is time well spent.
Diagnostic Mocks
Full-length mock exams timed to the real CKA format with detailed score breakdowns by topic.
Mistake Bank
Every wrong answer is saved for targeted re-drill. The system resurfaces your mistakes until they stick.
Native on iOS & Mac
Built with SwiftUI, not a web wrapper. Instant load, offline support, hardware-speed rendering.
CKA Frequently Asked Questions
What does CKA stand for?
CKA stands for Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA). It is administered by CNCF / Linux Foundation.
Who administers the CKA?
The Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) (CKA) is administered by CNCF / Linux Foundation. For official information, visit the CNCF / Linux Foundation website.
How many questions is the CKA?
The CKA consists of 17 questions. Candidates are given 120 minutes to complete the exam.
What is the passing score for the CKA?
The passing score for the CKA is 66%, as set by CNCF / Linux Foundation. Scoring methodology and passing standards may be updated periodically. Always verify current requirements with the governing body.
How much does the CKA exam cost?
The CKA exam fee is $395 USD. This fee is set by CNCF / Linux Foundation and may vary by testing centre, region, or membership status. Additional fees for registration or rescheduling may apply.
Is CKA harder than other Kubernetes certifications?
CKA is a hands-on performance exam, making it more challenging than multiple-choice certifications. CKAD (Certified Kubernetes Application Developer) tests developer skills; CKA tests administrator skills. CKS (Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist) is the hardest in the series and requires CKA as a prerequisite.
Can you use documentation during the CKA exam?
Yes — you have access to the official Kubernetes documentation (kubernetes.io) during the exam. Speed matters as much as knowledge; practice navigating the docs quickly. Knowing where to find command syntax for tasks like creating PVs or configuring RBAC is essential.
How long do I have to complete the CKA exam?
You have 120 minutes to complete 17 performance-based tasks in a live Kubernetes environment. Tasks vary in difficulty and point value. Most candidates find time management the biggest challenge — practice completing common tasks (deploying apps, creating services, fixing cluster components) in under 5 minutes each.
How many attempts do I get with the CKA exam fee?
The $395 fee includes 2 attempts (a free retake). You also get 2 years of access to the Linux Foundation's Killer Shell CKA simulator environments, which closely mirror the real exam environment. Using Killer Shell for practice is strongly recommended.
C3RT is a native iOS and macOS exam preparation platform covering the Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) (CKA), a IT Certifications certification, administered by CNCF / Linux Foundation. C3RT is not affiliated with or endorsed by CNCF / Linux Foundation. Certification names and trademarks are the property of their respective organisations. For official exam registration, eligibility requirements, and content outlines, visit the CNCF / Linux Foundation official website ↗ .