Certified KubernetesAdministrator (CKA)
Demonstrate your ability to administer Kubernetes clusters in production environments. The CKA certification validates skills in cluster architecture, installation, configuration, networking, storage, security, maintenance, logging, monitoring, application lifecycle, and troubleshooting.
Exam Duration
180 minutes (3 hours)
Exam Cost
$395 USD
Question Format
15-20 Performance-Based Tasks
Why Choose Zertly for Your CKA Preparation?
Our hands-on platform simulates the real CKA exam environment with performance-based scenarios and live cluster interactions.
Hands-On Practice Scenarios
Interactive labs simulating real CKA exam tasks and cluster administration challenges.
Performance-Based Testing
Practice with realistic command-line scenarios that mirror the actual exam format.
Real-Time Validation
Instant feedback on your kubectl commands and cluster configurations.
Comprehensive Documentation
Access to official Kubernetes documentation and best practices during practice.
Exam Content and Breakdown
Master these essential domains to succeed in your CKA certification journey.
Cluster Architecture, Installation & Configuration
Workloads & Scheduling
Services & Networking
Storage
Troubleshooting
Key Tools and Technologies
Master these essential Kubernetes tools and concepts to excel in the CKA exam.
kubectl
kubeadm
kubelet
etcd
Container Runtime (containerd/Docker)
CoreDNS
Ingress Controllers
CNI Plugins
Helm
YAML Manifests
JSON Path
systemctl
journalctl
crictl
Linux fundamentals
Networking concepts
Storage concepts
Security contexts
Expert Preparation Tips
Proven strategies to maximize your CKA exam success with hands-on experience.
Study Resources
- Official Kubernetes documentation (kubernetes.io/docs)
- Hands-on practice with kubectl and cluster setup
- Practice with Linux command line and system administration
- Zertly's scenario-based practice questions and labs
Exam Day Strategies
- Read each task carefully and understand the requirements
- Use kubectl help and --dry-run for command verification
- Master kubectl aliases and shortcuts for efficiency
- Practice time management - flag difficult tasks and return later
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about the CKA certification.
What experience is recommended before taking the CKA exam?
The CNCF recommends having at least 6 months of hands-on experience with Kubernetes. You should be comfortable with Linux command line, container concepts, YAML manifests, and basic networking. Practical experience with kubectl and cluster administration tasks is essential.
What is the exam format for CKA?
The CKA exam is a 3-hour (180 minutes) performance-based exam consisting of 15-20 hands-on problems that must be solved in a command line environment. You will work with live Kubernetes clusters and must demonstrate practical skills rather than just theoretical knowledge.
What resources are allowed during the CKA exam?
You are allowed to access the official Kubernetes documentation (kubernetes.io/docs), kubectl help pages, and the Kubernetes GitHub repository during the exam. However, you cannot access external websites, forums, or any other documentation.
How does Zertly help me prepare for the CKA exam?
Zertly provides scenario-based practice questions that simulate real CKA exam tasks, detailed explanations for Kubernetes concepts, hands-on practice scenarios, and progress tracking to identify areas that need more focus.
Ready to become a Certified Kubernetes Administrator?
Start your journey with Zertly's scenario-based practice tests, hands-on labs, and detailed explanations tailored for the CKA exam.