How to Become a Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) + Other Popular Kubernetes Certifications

Key takeaways

Kubernetes is an open-source platform for managing containers, which are a type of microservice packaged to aid in workloads focusing on automation and declarative configuration.

• Since Google open-sourced Kubernetes in 2014, it has been among the fastest-growing projects after Linux. According to the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF), 5.6 million developers use Kubernetes [1]. 

• Becoming a Certified Kubernetes Administrator means earning a credential from the Linux Foundation that validates your ability to manage administrator tasks in Kubernetes.

• This certification may be appropriate if you’re considering a role where you can work with Kubernetes, such as a Kubernetes administrator, a cloud operations manager, or an infrastructure engineer.

Learn more about what it takes to become a Certified Kubernetes Administrator, benefits of becoming certified, and other popular Kubernetes certifications to consider. Afterward, learn how to build applications composed of microservices and deploy using Kubernetes with the IBM DevOps and Software Engineering Professional Certificate.

What is the Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) program?

Kubernetes is an open-source platform used for containerization. Kubernetes administrators use the platform to manage the configuration and deployment of cloud-native applications.

The Linux Foundation, in conjunction with the Cloud Native Computing Foundation, offers the Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) program to validate your ability to manage administrator tasks on the Kubernetes command line. Earning this qualification shows you have demonstrated the necessary skills and knowledge to manage Kubernetes instances [2].

What's on the CKA exam?

You'll have two hours to complete the Certified Kubernetes Administrator exam, and you’ll need to complete 15 to 20 tasks using Kubernetes.

The topics covered include storage (10 percent of the exam), troubleshooting (30 percent), workloads and scheduling (15 percent), clusters (25 percent), and services and networking (20 percent).

• Storage: One to two of the tasks on the exam fall into this category. They may include implementing storage classes, configuring volume types, and managing persistent volume claims. 

• Troubleshooting: Four to six of the exam’s tasks fall into this category. You may have to troubleshoot clusters, nodes, or cluster components, manage container output streams, or troubleshoot services. 

• Workloads and scheduling: Another two to three exam tasks require you to perform actions such as configuring autoscaling, performing rolling updates, or configuring applications or Pod admission.

• Cluster architecture, installation, and configuration: Three to five tasks may include preparing the infrastructure for cluster installation, managing a cluster lifecycle, or installing cluster components. 

• Services and networking: Three to four tasks may include managing ingress traffic or using various service types. 

CKA exam cost and requirements

The Certified Kubernetes Administrator exam costs $445, and you do not need to complete any prerequisites before taking this exam [3]. You will, however, need to make sure that your computer meets the system requirements to access the online proctored exam. 

After paying for the exam, you will have up to 12 months to take it. You may retake the exam one time for no additional cost. After earning your certificate, it will be good for two years. To recertify after your certification expires, you will need to retake the CKA exam. 

Certified Kubernetes Administrator salary

Becoming a Certified Kubernetes Administrator can help you increase your salary. For example, according to Payscale, the average salary for a skill in Kubernetes is $131,000 [4]. Although the US Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t specifically track Kubernetes administrators, the job exists somewhere in the field of computer information technology careers, a field with above-average growth anticipated in the coming years. 

Who should get a Certified Kubernetes Administrator certification?

Linux states that the exam is intended for "Kubernetes administrators, cloud administrators and other IT professionals who manage Kubernetes instances."

Earning the CKA credential may be beneficial if you plan to become a Kubernetes administrator, a cloud operations manager, or an infrastructure engineer. Or you may decide to take the CKA if you plan to go on and earn your Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist certification to become a security engineer or Kubernetes cluster security specialist.

Kubernetes administrator

Median US total pay (Glassdoor): $101,000 [5]

As a Kubernetes administrator, you will design and implement containerization solutions using Kubernetes, including implementing Kubernetes clusters, configuring hardware, managing devices, deploying cloud-based applications, and monitoring Kubernetes environments. You may also look for ways to automate the containerization process. 

Cloud operations manager

Median US total pay (Glassdoor): $171,000 [6] 

As a cloud operations manager, you will monitor and maintain cloud-based systems relating to your company’s IT infrastructure or assets. In this role, you may work as part of the DevOps team, or you may work with other teams, such as a cloud service provider. 

Infrastructure engineer

Median US total pay (Glassdoor): $134,000 [7]

As an infrastructure engineer, you will help design and build infrastructure to support your company’s IT operations. You may troubleshoot and maintain systems or work with clients to design custom-built solutions. 

Other popular Kubernetes certifications

Depending on your career goals, you can consider several other Kubernetes certifications, including Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate (KCNA), Kubernetes and Cloud Native Security Associate (KCSA), Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD), and Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS). Each certification validates a different facet of Kubernetes mastery. 

• KNCA: This certification demonstrates that you have a foundational level of skill working with Kubernetes and cloud native systems; appropriate for professionals like a Kubernetes administrator or cloud native engineer. 

• KCSA: This certification demonstrates that you have foundational knowledge of cloud security technologies and how cloud security relates to Kubernetes; appropriate for professionals in roles like a Kubernetes security engineer or cluster administrator. 

• CKAD: This certification validates your ability to design, build, monitor, and troubleshoot cloud-native applications using Kubernetes; appropriate for professionals in roles like software engineer or cloud-native application developer. 

• CKS: This certificate demonstrates your ability to secure Kubernetes-based applications and requires that you pass the Certified Kubernetes Administrator exam as a prerequisite; it is appropriate for security engineers or Kubernetes cluster security specialists. 

Benefits of obtaining a Kubernetes certification

Given the widespread use of Kubernetes 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 $131,000 per year [4]. 

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