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How to pass the Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) Exam?

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When it comes to the most demanded modern operational roles like DevOps or site reliability engineering, Kubernetes skills play a critical role. Kubernetes’s knowledge and experience are highly sought after, and projects are likely to pay generously for them. The Cloud Native Computing Foundation is dedicated to expanding the Kubernetes Administrator community, which will enable continuing expansion for the vast array of businesses and organizations employing Kubernetes. However, in order to help you pass the Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA), we will be using a step-by-step guide covering all the necessary exam details and significant study resources.

Guide to Pass Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) Exam

When proceeding with the exam study guide, the first and most important step is to get familiar with the basic details of the Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) Exam. Doing so will help you understand the knowledge requirement and format of the exam which will create clarity towards what needs to be learned and what you already know.

Step 1: Basic Overview of the CKA Exam

The Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) and The Linux Foundation jointly developed the Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) certification to assist in the growth of the Kubernetes ecosystem. This certification enables qualified administrators to demonstrate their worth and credibility in the job market rapidly, and it also enables businesses to more swiftly assemble high-caliber teams to support their expansion.

The Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) Exam is a certification exam for Kubernetes system administrators. The exam is designed to assess the candidate’s ability to deploy, manage, and troubleshoot a production-ready Kubernetes cluster. The exam is hands-on and practical, requiring candidates to perform tasks in a live environment.

To take the CKA exam, candidates must have a solid understanding of Kubernetes concepts, architecture, and components. They should also be familiar with the tools and resources available for managing a Kubernetes cluster, including kubectl, API objects, and various networking and storage solutions.

However, the Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) program’s goal is to guarantee that CKAs possess the abilities, expertise, and competence necessary to carry out their duties as Kubernetes administrators.

Note:

  • It is a performance-based, online test that needs you to use the command line to resolve various problems.
  • The Kubernetes Certified Service Provider (KCSP) program and the CKA program are distinct. While it is possible to become a CKA without working for a KCSP, in order for a business to qualify as a KCSP, it must also employ three or more CKAs. Find out more information about the KCSP program.
Target Audience:
  • Kubernetes administrators, cloud administrators, and other IT specialists who manage Kubernetes instances are eligible for this certification.
Knowledge Areas:
  • A qualified K8s administrator can manage production-grade Kubernetes clusters in addition to performing the fundamental installation.
  • They will be able to create simple use-cases for end users and comprehend important topics including Kubernetes networking, storage, security, maintenance, logging, and monitoring, application lifecycle, troubleshooting, and API object primitives.

Step 2: Go through the Exam Details and Format

  • A collection of performance-based topics (problems) are included in the Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) online exam, which must be completed in a command line.
  • There are 15 to 20 performance-based activities in each test.
  • The time allotted for the CKA test is two hours.
  • The exams are remotely proctored through screen sharing, streaming audio, and video streams.
  • One free retake is included with the $395 cost.
  • The tasks for the CKA Exam are accessible in English, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese.
  • To pass the CKA Exam, you must have a score of 66% or above.
  • You will receive results within 24 hours after the exam’s completion.

System Requirements to take the exam:

  • To ensure that their computer satisfies the technical standards for taking a proctored test, candidates should perform the PSI Online System Security Check.
  • On PSI’s proctoring platform “Bridge,” utilizing the PSI Secure Browser, the online test is proctored (a web browser created to guarantee a secure exam delivery over a virtual connection).
  • When you choose “Launch exam” from the PSI Dashboard, the secure browser download/installation will start.

Step 3: Get Familiar with the Exam Topics Using the Course Outline

The knowledge, skills, and abilities that a Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) is required to possess are outlined in this curriculum. This contains a list of sections and subsections. Utilize this to establish a productive study routine for a stronger start to your preparation. However, the topics cover:

1. Cluster Architecture, Installation & Configuration (25%)
2. Workloads & Scheduling (15%)
Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) Exam
3. Services & Networking (20%)
4. Storage (10%)
5. Troubleshooting (30%)

Step 4: Gain an Understanding of the Exam with the Linux Foundation Handbook

The Linux Foundation is a nonprofit organization for accelerating Linux’s development. This collaborates closely with the open source project communities to provide technology workers all around the world with relevant, reputable, practical credentials.

The Linux Foundation is unique in that it is committed to much more than just providing certifications for the newest technologies available today. It hosts projects developing these technologies and provides resources and labor in order to maintain these development communities vibrant and expanding. In other words, the entity most closely associated with these technologies is The Linux Foundation.

Step 5: Learn the Basics of Kubectl

You can issue commands to Kubernetes clusters using the kubectl command-line tool. Applications can be deployed, cluster resources can be inspected and managed, and logs can be seen using kubectl.  It makes sense to learn how to use kubectl because it will be your primary tool for the exam.

The Kubernetes Cluster may be managed through Kubectl. When the setup is complete, it is one of the essential elements of Kubernetes and it operates on any workstation. It is capable of controlling the cluster’s nodes. To communicate with and manage Kubernetes objects and the cluster, use Kubectl commands. Some of the kubectl commands include:

  • kubectl create deploy:
    • A new Deployment will generate as a result. Simply provide the deployment name, the image name, and a few additional details.
  • kubectl expose:
    • A new Service connected to an existing Deployment will be created as a result.
  • kubectl create:
    • This is very helpful for making new Secrets. Without having to deal with YAML, you can build an env file and then generate a secret from it.
  • kubectl explain:
  • Any Kubernetes resource’s specification can be viewed in this built-in method.

Step 6: Use the CKA Exam Training Method

In order to enhance your preparation and level up your knowledge, CNCF has provided training methods for all its certification exams. And, for Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) Exam this offers:

Kubernetes Fundamentals (LFS258):

You will graduate from this course with a solid understanding of how to use Kubernetes, including how to deploy a containerized application and manage resources via the API. Those who want to manage infrastructure for containerized applications should take this course. This applies to both people seeking to begin a career in cloud computing and current IT managers.

You should have familiarity with the following before beginning this course:

  • Linux ideas and the command line
  • Management of packages.
  • GitHub and Git.
  • We advise you to start your Kubernetes journey with the course Introduction to Kubernetes.

Course Objectives:

  • This covers the container management technology that businesses like Google utilize to manage their application infrastructure.
  • You will discover how to set up and configure a production-ready Kubernetes cluster, including network configuration, upgrades, and service-based deployments. 
  • The course will provide you with enough knowledge to begin utilizing Kubernetes on your own by distilling important concepts like pods, deployments, replica sets, and services.

Syllabus:

  • Basics of Kubernetes
  • Installation and Configuration
  • Kubernetes Architecture
  • APIs and Access
  • API Objects
  • Managing State with Deployments
  • Volumes and Data
  • Services
  • Helm
  • Ingress
  • Scheduling
  • Logging and Troubleshooting
  • Custom Resource Definitions
  • Security
  • High Availability

Step 7: Start using Practice Exam Tests

You should know that the exam will cover a range of topics. Thus, before the exam, you should get as much experience as you can. The most efficient way to do this is to take practice exams. By completing the CKA Exam sample tests, you can better understand your study plan and get ready for the real thing. By recognizing your weak areas with the help of these practice assessments, you can take action to strengthen them. You’ll be able to manage your time more effectively if you can comprehend the test’s question format and develop your answer abilities.

Step 8: Join Communities

Join the CNCF community to share best practices and gain access to the most recent exam information. You can get assistance from these forums with everything from technical support and break/fix issues to help & information-sharing regarding important topics. Discuss your queries in communities with subject-matter specialists, share success stories, and keep up with exam changes.

Exam Tips

Here are some tips for preparing for and taking the Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) Exam:

  • Familiarize yourself with the exam format and objectives: The CKA exam is hands-on and practical, so it’s essential to be comfortable with performing tasks in a live environment.
  • Study the official Kubernetes documentation: The official Kubernetes documentation is the most comprehensive resource for understanding Kubernetes and should be your primary study material.
  • Practice in a lab environment: The CKA exam requires you to perform real-world tasks, so it’s important to have practical experience using Kubernetes. Set up your own lab environment or use online platforms like Katacoda or Play with Kubernetes to practice.
  • Join a study group or attend a training course: Studying with others can be a helpful way to reinforce your understanding and learn from others’ experiences.
  • Take practice exams: There are several practice exams available online that can help you identify areas where you need to improve.
  • Know the basic commands: Familiarize yourself with the most common kubectl commands, such as “kubectl get”, “kubectl describe”, “kubectl apply”, and “kubectl delete”.
  • Be familiar with the API objects: Know the different API objects used in Kubernetes, including Pods, Services, Deployments, and ReplicaSets.
  • Get familiar with networking and storage solutions: Know how to configure networking and storage solutions for a Kubernetes cluster, including NetworkPolicies, Persistent Volumes, and Persistent Volume Claims.
  • Be organized and take your time: The CKA exam is timed, but it’s important to read each question carefully and not rush through the exam. Make sure to allocate sufficient time for each question and use your time wisely.

Final Words

It’s time for you to start training for the Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) Exam now that we have covered all the necessary techniques and strategies. The more you study, the more comfortable and simple the exam feels to you. Your knowledge of Kubernetes will improve and be validated by this performance-based exam. If you want to master Kubernetes, all you need to do is the study and take this test.

Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) free practice test
Pulkit Dheer
With a background in Engineering and a great enthusiasm for writing, Pulkit focuses on intensive research to create targeted content. He brings his years of learning and experience to his current role. With a zeal towards technological research and powerful use of words dedicated to inspire and help professionals onset their career.
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