Well if you all want an exam that will actually test your deep knowledge of Kubernetes from a hands on level then you may have found your match. To be a successful candidate you would need to have really solid preparation, use practice exercises and review the objectives.
One thing about the exam is that they offer a FREE Retake if needed. Hopefully, after reviewing the resources and some preparation that wont be needed. That is why I am here..
The Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) program was created by The Linux Foundation and the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) as a part of their ongoing effort to help develop the Kubernetes ecosystem. As one of the highest velocity open source projects, Kubernetes use is exploding. (Check out my post on Cloud Native Expertise Demand..)
The post here is broken down into three area to not only provide insight on how to prepare for the exam but also some study resources I used. The reality is that this is a hands on exam and you will be expected to know command line syntaxes for Kubernetes.
- CKA Exam Overview
- Exam Prep Resources
The first part of the blog post is focused on the exam expectations, costs and preparation requirements.
The last part of the blog is where I share resources I used to study for the exam and prepare for the exam. This is a niche exam and there is not a lot of information out there.
I did not actually take the official course since I have been a Google Cloud, Blockchain and DevOps focused SME for years so I had most of the knowledge before preparing.
You will need to be very disciplined to pass this exam.
CKA Exam Overview
For the direct link for the exam objectives..
The exam tests on the objective areas
- Application Lifecycle Management 8%
- Installation, Configuration & Validation 12%
- Core Concepts 19%
- Networking 11%
- Scheduling 5%
- Security 12%
- Cluster Maintenance 11%
- Logging / Monitoring 5%
- Storage 7%
- Troubleshooting 10%
EXAM COSTS and LOGISTICS
Exam cost is $300 dollars. Exam link http://shrsl.com/1qzax
The exam is an online exam that is proctored. (FREE RETAKE)
You have 3 Hours to complete.
Passing score 74% at the time of writing.
You do have access to kubernetes.io website
CKA Exam Preparation Resources
Kubectl Cheatsheat
The Kubernetes Cheatsheet is one of the most important resource to review especially to evaluate where you stand in your knowledge. https://kubernetes.io/docs/reference/kubectl/cheatsheet
Kubernetes Documentation Site
is of course a far and wide resource and I would focus on the exam objectives https://kubernetes.io
Kubernetes Tasks Site
Understanding how to perform any action.
https://kubernetes.io/docs/tasks/
Walid Kubernetes Exam Prep Page
Online resources that will help you prepare for taking the Kubernetes Certified Administrator Certification exam.
Linux Foundation
They are the authority on this for beginners you want to start here. The Kubernetes Fundamentals course is great and they have a bundle as well (Exam and Course) that saves some money
Kelsey Hightower’s tutorial
https://github.com/kelseyhightower/kubernetes-the-hard-way
Do all the tasks on https://kubernetes.io/docs/tasks/Read Kubernetes in Action by Marko Luksa
Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) — Tips and Tricks — Part 1
Use Google Clouds Free Tutorial
https://cloud.google.com/kubernetes-engine/docs/quickstart
Google Cloud Platform Free Trial and Tier
Also, Google Cloud Platform offers a $350 Credit… Use it or lose it and go to town with Kubernetes Engine which a managed deployment platform for Kubernetes.
Get $350 of GCP credit by signing up for a trial using my referral link: https://gcpsignup.page.link/7UAa Terms apply.
Pearson O’Reilly
is of course the defacto platform for not only books but also for online learning both held live as well as recorded. For example on the platform there are at least 60 resources. Some of which are LIVE classes taught by the experts.
http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-9026160-13722494
Live Kubernetes Courses on O’Reilly as well Orielly Books and ECourses. Sign up and really get serious about learning. Cloud Native DevOps with Kubernetes is available as part of membership
Sander van Vugt also has a CKA course as well here.
Lastly, O’Reilly offers a free trial so consider signing up.
LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn has over 40 Courses around Kubernetes and Containers with other course with references. You may already have a LN membership. If not they do have a free trial so check link below for more information
https://linkedin-learning.pxf.io/JAQDq
Google Cloud Platform Resources.
I generally liked to use Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) and found the Google Cloud resources very useful for hands on exercises.
Check out these for hands on practice
Get $350 of GCP credit by signing up for a trial using my referral link: https://gcpsignup.page.link/7UAa Terms apply.
Free Labs for Developers!
Code Labs https://codelabs.developers.google.com/
Qwiklabs Sign up for a Free 30 Day trial.
·Qwiklabs https://qwiklabs.com/dashboard
Pre Order my book on Amazon! Architecting Enterprise Blockchain Solutions from Wiley Sybex.
Joe Holbrook
The Cloud Tech Guy