Kubernetes certifications are designed to validate an individual’s knowledge and experience with the platform. These certifications provide professionals with an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and competency in Kubernetes and prove themselves to potential employers.
The technology industry sees massive growth in the adoption of Kubernetes in recent years. This increases the demand for experienced Kubernetes professionals. This is where Kubernetes certifications come into play and prepares you to land a job with a competitive salary and work environment.
What is Kubernetes?
Kubernetes is a powerful, open-source platform that automates the deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications. It is one of the most popular orchestration tools for cloud-native applications and become an essential part of modern IT infrastructure.
The purpose of this article is to provide an ultimate guide to the best Kubernetes certifications in 2023. We will cover the different certifications available, and the certification registration process.
What are Career Opportunities in Kubernetes?
The growing demand for Kubernetes technology in the industry opens up many career opportunities for professionals with experience in this field. Here are some of the most popular job designations to consider:
Cloud Engineer
Cloud engineers are responsible for deploying, managing, and monitoring applications on cloud platforms such as AWS, GCP, and Azure. With the growing popularity of cloud-native applications, it becomes crucial for engineers to have a good understanding of the cloud from Kubernetes and its capabilities.
DevOps Engineer
A DevOps engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining a robust and automated infrastructure that can support continuous software delivery. With the widespread adoption of Kubernetes, DevOps engineers must have a solid understanding of this platform to build and deploy applications efficiently.
Systems Engineer
Systems engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining computer systems. You will work closely with DevOps engineers and cloud engineers to design and deploy resilient and scalable applications using Kubernetes.
Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)
SREs are responsible for ensuring the reliability, scalability, and availability of applications. With the growing importance of Kubernetes, SREs are expected to have a good understanding of this platform to deploy and manage applications effectively.
Java Architect
Java architects are responsible for the design and development of complex Java-based applications. With the increasing popularity of microservices architecture and Kubernetes, it has become crucial for Java architects to have a solid understanding of this platform to build and deploy robust and scalable applications.
Python Developer
Python developers are responsible for designing and developing applications using the Python programming language. With the growing popularity of Kubernetes, Python developers must have a solid understanding of this platform to build and deploy applications efficiently.
Software Escalation Engineer
Software Escalation Engineers are responsible for solving complex technical problems in software applications. With the widespread adoption of Kubernetes, it has become crucial for software escalation engineers to have a good understanding of this platform to troubleshoot and maintain applications effectively.
Read More: Top 50 VMware Interview questions and answers of 2023.
What are the Best Kubernetes Certifications?
There are several Kubernetes certifications available in the market. However, some certifications are more respected and sought after than others. Here are the top four Kubernetes certifications that are worth considering in 2023:
Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate (KCNA)
The Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate (KCNA) certification program is designed for individuals seeking to establish a foundational understanding of the cloud-native landscape and the basics of Kubernetes. This certification is ideal for students, IT managers, and engineers looking to gain a comprehensive understanding of cloud-native technology.
The KCNA exam assesses the knowledge and comprehension of key topics in the cloud-native ecosystem, including an introduction to Kubernetes, its architecture and components, Kubernetes networking, storage, and security, Kubernetes monitoring and logging, cloud-native application development, and container orchestration with Kubernetes. The exam format is a multiple-choice test, with 60 questions and a 90-minute time limit. The minimum passing score for the exam is 65%.
Upon successful completion of the exam, individuals can demonstrate their understanding of the basics of Kubernetes and the cloud-native ecosystem, and their ability to apply this knowledge to real-world situations. The KCNA certification is a valuable starting point for individuals new to the field and looking to build a career in cloud-native technology.
Pricing
There are no prerequisites for taking the KCNA exam, and the cost of the exam is $250.
If you’re interested in pursuing KCNA certification, Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate (KCNA) course from A Cloud Guru will help you to pass the certification.
Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)
The Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) is one of the best Kubernetes certifications and an industry-recognized certification that demonstrates a professional’s proficiency in performing the duties of a Kubernetes Administrator. This certification program is a collaboration between the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) and The Linux Foundation and intends to grow the Kubernetes ecosystem.
The CKA certification examination is an online, performance-based evaluation of the candidate’s skills and knowledge in Kubernetes administration. The examination covers various critical domains in Kubernetes administration, including Application Lifecycle Management, Installation, Configuration & Management, Core Concepts, Networking, Scheduling & Security, Logging & Monitoring, Cluster Maintenance, and Storage and Troubleshooting. The examination is designed to assess the candidate’s ability to perform tasks using the command line.
The CKA certification is valid for three years, after which the candidate must retake and pass the certification examination to maintain their status as a Certified Kubernetes Administrator. The Linux Foundation offers two courses, Introduction to Kubernetes (LFS158) and Kubernetes Fundamentals (LFS258), to aid individuals in preparing for the CKA examination.
The Certified Kubernetes Administrator exam is available in multiple languages, including English, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, and Spanish.
Pricing
The cost of the exam is $395. The examination is two hours long, with no prerequisites and a passing score of 74%.
If a candidate is interested in pursuing a CKA certification, the Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) course from Udemy will help him to pass the certification.
Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD)
The Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD) certification is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in developing cloud-native applications on the Kubernetes platform. This certification program is designed to recognize the skills and knowledge of Kubernetes application developers and help them establish credibility in the job market.
To obtain the CKAD certification, candidates must possess a thorough understanding of core concepts, configuration, multi-container pods, observability, pod design, state persistence, and services & networking. Strong knowledge of programming languages such as Go, Java, Node.js, or Python, and a basic understanding of cloud-native applications and architectures are also necessary. Although prior knowledge of container runtimes and microservices architecture is not mandatory, it is beneficial.
The Linux Foundation offers a course called “Kubernetes for Developers (LFD259)” to assist individuals in preparing for the CKAD certification exam and it’ll cost you $299. The course covers a variety of topics relevant to the knowledge domains tested in the certification exam, including containerizing, hosting, deploying, and configuring an application on a multi-node cluster.
The CKAD certification exam is a performance-based evaluation conducted online, consisting of tasks performed using the command line. The exam is available in multiple languages, including English, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, and Spanish, and has a duration of two hours. The passing score is 66%, and there are no prerequisites for taking the exam.
The CKAD certification is valid for three years. After the expiration date, candidates must retake and pass the certification exam to renew their certification. The CKAD certification demonstrates an individual’s ability to work with Kubernetes and is a valuable asset for organizations looking to hire experienced Kubernetes application developers. It is also a valuable addition to a developer’s resume, demonstrating their expertise in the field of cloud-native application development.
Pricing
The cost of the exam is $395, which includes one free retake.
If you’re pursuing a CKAD certification, Udemy’s Kubernetes Certified Application Developer (CKAD) with Tests will help you to pass the exam.
Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS)
The Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) certification is a globally recognized certification program aimed at ensuring that professionals involved in cloud-native security have the necessary skills, knowledge, and competence to secure container-based applications and Kubernetes platforms. The CKS program is designed for engineers, operators, and developers who are involved in cloud-native security and are seeking to demonstrate their expertise in this field.
To become a Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist, applicants must first pass the Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) certification exam. This requirement serves as a foundation for the security-focused CKS exam and helps ensure that applicants have the necessary understanding of Kubernetes to effectively secure it.
The CKS exam is focused on the following domains and competencies: Cluster Setup, Cluster Hardening, System Hardening, Minimizing Microservice Vulnerabilities, Supply Chain Security, and Monitoring, Logging, and Runtime Security. To prepare for the CKS exam, it is recommended that applicants have a good understanding of container security best practices, as well as familiarity with related CNCF security tools such as Falco and Trivy.
To aid in preparation for the CKS exam, The Linux Foundation provides a comprehensive study guide, which includes a list of exam resources, links to Kubernetes official documentation, and links to related CNCF security tools. The CKS exam is conducted online and consists of performance-based tasks using the command line. The exam is available in English, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, and Spanish and has a duration of 2 hours.
Pricing
The cost of the exam is $395, which includes one free retake. The CKS certification is valid for 3 years, after which candidates must retake and pass the certification exam to renew their certification.
If you want to pursue a CKS certification, Udemy’s Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) will help you to pass the exam.
How to Register for Kubernetes Certification?
Registering for a Kubernetes certification is a simple process. Most certifications are offered by the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF), which is responsible for the management and maintenance of Kubernetes. To register for certification, you need to follow these steps:
- Visit the CNCF website: Go to the CNCF website and select the certification you are interested in.
- Select the certification: From the CNCF website, you can choose the certification you want to take.
- Register for the exam: Once you have selected the certification, you will be directed to the certification provider’s website where you can register for the exam and complete any necessary prerequisites.
- Prepare for the exam: After registering for the exam, you can start preparing for the certification. You can use various resources like study materials, online courses, and practice exams to prepare.
- Take the exam: On the day of the exam, make sure to arrive early and bring the necessary identification documents with you.
Which is the Popular Kubernetes Certification?
The most popular Kubernetes certification is the Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) certification. This certification is highly respected by organizations across the technology industry and is in high demand for experienced Kubernetes administrators. The CKA certification demonstrates a person’s ability to perform the tasks required of a Kubernetes administrator, including installation, configuration, and management of a Kubernetes cluster.
According to recent salary surveys, certified Kubernetes administrators can earn salaries ranging from $120,000 to $180,000 per year. The actual salary will depend on several factors, including location, experience, and job title. For example, certified Kubernetes administrators working in large cities with high demand for technology professionals may earn higher salaries compared to those working in smaller cities.
Wrapping Up
This blog has covered the best Kubernetes certifications to showcase your skills in the field. Choosing the right certification is an important decision, and it is essential to consider your current skill set and career goals when making this decision.
For those interested in the DevSecOps path, the combination of CKA and CKS is the best option. For DevOps engineers, the CKA certification is the best choice, and for those just starting with cloud-native tools, the KCNA certification is a great entry-level option.
To prepare for the certifications, it is recommended to build practice labs on your own. One recommendation is to use the kubeadm cluster set up for the lab. By doing this, you will gain hands-on experience and be well-prepared for the certification exams.
Whichever certification you choose, it will help you demonstrate your skills in Kubernetes and increase your job opportunities and earning potential.
