In the wake of the surging popularity of Kubernetes, there is significant demand for experts who possess extensive knowledge of Kubernetes. This article compares CKA v/s CKAD to assist individuals in making informed decisions regarding which Kubernetes certification to pursue.
The Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) and Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD) certifications have recently undergone significant updates. Here’s a summary of the latest changes that students should be aware of for both certifications:
CKA Certification Updates
Key Changes Effective January 15, 2025
New Topics:
The CKA exam will include a focus on real-world Kubernetes skills, such as:
Gateway API: Managing Ingress traffic.
Helm and Customize: Tools for managing Kubernetes applications.
Custom Resource Definitions (CRDs) and Operators: Understanding these will be essential for extending Kubernetes capabilities.
Emphasis Areas:
Storage: Dynamic volume provisioning and management of volume types, access modes, and reclaim policies.
Troubleshooting: Expanded focus on diagnosing network services and connectivity issues, as well as cluster and node diagnostics.
Workloads & Scheduling: New focus on Pod admission, node affinity, and autoscaling.
CKAD Certification Updates
Curriculum Changes
The CKAD exam has incorporated several new topics:
Custom Resource Definitions (CRDs): Candidates must understand how to create CRDs and interact with custom objects.
Authentication and Authorization: This topic is now included, focusing on permissions for applications to access the Kubernetes API using role-based access control (RBAC).
Ingress Management: Candidates will need to know how to expose applications using Ingress resources.
Exam Format
The CKAD exam is shorter, consisting of 19 questions over a duration of 2 hours. The passing score is set at 66%.
Certification Validity Changes
Starting April 1, 2024, both CKA and CKAD certifications will have a validity period of 24 months, reduced from the previous 36 months for certifications obtained before this date. This change emphasizes the need for professionals to stay current with evolving technologies in Kubernetes.
Both the CKA and CKAD certifications are evolving to better reflect the skills required in modern Kubernetes environments.
Students preparing for these exams should focus on the newly emphasized topics and understand the structural differences between the two certifications to align their study efforts with their career goals.
Exam Format
The CKA exam consists of 24 questions over a duration of 3 hours, with a passing score set at 74%.
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CKA v/s CKAD: Which is Better Kubernetes Certification?
The main differences between the CKA v/s CKAD certifications are:
Targeted audience: CKA targets Kubernetes admins, cloud buffs, and tech pros. Meanwhile, CKAD’s perfect for those diving into cloud-native microservice apps, crafting, and sailing them into the digital ether.
Exam focus: The CKA certification challenges folks to tackle Kubernetes admin duties like cluster setup, updates, plus switching between networking, storage, and services. On the flip side, CKAD examines your skills in configuring, and showcasing cloud-native apps on Kubernetes.
Course content: Both certifications include the Kubernetes LFS258 course, but CKAD focuses on applications, while CKA covers administration.
Certification validity: Both certifications cost USD 595 and are valid for three years.
Exam duration: Both certifications have a 2-hour exam
Course prerequisites: Both certifications have the exact prerequisites, which are understanding of Linux concepts and command line, package managers, Git and GitHub.
Also Read, CKA vs CKS, What is the Difference
CKA – Certified Kubernetes Administrator
Looking to ace the Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) exam? It’s designed for Kubernetes admins, cloud experts, IT pros, and more, focusing on key administrative skills like cluster setup, updates, and handling networking, storage, and services. The Linux Foundation’s LFS258 course is your go-to for the know-how needed, though you’ll DIY the labs with a guide.
At $595 for a three-year valid cert, it’s an investment in your future in the cloud!
Also read, Is CKS Certification Worth It?
CKAD – Certified Kubernetes Application Developer
Dreaming of diving into cloud-native app development? The CKAD (Certified Kubernetes Application Developer) certification is your ticket! It will test individuals in designing, building, and managing cloud-native applications on Kubernetes. Gear up with the Kubernetes Fundamentals LFS258 course from The Linux Foundation. It aims to prepare you for the CKAD exams.
With a fee of $595 and validity for three years, it’s a solid investment in your cloud-savvy future.
Conclusion
Selecting CKA or CKAD hinges on your Kubernetes focus: CKA for administration expertise, ideal for IT and cloud professionals, and CKAD for developers passionate about crafting cloud-native applications. Your career aspirations and interest in Kubernetes will guide your choice, ensuring you excel in your desired Kubernetes domain.
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