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CKAD - Certified Kubernetes Application Developer

CKAD

The Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD) exam certifies that candidates can design, build, and deploy cloud native applications for Kubernetes.

Exam Overview

Detail Information
Exam Format Performance-based (hands-on)
Number of Questions 15-20
Duration 2 hours
Passing Score 66%
Certification Validity 3 years
Cost $395 USD
Retake Policy 1 free retake
Kubernetes Version 1.30

Exam Domains & Weights

Domain Weight
Application Design and Build 20%
Application Deployment 20%
Application Observability and Maintenance 15%
Application Environment, Configuration and Security 25%
Services and Networking 20%

Prerequisites

  • Basic understanding of Kubernetes concepts
  • Familiarity with YAML syntax
  • Linux command line proficiency
  • Container fundamentals (Docker)

Study Resources

Official Resources

Practice Resources

Quick Navigation

Exam Environment

The CKAD exam provides:

  • Access to multiple Kubernetes clusters
  • kubectl with auto-completion enabled
  • Access to Kubernetes documentation (kubernetes.io)
  • A Linux terminal environment

Allowed Resources During Exam

Exam Tips

  1. Practice kubectl imperative commands - They save significant time
  2. Master YAML generation - Use kubectl run --dry-run=client -o yaml
  3. Know vim/nano basics - You'll edit YAML files frequently
  4. Use aliases - Set up alias k=kubectl and enable auto-completion
  5. Bookmark important docs - Prepare bookmarks for quick access
  6. Time management - Don't spend too long on any single question
  7. Practice on Killercoda - Free hands-on scenarios at killercoda.com/ckad

Useful kubectl Commands

# Set alias
alias k=kubectl

# Enable auto-completion
source <(kubectl completion bash)
complete -o default -F __start_kubectl k

# Generate YAML templates
k run nginx --image=nginx --dry-run=client -o yaml > pod.yaml
k create deployment nginx --image=nginx --dry-run=client -o yaml > deploy.yaml
k create service clusterip nginx --tcp=80:80 --dry-run=client -o yaml > svc.yaml

# Quick pod creation
k run nginx --image=nginx --port=80 --labels=app=web

# Expose deployment
k expose deployment nginx --port=80 --target-port=80 --type=ClusterIP

# Scale deployment
k scale deployment nginx --replicas=3

# Set resources
k set resources deployment nginx --limits=cpu=200m,memory=512Mi

# Rollout commands
k rollout status deployment/nginx
k rollout history deployment/nginx
k rollout undo deployment/nginx

Registration

Register for CKAD Exam