In June 2022, I successfully passed the CKA exam on my first attempt, and since then, I’ve received numerous inquiries about exam preparation. Instead of addressing these questions one by one, I’ve chosen to share my exam experience through a Medium story. I hope this account will aid you in acing the exam on your initial try.
The CKA (Certified Kubernetes Administrator) certificate, provided by the Linux Foundation, is highly regarded in the DevOps field. It stands apart from many other exams as it exclusively consists of task-based assessments. There are no multiple-choice questions, answer choices, or fill-in-the-blank questions. Instead, candidates are presented with a live infrastructure and tasked with completing specific objectives. Therefore, success in the CKA exam necessitates a deep understanding of Kubernetes.
If you’re new to Kubernetes, Docker, or container technology, I recommend refraining from rushing into the exam. Begin by mastering the fundamentals and gaining a solid grasp of how Kubernetes operates. There are numerous courses available to help you in this regard, including options from Udemy, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning. You may also consider enrolling in a boot camp, as they can be highly effective in teaching the basics.
CKA Course: Mumshad Mannambeth’s Udemy
Once you’ve established a strong foundation in Kubernetes, I advise taking Mumshad Mannambeth’s Udemy Course. I personally benefited greatly from this course. It not only provides comprehensive content but also includes free lab sessions on the KodeKloud platform, which closely resembles the CKA exam environment. This hands-on experience is invaluable, and the course even offers mock exams.
Don’t forget to explore the KillerKoda website. KillerKoda is a free resource offering interactive environments with various scenarios. You can log in, select the CKA scenario you want to work on, and repeat it as many times as necessary until you’ve mastered the subject matter. Additionally, KillerKoda features a Kubernetes playground, where you can experiment with creating and managing Kubernetes objects beyond the provided scenarios.
When registering for the CKA exam, you’ll receive two sessions of the killer.sh exam simulator. Each session is accessible for 36 hours, and it’s advisable to start the simulator around noon, allowing you to work until the following night. While you have 36 hours to use the exam simulator, I recommend approaching it as if it were the real exam and striving to complete it in two hours. After that, review your work and grade, examine the provided solutions, and compare your performance to understand areas where you need improvement.
Keep in mind that the killer.sh exams are typically more challenging than the actual CKA exam. If your initial attempt doesn’t yield a high score, there’s no need to panic. Simply restart the exam simulator and aim to complete more tasks within the allotted time. I suggest completing the full exam at least three times before the real exam.
When registering for the CKA exam, you’ll go through the Linux Foundation training website. The regular exam fee is $395, but if you opt to include the CKA course from the Linux Foundation, the total cost increases to $595. The Linux Foundation offers discounts at various times throughout the year, so watch out for special discount periods like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. I was fortunate to obtain both the CKA exam and the CKA course for just $208 during the Cyber Monday sale in 2022.
To excel in the CKA exam, focus on the following key areas:
Documentation: The CKA exam involves 17–20 tasks on various topics, and you’re permitted to use Kubernetes documentation during the test. However, time is limited, so it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the documentation in advance to quickly locate the information you need.
Imperative commands: Due to time constraints, you’ll need to rely on imperative commands for many tasks, even if you prefer declarative commands. Be proficient in creating objects using imperative kubectl commands, as not all objects can be created this way.
Using –dry-run=client -o yaml: Some tasks may require creating objects with multiple features that can’t be entered imperatively. In such cases, you can enter a kubectl command for creating a single pod, but instead of executing it, add –dry-run=client -o yaml to generate a manifest file.
Cheat Sheet:
Kubernetes documentation includes a cheat sheet for various kubectl commands. Familiarize yourself with the commands listed in the cheat sheet to expedite your search for commands during the exam, and remember that you’re allowed to use it during the test.
Use the -h option for help: For many imperative commands, the -h option provides sample commands, saving you the time of searching through documentation. Instead of navigating the documentation, you can simply enter kubectl create role -h to retrieve sample commands.
Learn how to forcefully edit objects using kubectl replace — –force.
Master JSON-path queries: You should be comfortable applying JSON-path queries during the exam, as some tasks may require this skill. Kubernetes documentation offers example queries, and you can also learn about JSON-path from KodeKloud’s free course.
Develop troubleshooting skills: Learn where to find logs for containers and pods in terms of file structure (e.g., /var/ log / containers) and in terms of applying commands (e.g., crictl, journalctl, etc.).
Practice using Vim: Keep in mind that the exam environment does not provide integrated development environments like VSCode, so being proficient in Vim can be a significant advantage.
Practice extensively to enhance your knowledge and speed.
During the CKA exam, you’ll be proctored by PSI, and there are specific requirements you must meet:
Download the PSI browser before the exam. Close all other programs to proceed with the exam, but don’t worry, as the browser will notify you about any running programs and offer an option to shut them down automatically.
Ensure your camera shows your ID clearly. It’s not necessary to use a high-end camera for high-definition streaming; the primary goal is to display your name clearly to the proctor. However, be prepared for the proctor to ask you to show around your room, including under your desk and around the laptop.
During the exam, you are allowed to use only one monitor. If you use an external monitor with your laptop, you must disable your laptop screen.
Stable internet connectivity is crucial. Ensure that your connection remains reliable throughout the exam to avoid disruptions.
In conclusion, the CKA exam is an achievement worth pursuing in the DevOps field. While it requires thorough preparation and practice, with the right resources and dedication, you can succeed. Remember to remain calm during the exam, apply your knowledge, and take advantage of the tools and documentation at your disposal.
Best of luck in your CKA journey!