Since Kubernetes is the most ‘hot & trending‘ in the containerization world, most of the IT professionals are Kubernetes certification aspirants because of the undisputed value it holds. Let’s come to the good news, the Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate (KCNA) exam has been announced by The Linux Foundation. The KCNA certification is intended to prepare candidates to work with cloud native technologies and pursue further CNCF certifications like CKA, CKAD & CKS. In this blog, we are going to address the exam preparation tips, tactics, everything else on the new KCNA certification exam pattern.
In this blog, we are going to cover:
- What is Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate (KCNA) Exam?
- Why Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate (KCNA) Certification?
- Basic Exam Information
- Pre-requisites for the Exam
- The weightage of the domains.
- How to Register for the Exam?
- The KCNA Exam Checklist
- Exam Day Tips
What is Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate (KCNA) Exam?
The KCNA is a pre-professional certification aimed for applicants who want to advance to the professional level by demonstrating an understanding of the core knowledge and abilities of Kubernetes. This certification is ideal for students learning about or candidates interested in working with cloud native technologies.
Are you new to Kubernetes? Check out our blog on Kubernetes to know in detail.
KCNA CERT – Why Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate Certification?
A certified KCNA will demonstrate conceptual understanding of the entire cloud native ecosystem, with a focus on Kubernetes. The Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate exam is designed to prepare candidates to work with cloud native technologies and pursue additional CNCF certifications such as CKA, CKAD, and CKS.
- It gives you an unfair advantage over a non-certified professional.
- Better Job Prospects & Higher Salary.
- Since all companies have already or trying to move towards K8s, it’s now or never.
- It provides you with global recognition for your knowledge, skills, and experience.
Check out our blog on CKA vs CKAD vs CKS – What is the Difference
Basic KCNA CERT Exam Information
- Certification Name: Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate (KCNA)
- Exam Duration: 90 minutes
- Number of Questions: 60 multiple choice questions
- KCNA Passing score: 75% or higher to earn the certification
- Exam Cost: $250
- Result: Will be emailed 24 hours from the time that the exam is completed.
- Certificate Validity: 3 Years
Pre-requisites for KCNA Exam
Although the KCNA certification exam is about Kubernetes and the wider cloud native ecosystem needs no prior certifications, it requires some basic Linux commands.
The weightage of the domains
1) Kubernetes Fundamentals – 46%
- Kubernetes Resources
- Kubernetes Architecture
- Kubernetes API
- Containers
- Scheduling
2) Container Orchestration – 22%
- Container Orchestration Fundamentals
- Runtime
- Security
- Networking
- Service Mesh
- Storage
3) Cloud Native Architecture – 16%
- Autoscaling
- Serverless
- Community and Governance
- Roles and Personas
- Open Standards
4) Cloud Native Observability – 8%
- Telemetry & Observability
- Prometheus
- Cost Management
5) Cloud Native Application Delivery – 8%
- Application Delivery Fundamentals
- GitOps
- CI/CD
How to Register for KCNA Exam?
Registering for a KCNA Certification exam is very easy, it costs you $250 USD for registration. According to the official Retake policy, for certification exams purchased directly from The Linux Foundation and not marked as SINGLE-ATTEMPT or SINGLE, one free retake per exam purchase will be granted in the event that a passing score is not achieved and the Candidate has not otherwise been deemed ineligible for certification or retake.
Unless otherwise indicated in the exam order, the free retake must be completed within 12 months of the date of the original exam purchase.
Note: To register for the KCNA exam, click here
The KCNA Exam Checklist
The good thing about it is that the KCNA exam is 100% MCQ. It’s an online proctored exam. The Candidate Handbook is your definitive source for any details about the exam. So make sure to read it thoroughly.
Here is a shortlist of points worth noting before taking the exam:
- You need a steady internet connection.
- The Exam environment is remote-proctored, which means that you will have to have a webcam so that the proctor can monitor you throughout the exam.
- You would need a webcam and a microphone that are required by the proctor.
- Candidates should run the PSI Online System Security Check to verify that their machine meets the technical requirements for taking a proctored exam.
- The online proctored exam is taken, using the PSI Secure Browser (a web browser created to guarantee a secure exam delivery over a virtual connection).
- The secure browser download/installation will be when you Select “Launch exam” from the PSI Dashboard or can be downloaded in advance during the Online Proctoring System Check
- You would need a government-issued ID or a passport.
- The exam consists of around 60 MCQ questions that you can solve in any order.
- The duration of the exam is 90 minutes.
- The pass mark is 75%.
- You have one free retake in case you don’t pass on your first try.
- Time Management, is the key its is very important to be careful and to pace yourself on the questions so as not to get stuck on one question for too long.
Exam Day Tips
There are a few worthy points to be noticed before the D-day! Here are some of them:
- Before the exam, the examiner will ask you to clean your desk completely and also would ask to see the whole room, even under the desk. Remove any electronics from the desk and make sure that absolutely no one enters the room during the exam.
- Candidates will be asked to remove non-décor items prior to the exam being released.
- Space must be well lit so that the proctor is able to see the candidate’s face, hands, and surrounding work area. No bright lights or windows behind the examinee.
- Candidate must remain within the camera frame during the examination.
- You have 90 minutes to finish the exam, if you get blocked it’s better to skip that question for now and revisit it later.
- Last but not the least; GOOD LUCK, ROOTING FOR YOU!!!
Related/References
- Containers for Beginners: What, Why and Types
- Kubernetes for Beginners – A Complete Beginners Guide
- Kubernetes Architecture | An Introduction to Kubernetes Components
Register for the FREE CLASS
Begin your journey towards becoming a Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate [KCNA] by registering our FREE CLASS. You will also know more about the Roles and Responsibilities, Job opportunities for Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate in the market.
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