I passed the KCNA exam recently, and I would like to share the steps I took and the resources I used to achieve this goal.
Table of Contents
Exam Overview
The Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate (KCNA) certification is a foundational exam.
The exam covers the following topics:
- Kubernetes Fundamentals – 46 %
- Container Orchestration – 22 %
- Cloud Native Architecture – 16 %
- Cloud Native Observability – 8 %
- Cloud Native Application Delivery – 8 %
To achieve the certification, you must pass an exam with multiple-choice questions. The duration of the exam is 90 minutes.
Exam price
The price of the exam is $250 USD + tax. To register for the exam, visit the Linux Foundation page.
You can add the Kubernetes and Cloud Native Essentials (LFS250) Course for $49 more.
Available resources to prepare for the KCNA exam
Only theoretical knowledge is necessary in order to pass the exam. However, practising on a Kubernetes cluster will definitely enhance your probability of passing it.
Here are the courses that I used in order to prepare for the KCNA exam:
- The official Kubernetes and Cloud Native Essentials (LFS250) Course from the Linux Foundation.
- The Kubernetes and Cloud Native Essentials (LFS250) Course from KodeKloud.
Exam review
When you think you are ready for the exam, check your preparedness with the Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate KCNA Practice Exams product from Tutorials Dojo. I did not use this product myself. However, I used similar products from Tutorial Dojo to pass the AWS exams, and I found them very good. There is a free version that you can use to get an idea of the product. It contains 20 questions, and you can find it here.
Schedule the exam
You can take the exam in person or online. I opted for the online method. The Linux Foundation exams are provided through PSI.
If you fail the exam, you have a second attempt free of charge. Once you register for the exam, you have 12 months to schedule and take it.
I hope you find this post helpful. Good luck with your exam!
[…] with no prerequisites required. If you lack knowledge of Kubernetes, I recommend beginning with the KCNA certification. The CKA certification remains valid for two years following your successful […]
Really helpful article, thanks for sharing the exam details and resources. When I was preparing for KCNA, I practiced with Pass4future, which gave me a clear idea of the exam format and the type of questions to expect. That extra practice boosted my confidence and helped me pass the exam on my first try.
Congratulations on passing the exam, Britanney, and I am glad that you found this article useful.