CKA exam guide: the hands-on format, domains, cost, and a free practice quiz covering cluster architecture, workloads, networking, storage, and troubleshooting.
The Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) is a hands-on, performance-based certification from the CNCF. You solve real tasks on live clusters from the command line — there are no multiple-choice questions.
It's one of the most respected credentials in cloud native, proving you can install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot production Kubernetes.
▶ Start the free CKA practice quiz| Certification | Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) |
|---|---|
| Exam code | CKA |
| Level | Associate |
| Format | Performance-based (live cluster tasks) |
| Questions | ~15–20 hands-on tasks |
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Passing score | 66% |
| Cost (USD) | $395 (includes one free retake) |
| Validity | 3 years |
| Prerequisites | None (strong kubectl and Linux skills required) |
Exam details change over time — always confirm the current specifics on the official exam page before you book.
The official exam is organized into these domains. Our practice bank mirrors them so you can drill each area:
| Domain | Exam weight | Practice questions |
|---|---|---|
| Cluster Architecture, Installation & Configuration | 25% | 4 |
| Workloads & Scheduling | 15% | 4 |
| Services & Networking | 20% | 4 |
| Storage | 10% | 3 |
| Troubleshooting | 30% | 4 |
Practice relentlessly with kubectl on real clusters: deployments, scheduling (taints/tolerations), services/networking, storage (PV/PVC), and RBAC.
Get fast at troubleshooting: failing Pods, NotReady nodes, and cluster components. Learn to use the official docs efficiently (allowed during the exam).
Our free quiz reinforces the concepts behind each CKA domain; pair it with hands-on lab practice.
Our free CKA practice quiz has 19 scenario-based questions covering every exam domain. Each question includes the correct answer, a plain-English explanation of why it is right (and why the alternatives are wrong), and a reference to the relevant topic — so you learn as you go, not just test yourself.
▶ Practice CKA now — 19 questions, freeNo — it's entirely performance-based. You perform tasks on real clusters via the terminal.
It's demanding and time-pressured. Command-line speed and troubleshooting practice are essential.
Yes, official Kubernetes documentation is permitted; practice navigating it quickly.
Three years currently. Confirm on the CNCF page.