Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD) Requirements & Prerequisites
Everything you need to know before registering for the Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD), eligibility, cost, format, and what to expect on exam day.
Cost
$445
Provider
CNCF
Validity
2 years
Available
Global
Education
No formal education requirement
Experience
1-3 years of hands-on experience recommended
Specific Requirements
- No formal prerequisites. Unlike CKS, which requires an active CKA, CKAD can be taken as a first Kubernetes certification
- Working knowledge of container runtimes and microservice architecture, which CNCF states the exam assumes
- Comfort with a Linux command line, including vim or nano, file redirection, and reading YAML without a graphical editor
- Ability to build and modify OCI-compliant container images
- A machine meeting the PSI Bridge system requirements with a webcam, microphone and a single active monitor
- An unexpired government-issued photo identity document whose name matches the name on your Linux Foundation exam checklist
Number of Questions
15-20
Duration
2 hours
Question Format
Performance-based tasks solved in a Linux command line against live Kubernetes clusters, Tasks graded on the resulting cluster state rather than on the commands typed, Multi-part tasks where each sub-requirement carries its own points
Passing Requirement
66%
How It Is Delivered
Online proctored through PSI Bridge using the PSI Secure Browser, with audio, video and screen sharing monitored by a live proctor
Languages Offered
English, Simplified Chinese, Japanese
Rules specific to this exam
- The exam environment currently runs Kubernetes v1.35 and is realigned within roughly 4 to 8 weeks of each Kubernetes minor release
- Allowed documentation is limited to kubernetes.io/docs, kubernetes.io/blog, helm.sh/docs and the Quick Reference box
- Searching inside kubernetes.io/docs is allowed but opening external search results is not
- Dual monitors are not supported; one active built-in or external monitor only
- Tasks are completed on a designated host reached over SSH, with kubectl aliased to k, bash autocompletion, yq, curl and wget preinstalled
- Copy is Ctrl+Shift+C and paste is Ctrl+Shift+V in the exam terminal; use Ctrl+Alt+W rather than Ctrl+W to avoid closing a browser tab
Purchase the exam at training.linuxfoundation.org
You'll receive access to killer.sh simulator (2 sessions)
Schedule your exam through the portal
Exam is online proctored via PSI
Score Scale
Percentage of total available points, 0 to 100
Score You Need
66%
How It Is Calculated
Each of the 15 to 20 tasks carries a stated point value, and multi-part tasks award points per sub-requirement, so partial completion still scores. Graders evaluate the state of the cluster you leave behind rather than the commands you typed, which means a correct approach that leaves a Pod in CrashLoopBackOff earns nothing while an unconventional route to the right end state earns full marks.
When You Get Results
A score report is emailed within 24 hours of the time the exam is completed
In raw terms: At a 20-task exam of equal weight, 66% is roughly 13 of 20 tasks fully correct, or a wider spread of partial credit reaching the same total
- There is no on-screen provisional result, because grading happens after the session ends
- Points are lost for objects created in the wrong namespace even when the manifest itself is correct
- Tasks are independent, so failing one does not affect scoring on the others
- Government-issued photo ID
- Chrome or Chromium browser with PSI Secure Browser extension
- Stable internet, webcam, microphone
- Clean desk, no notes, books, or second monitors
What are the prerequisites for the Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD)?
No formal prerequisites. Unlike CKS, which requires an active CKA, CKAD can be taken as a first Kubernetes certification. Working knowledge of container runtimes and microservice architecture, which CNCF states the exam assumes. Comfort with a Linux command line, including vim or nano, file redirection, and reading YAML without a graphical editor. Ability to build and modify OCI-compliant container images. A machine meeting the PSI Bridge system requirements with a webcam, microphone and a single active monitor. An unexpired government-issued photo identity document whose name matches the name on your Linux Foundation exam checklist.
How much does the Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD) cost?
The Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD) exam costs $445. This includes the exam fee only, study materials are additional.
How do I register for the Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD)?
Purchase the exam at training.linuxfoundation.org → You'll receive access to killer.sh simulator (2 sessions) → Schedule your exam through the portal → Exam is online proctored via PSI
What should I bring to the Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD)?
Government-issued photo ID. Chrome or Chromium browser with PSI Secure Browser extension. Stable internet, webcam, microphone. Clean desk, no notes, books, or second monitors.
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