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CNCF Practice Tests

Master your CNCF certification exams with official PlanetCert Practice Tests. Access real exam questions, detailed explanations, and our advanced adaptive simulator.

1 Exams
199 Questions
Updated Aug 25

CNCF Exam Catalog

1 Available Exams

CKA

Certified Kubernetes Administrator

199 Q&A Aug 2025
Simulator Sample Questions

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CNCF Certification Pathway

A clear progression from beginner to expert.

Associate

Foundational credentials

Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate

KCNA
Foundational cloud-native and Kubernetes knowledge; online proctored multiple-choice.

Kubernetes and Cloud Security Associate

KCSA
Cloud-native security foundation credential; online proctored multiple-choice.

Prometheus Certified Associate

PCA
Foundational observability focus; online proctored multiple-choice.

Cilium Certified Associate

CCA
Cilium networking/security/observability focus; online proctored multiple-choice.

Developer

Application-development stream

Certified Kubernetes Application Developer

CKAD
For Kubernetes application developers; performance-based command-line format.

OpenTelemetry Certified Associate

OTCA
Project telemetry-focused certification for observability.

Certified Argo Project Associate

CAPA
Validated with knowledge of Argo workflows/CD toolchain.

GitOps Certified Associate

CGOA
Covers GitOps concepts and toolchains in cloud-native workflows.

Administrator

Kubernetes operations stream

Certified Kubernetes Administrator

CKA
Hands-on Kubernetes administration; requires command-line performance tasks.

Certified Cloud Native Platform Associate

CNPA
Cloud-native platform engineering fundamentals; online proctored multiple-choice.

Specialist

Security and advanced engineering

Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist

CKS
Security specialist path; requires passing CKA before attempting; two-hour hands-on exam.

Certified Cloud Native Platform Engineer

CNPE
Advanced platform engineering; online proctored performance-based exam.

Cloud Native Project Associate

Project-specific associate stack

Istio Certified Associate

ICA
Istio principles and operations certification.

Certified Backstage Associate

CBA
Backstage platform/software development infrastructure focus.

Kyverno Certified Associate

KCA
Policy management and Kubernetes security policy operations.

Recent Changes

October 15, 2024
CKS exam framework now shows Kubernetes v1.35
November 11, 2025
CNPE added to CNCF certification catalog
November 24, 2025
KCNA exam updated for Nov. 2025 release
January 1, 2026
CARE now auto-renews KCNA and KCSA
March 24, 2026
Kubernetes AI Conformance expands with v1.35 requirements
June 18, 2026
CKA CARE auto-renewal starts
June 18, 2026
Unified CNCF certification pathway now on Udemy
August 1, 2026
CARE adds LFCA renewal path

CNCF certification progression framework

graph TD KCNA["Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate (KCNA)"] --> CKA["Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)"] KCNA --> CKAD["Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD)"] CKA --> CKS["Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS)"] KCNA --> PCA["Prometheus Certified Associate (PCA)"] CKA --> PCA

The perfect Fit for all professionals

Kubernetes administrators and operators.

Professionals focused on kubernetes administrators and operators. within this certification portfolio.

Cloud-native application developers and SRE teams.

Professionals focused on cloud-native application developers and sre teams. within this certification portfolio.

Security and compliance teams building secure Kubernetes practices.

Professionals focused on security and compliance teams building secure kubernetes practices. within this certification portfolio.

Platform engineering and reliability teams building internal developer platforms

Professionals focused on platform engineering and reliability teams building internal developer platforms. within this certification portfolio.

Infra, tooling, and project-specific specialists (Prometheus, Istio, Argo, OpenT

Professionals focused on infra, tooling, and project-specific specialists (prometheus, istio, argo, opentelemetry, kyverno, backstage). within this certification portfolio.

Organizations seeking a structured progression from foundational to specialist c

Professionals focused on organizations seeking a structured progression from foundational to specialist certifications. within this certification portfolio.

Your Complete Exam Solution

Best-In-Class Practice Tests

Authentic, regularly updated questions that mirror the real exam. Verified, current material — not recycled dumps.

Topical Breakdown

Study by domain, pinpoint weak areas, and focus your time where it matters most. Every topic mapped to the official syllabus.

Flashcard Mode

Rapid-fire review to reinforce key concepts. Flip through questions and answers at your own pace before exam day.

Planet Cert has what you need

01:45:22

Planet Cert offers top-notch tools for perfecting your exam preparation. From our interactive Exam Simulator to our comprehensive Study Modes, we ensure you are fully equipped to tackle your CNCF certification. We even provide detailed rationales so you understand exactly why an answer is correct.

But the preparation doesn't stop at just answering questions. Our platform guarantees full coverage of the official syllabus, breaking down complex topics into digestible formats. After all, passing on your first attempt is the ultimate goal.

At Planet Cert, we're committed to making certification painless by building the most robust learning platform. Backed by industry experts, our practice materials are more dynamic than traditional tools on the market, and we're always looking to improve our students' experience and workflow.

Ready to start your CNCF journey?

CNCF FAQs

What is the difference between CKA, CKAD, and CKS?
CKA validates Kubernetes administration skills, CKAD validates Kubernetes app-development skills, and CKS validates advanced Kubernetes security skills.
Do I need CKA before taking CKS?
Yes. CNCF states CKS candidates must have taken and passed the CKA exam before attempting CKS.
How long are the CKA, CKAD, and CKS exams?
CNCF and LF documentation specify 2 hours for CKA, CKAD, and CKS.
What passing score is required?
For the CKA and CKAD exams it is 66% or above; for CKS it is 67%.
What Kubernetes version is used in the exam environment?
The LF FAQ page lists CKA and CKAD at Kubernetes v1.35, and CKS at Kubernetes v1.34.
How long are CNCF certifications valid?
Current CKA/CKAD/CKS certification validity is 2 years, with a note that some pre-April 2024 records differ.
Is there a recertification extension path?
Yes. CNCF describes the CARE program, effective Jan 1, 2026, with full deployment planned by June 2026.
What are the known exam formats?
CKA/CKAD/CKS are proctored, performance-based exams in an online environment; KCNA and many project certifications are online proctored multiple-choice.

Student Reviews

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Sarah J.Azure Admin
★★★★★

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Emily R.CompTIA Security+