Official answers sourced from the Linux Foundation CKA/CKAD/CKS FAQ. Last verified: April 2026.
Q: How much does the CKA exam cost?
A: $395 USD. Use coupon code MM26CCCT at kube.promo/cka for a discount.
Q: What is the passing score for the CKA exam?
A: 66%. Partial credit applies — you earn points for incomplete but partially correct answers.
Q: Is there a free retake for the CKA exam?
A: Yes. One free retake is included with every purchase. It must be scheduled within 12 months of your original purchase date.
Q: How is the CKA exam scored?
A: Auto-scored immediately on submission. Results are emailed within 24 hours. Each task has a point value; partial credit is awarded for partially correct solutions.
- What is the CKA Certification?
- How much does the exam cost?
- How long is the exam?
- What score is needed to pass?
- How is the exam scored?
- What Kubernetes version is used?
- What resources are allowed during the exam?
- How is the exam proctored?
- What are the system requirements?
- What are the testing environment requirements?
- What ID is required?
- What languages is the exam available in?
- How long is the certification valid?
- How do I renew my certification?
- Where can I find practice questions / a simulator?
- Is there training to prepare for the exam?
- Can I retake the exam if I fail?
- What is the exam format?
The Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) certification is designed to ensure that holders have the skills, knowledge, and competency to perform the responsibilities of Kubernetes Administrators. It validates that a certified administrator can establish their credibility and value in the job market, and allows companies to hire high-quality teams to support their Kubernetes operations.
CKA vs CKAD vs CKS:
| Certification | Focus | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|
| CKA | Cluster administration, infrastructure, operations | None |
| CKAD | Application design, build, deploy on Kubernetes | None |
| CKS | Container & Kubernetes security | Must hold a valid CKA |
$395 USD (single exam). Bundle prices vary. Check the Linux Foundation Training & Certification Catalog for current pricing.
Tip
Discount codes are frequently available. Check the repo README.md for current coupon codes. Bundles (CKA + CKAD, CKA + CKS) often offer significant savings.
2 hours for the CKA exam.
The exam consists of 15–20 performance-based tasks to be completed entirely on the command line (Linux). There are no multiple choice questions.
| Exam | Passing Score |
|---|---|
| CKA | 66% or above |
| CKAD | 66% or above |
| CKS | 67% or above |
- Exams are scored automatically upon completion.
- A score report will be emailed within 24 hours from the time the exam was completed.
- Barring technical exceptions, results are prompt.
| Exam | Kubernetes Version |
|---|---|
| CKA | v1.35 |
| CKAD | v1.35 |
| CKS | v1.34 |
Note
The exam environment is aligned with the most recent Kubernetes minor version within approximately 4–8 weeks of the official K8s release date. Check the LF instructions page for the latest confirmed version.
You may open one additional browser tab pointing to any of these official sites:
- kubernetes.io/docs — Official Kubernetes documentation
- kubernetes.io/blog — Kubernetes blog
- helm.sh/docs — Helm documentation
Warning
No other external websites, printed notes, books, or personal notes are permitted. See the official Allowed Resources page for the authoritative list.
The exam is proctored remotely via:
- Streaming audio feed
- Streaming video (webcam) feed
- Screen sharing (proctors can see all monitors)
The session recording is stored and may be reviewed after exam completion.
Proctor role: Proctors facilitate check-in and monitor the session. They do not provide technical guidance on exam content.
You can watch a PSI Online Proctoring Experience video to understand what to expect.
- OS: See PSI System Requirements
- Browser: All browsers supported; Google Chrome highly recommended (Secure Browser is Chrome-based)
- Monitor: One active monitor only — Dual monitors NOT supported
- Screen: ≥ 15" recommended; 1080p resolution recommended
- Internet: Reliable connection required (wired preferred)
- Disable bandwidth-heavy services (Dropbox, BitTorrent, etc.)
- HTTPS to AWS S3 endpoints must not be blocked by firewall/proxy
- Microphone: Required and must be tested before exam
- Webcam: Must be moveable (for room pan); no other apps may run
Important
- Do NOT use a virtual machine to take the exam (even if the compatibility check passes)
- Do NOT use a corporate/work-issued machine if possible (security features can disrupt PSI)
- Disable antivirus scanning during the exam
- Keep laptop plugged in to power
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Desk | Clutter-free — no paper, electronics, or other objects |
| Walls | Clear of paper/printouts (decorative paintings are OK) |
| Lighting | Well-lit so proctor can see face, hands, and workspace |
| Background | No bright lights or windows directly behind you |
| Location | Private, quiet room — no coffee shops or open offices |
| Camera frame | You must remain visible throughout the exam |
- Must be a valid (unexpired) government-issued original physical document (not a photocopy or digital copy)
- Must include: name, photo, and signature (government biometric IDs without signature are accepted)
- Name on ID must exactly match the verified name on your LF exam checklist
Accepted forms of ID:
- International travel passport
- Government-issued driver's license/permit
- Government-issued local language ID (with photo and signature)
- National identity card / State or province-issued identity card
- Alien registration card (green card / permanent resident / visa)
- 住民基本台帳 (Basic Resident Register with photo) or マイナンバーカード (My Number Card)
Minors (age 16–18): A Parent/Guardian must complete a Parental Release form at least 2 weeks before the exam. A guardian must also present valid ID and provide verbal consent during check-in.
CKA exam tasks are available in:
- 🇺🇸 English
- 🇨🇳 Simplified Chinese
- 🇯🇵 Japanese
The exam defaults to the language detected in your browser. You can switch languages during the exam using the "Language Control Dropdown" in the Content Panel.
2 years from the date the exam is passed.
Note
CKA and CKAD certifications earned before April 1, 2024 are valid for 3 years.
- Retake and pass the exam before the expiration date.
- The renewed certification will be valid for a further 2 years from the date the exam is passed.
When you register for the CKA exam, you receive access to the Killer.sh exam simulator:
- 2 attempts per exam registration
- Each attempt grants 36 hours of access from activation time
- Simulates the real exam environment and question style
- Harder than the real exam — excellent preparation
Note
Killer.sh access is not included in CKA-SINGLE exam registrations.
Access it via: My Portal → Start/Resume → Preparing for the Exam section.
Also check the practice questions in this repo: 📝 PRACTICE_QUESTIONS.md
The Linux Foundation offers official training:
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Kubernetes (free) | Introductory concepts |
| Kubernetes Fundamentals (LFS258) | Aligned with CKA content |
| Kubernetes for Developers (LFS259) | Aligned with CKAD content |
| Kubernetes Security Essentials (LFS260) | Aligned with CKS content |
Yes. The CKA exam registration includes one free retake.
The retake must be scheduled and completed within 12 months of the original purchase date.
- Type: Performance-based (hands-on, command-line tasks)
- Tasks: 15–20 scenario-based problems
- Environment: Remote desktop running Linux, with a terminal and Firefox
- No multiple choice every task requires you to actually do the work in a live Kubernetes cluster
- Pre-installed tools:
kubectl(withkalias + bash completion),yq,curl,wget,man - Node access: SSH from the base node to designated task nodes;
sudo -ifor root
📚 Related: EXAM_DAY_GUIDE.md | EXAM_TIPS.md | SYLLABUS.md | CHEATSHEET.md