Rocket-Power Your Kubernetes Skills: Become a Kubestronaut
The Kubestronaut Program recognizes community leaders who have consistently invested in their education and expanded their expertise in Kubernetes. This prestigious title is awarded to individuals who have successfully passed all five CNCF Kubernetes certifications: KCNA, KCSA, CKA, CKAD, and CKS.
Achieving Kubestronaut status not only validates your skills but also grants you exclusive benefits, including:
- An exclusive Kubestronaut jacket to showcase your elite status.
- A Credly badge to highlight your Kubernetes expertise.
- Access to a private Kubestronaut Slack channel and mailing list.
- 50% off five certifications per year—for yourself or to share.
- 20% off three CNCF events (KubeCon or KubeDays) annually.
Kubernetes Certifications Overview
To earn the Kubestronaut title, you must successfully pass and maintain validity in the following five certifications:
1. Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate (KCNA)
The KCNA certification validates foundational knowledge of Kubernetes and cloud-native technologies. It is ideal for beginners seeking to understand key concepts in these ecosystems.
- Exam Format: 60 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes.
- Price: $250.
Kubernetes Fundamentals - 46%
Container Orchestration - 22%
Cloud Native Architecture - 16%
Cloud Native Observability - 8%
Cloud Native Application Delivery - 8%
2. Kubernetes and Cloud Native Security Associate (KCSA)
KCSA is a new entry-level certification focused on security fundamentals for Kubernetes clusters and cloud-native environments.
- Exam Format: 60 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes.
- Price: $250.
Overview of Cloud Native Security - 14%
Kubernetes Cluster Component Security - 22%
Kubernetes Security Fundamentals - 22%
Kubernetes Threat Model - 16%
Platform Security - 16%
Compliance and Security Frameworks - 10%
3. Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)
The CKA certification is designed for system administrators and DevOps engineers managing Kubernetes clusters in production environments. It assesses skills in installation, configuration, and administration of Kubernetes.
- Exam Format: Hands-on practical exam, 2 hours.
- Price: $395.
Storage - 10%
Troubleshooting - 30%
Workloads & Scheduling - 15%
Cluster Architecture, Installation & Configuration - 25%
Services & Networking - 20%
4. Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD)
CKAD is tailored for developers who build, deploy, and configure applications on Kubernetes. It evaluates the ability to define application resources and use Kubernetes primitives for scalable deployments.
- Exam Format: Hands-on practical exam, 2 hours.
- Price: $395.
Application Design and Build - 20%
Application Deployment - 20%
Application Observability and Maintenance - 15%
Application Environment, Configuration and Security - 25%
Services and Networking - 20%
5. Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS)
CKS is an advanced certification for professionals specializing in container security and Kubernetes security best practices. The CKA certification is a prerequisite for this exam.
- Exam Format: Hands-on practical exam, 2 hours.
- Price: $395.
Cluster Setup - 15%
Cluster Hardening - 15%
System Hardening - 10%
Minimize Microservice Vulnerabilities - 20%
Supply Chain Security - 20%
Monitoring, Logging and Runtime Security - 20%
Total Investment & Bundle Pricing
Individually, the five certifications amount to a total cost of $1,685. However, CNCF offers a special Kubestronaut Bundle that includes all five exams for $1,645, providing a small discount.
More information on bundle pricing
Exclusive Benefits of Becoming a Kubestronaut
Once you pass all five Kubernetes certifications, you will be officially recognized as a Kubestronaut and enjoy exclusive perks:
- Kubestronaut Jacket – Wear your achievement with pride.
- Credly Digital Badge – Showcase your Kubernetes expertise.
- Private Slack Channel & Mailing List – Connect with other elite professionals.
- 50% Discount on Five Certifications Annually – For yourself or to share.
- 20% Off Three CNCF Events per Year – Save on KubeCon and KubeDays tickets.
How to Become a Kubestronaut
After passing all five certifications, you will be contacted by CNCF within one business week with further instructions. All certifications must be valid at the time of recognition.
For more details, visit the CNCF Kubestronaut Program and FAQ
💡 Who am I?
I'm Gabriel Carmo, passionate about technology (especially Open Source). I have experience in Cloud, Kubernetes, OpenShift, Zabbix, Dynatrace and much more! Always exploring new technologies and sharing knowledge. 🚀
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📧 Contato: contato@gabrielandre.com.br