Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF)
CKAD
Certified Kubernetes Application Developer
A hands-on, performance-based certification validating the ability to design, build, configure, and deploy cloud-native applications on Kubernetes. Highly valued for cloud-native developer and platform roles.
Full program: 5 decks, 928 cards.
What's on the exam
CKAD Curriculum (current Kubernetes release)
Application Design and Build
20%Container images and Dockerfiles · Defining and running Pods · Multi-container Pod patterns · Jobs and CronJobs · Persistent and ephemeral volumes
Application Deployment
20%Deployments and rolling updates · Rollbacks and deployment strategies · Blue/green and canary concepts · Helm and Kustomize basics · Scaling applications
Application Observability and Maintenance
15%Liveness, readiness, and startup probes · Container logging · Monitoring applications · Debugging Pods and containers · API deprecations and updates
Application Environment, Configuration, and Security
25%ConfigMaps and Secrets · Resource requests and limits · ServiceAccounts and SecurityContexts · Custom Resource Definitions (CRDs) · Authentication and authorization basics
Services and Networking
20%Services and Endpoints · NetworkPolicies · Ingress rules and controllers · DNS within the cluster · Exposing applications
Frequently asked questions
How much does the CKAD cost?
The CKAD costs $445. Includes one free retake; price set by the Linux Foundation and may change.
How long is the CKAD and how many questions does it have?
Real-world tasks performed in live Kubernetes clusters — 2 hours.
What do you need to pass the CKAD?
66%.
Can you retake the CKAD?
One free retake included; further retakes require a new registration.
What is the best way to study for the CKAD?
Start from the official outline and your primary study materials: the exam is weighted by domain (Application Design and Build 20%, Application Deployment 20%, Application Observability and Maintenance 15%, Application Environment, Configuration, and Security 25%, Services and Networking 20%). Once you've learned the material, spaced-repetition flashcards organized by those domains are an efficient way to retain it and refresh it before test day.
Ready to prepare?
Our Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD) program is organized by this outline's domains and scheduled by spaced repetition, with a path from first card to test day.
Flashcards are a memory tool. Learn the material first, then use NoReread to retain it and refresh what you already know. It doesn't replace studying the subject.