CKA Exam Tips: How To Crack The Exam In 2023 | Certified Kubernetes Administrator | KodeKloud

Summary

This video offers expert tips for acing the Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) exam, emphasizing the growing demand for Kubernetes skills in cloud technologies. The speaker outlines the exam's focus on key domains and hands-on tasks, and provides strategies for success, including command-line proficiency, leveraging Kubernetes documentation, and effective time management. A learning path and mock exams are recommended for thorough preparation, highlighting the importance of genuine knowledge acquisition over merely obtaining certification.

Takeaways

• 🚀 The CKA (Certified Kubernetes Administrator) exam is highly valued and trending, with a significant increase in demand for Kubernetes skills as reported by the Linux Foundation and Ditto Research.
• 📚 Kubernetes is likened to the Linux operating system for the cloud, indicating its importance in modern IT infrastructures.
• 📝 The CKA exam, along with the CKAD (for developers) and CKS (for security specialists), is part of a suite of certifications for different roles within Kubernetes ecosystems.
• 🎯 The CKA exam focuses on five key domains: cluster architecture, installation/configuration, workloads/scheduling, services/networking, and troubleshooting.
• ⏱ The exam format consists of 15-20 performance-based tasks to be completed within a two-hour window, emphasizing practical skills over rote memorization.
• 📖 Candidates are allowed to refer to the Kubernetes documentation during the exam, highlighting the test of application over memorization.
• 👍 Tips for success include comfort with the Kubernetes command-line interface, efficient use of time, and careful review of work after each question to ensure accuracy.
• 🔍 It's crucial to copy and paste object names from the exam questions to avoid errors that could cost points.
• ⏰ Time management is key; candidates should not spend too much time on a single question and should attempt all questions, prioritizing the ones they find easier.
• 📚 A learning path is suggested for exam preparation, starting from Linux basics to specialized Kubernetes courses, including mock exams.
• 💡 The presenter emphasizes that the true value of the certification is in the knowledge gained, not just the certification itself, encouraging a focus on learning over the exam.

Q & A

What is the CKA exam and why is it important today?

The CKA (Certified Kubernetes Administrator) exam is a certification for professionals who administer Kubernetes clusters. It's important because Kubernetes is the leading platform for deploying and managing containerized applications in the cloud, as noted in the Linux Foundation's 10th Annual Jobs Report and the 2022 Container Report by Dittadog, which show a significant increase in organizations' use of cloud and container technologies.

What are the three Kubernetes-focused exams mentioned in the script?

The three exams are the CKA (for administrators), the CKAD (Certified Kubernetes Application Developer) for application developers, and the CKS (Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist) for security specialists.

What are the five key domains the CKA exam focuses on?

The CKA exam focuses on cluster architecture, installation, and configuration (25%); workloads and scheduling (15%); services and networking (20%); storage (10%); and troubleshooting (30%).

How many tasks are there in the CKA exam and what is the time limit to complete them?

The CKA exam consists of 15 to 20 performance-based tasks that candidates need to complete within a two-hour time frame.

What is the CKA exam environment like and what is a common mistake candidates make?

The CKA exam environment has six clusters, each with its own set of nodes. Candidates are required to switch contexts between them. A common mistake is performing tasks on the wrong cluster.

Why is it recommended to use the Kubernetes documentation during the exam?

The Kubernetes documentation is allowed during the exam to look up important information. This is because the CKA exam tests practical skills and the ability to get tasks done, not memory skills.

What is the significance of reviewing work after each question in the CKA exam?

Reviewing work after each question ensures that the task was completed correctly. This practice helps avoid spending time on a question only to find out later that it was not done correctly, which could lead to lost marks.

Why is it important to copy and paste during the CKA exam?

Copying and pasting is crucial to avoid typos and errors in object names or details provided in the exam questions. Any mistake in the object name can result in not receiving points for that question.

How should candidates manage their time during the CKA exam?

Candidates should manage their time effectively by attempting all easy questions first, ensuring they are completed correctly, and then moving on to more difficult ones. They should not spend too much time on a single question and should skip back to it if stuck for more than 10 minutes.

What resources are available for CKA exam preparation according to the script?

The script mentions a learning guide on Code Cloud, which includes courses on Linux basics, Docker for beginners, Kubernetes for beginners, CKA exam prep, and an ultimate CKA mock exam series. These resources are designed to help candidates gain the necessary skills and knowledge for the exam.

How long does it typically take to prepare for the CKA exam and what factors affect this duration?

The time it takes to prepare for the CKA exam varies depending on an individual's current skill level and the amount of time they can dedicate daily or weekly. The script provides a chart estimating that preparation could take from one to six months based on different study durations per day.

What is the cost of the CKA exam and how many attempts are allowed?

As of the date of the script, the CKA exam costs $395, and candidates are allowed two attempts.

What is the main goal of preparing for the CKA exam according to the script?

The main goal of preparing for the CKA exam should be to gain knowledge and understanding of Kubernetes concepts. The certification is a byproduct of the learning journey and is most valuable when accompanied by a genuine understanding of the material.

Outlines

00:00

📚 CKA Exam Overview and Importance

The speaker introduces the Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) exam, emphasizing its significance in the cloud industry as per the Linux Foundation's report. With a growing demand for cloud and container technologies, the CKA certification is trending, as shown by a significant increase in course consumption. The speaker, an expert in the field, outlines the CKA exam's focus on five key domains and the exam format, which includes 15-20 performance-based tasks to be completed within two hours using the command line interface. The environment consists of six clusters, and the speaker warns against common mistakes such as working on the wrong cluster.

05:01

🔍 Top Tips for CKA Exam Preparation

The speaker provides five top tips for successfully preparing for and taking the CKA exam. First, comfort with the Kubernetes command line interface is crucial, and aliases can save time. Second, the use of Kubernetes documentation during the exam is allowed, so familiarity with it is essential. Third, reviewing work after each question is advised to ensure accuracy. Fourth, the importance of copying and pasting object names to avoid errors is highlighted. Lastly, managing time effectively by prioritizing easier questions and not getting stuck on a single question is recommended. The speaker also introduces a learning guide and resources for different skill levels, including courses on Linux basics, Docker, and Kubernetes, culminating in mock exams that simulate the actual test environment.

10:02

⏰ Time Management and Exam Strategy

The speaker discusses the importance of time management during the CKA exam, suggesting a strategy to attempt all questions and emphasizing that a perfect score is not necessary to pass. A learning path is provided for those with varying levels of technical skills, starting from Linux and networking basics to more advanced Kubernetes courses. The speaker also addresses the duration of exam preparation, suggesting that it can range from a few weeks to several months depending on the individual's background and commitment. Finally, the speaker encourages a focus on learning rather than just obtaining the certification, highlighting the value of the knowledge gained over the certification itself.

🎓 Final Thoughts on Certification and Learning

In the concluding paragraph, the speaker reiterates the practical nature of the CKA exam and the importance of genuine learning over the certification itself. They advise that the exam should be seen as a catalyst for deep learning and understanding of Kubernetes. The speaker wishes the audience well in their certification journey and encourages them to enjoy the process of learning, implying that the true value lies in the knowledge acquired rather than the certification paper.

Keywords

💡CKA Exam

The Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) exam is a professional certification focused on assessing the skills and knowledge of individuals who administer Kubernetes clusters. In the video, the CKA exam is the central theme, as the speaker aims to share tips for successfully passing it. The script mentions that the CKA exam is trending and is one of the most sought-after certifications in the cloud and container technologies space.

💡Kubernetes

Kubernetes is an open-source container orchestration system for automating application deployment, scaling, and management. It is described in the script as 'today's Linux operating system for the cloud,' highlighting its importance in modern cloud infrastructure. The video's primary focus is on preparing for the CKA exam, which tests one's ability to manage Kubernetes clusters.

💡Cloud and Container Technologies

The script refers to the growing adoption of cloud and container technologies, as noted in the Linux Foundation's report. These technologies are foundational for modern application deployment and management, with Kubernetes being a key player in container orchestration. The CKA exam is particularly relevant as it tests skills in administering Kubernetes, a critical tool in this domain.

💡Cluster Architecture

Cluster architecture is a key domain in the CKA exam, which accounts for 25% of the exam's content. It involves designing and understanding the structure of a Kubernetes cluster, which is essential for its installation, configuration, and management. The script emphasizes the importance of this concept in the context of the CKA exam.

💡Workloads and Scheduling

Workloads and scheduling is another exam domain, making up 15% of the CKA exam. It involves managing application deployment on Kubernetes clusters, including how resources are allocated and scheduled. The script mentions this as one of the areas that candidates need to be proficient in to pass the exam.

💡Services and Networking

Services and networking is a 20% component of the CKA exam, focusing on how applications within a Kubernetes cluster communicate with each other and the outside world. The script points out the significance of understanding networking concepts to successfully manage and troubleshoot Kubernetes clusters.

💡Storage

Storage is a 10% component of the CKA exam, which tests knowledge on managing persistent storage for applications within a Kubernetes environment. The script mentions storage as one of the key areas that administrators need to be familiar with, as it's crucial for the smooth operation of Kubernetes clusters.

💡Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting is the most heavily weighted domain in the CKA exam, accounting for 30% of the content. It involves diagnosing and resolving issues within a Kubernetes cluster. The script highlights the importance of troubleshooting skills for administrators, as it is a critical part of the exam.

💡kubectl

kubectl is the Kubernetes command-line tool used to run commands against Kubernetes clusters. The script emphasizes the importance of being comfortable with kubectl for the CKA exam, as candidates will need to perform tasks using this tool during the hands-on exam.

💡Documentation

The script mentions that candidates are allowed to refer to the Kubernetes documentation during the exam. This highlights the practical nature of the exam, which tests the ability to find and apply information from official sources rather than rote memorization.

💡Time Management

Time management is a critical skill for candidates taking the CKA exam, as they need to complete a varying number of tasks within a two-hour window. The script advises candidates to be smart about allocating time to different questions, emphasizing the importance of not getting stuck on a single question and potentially missing out on easier ones.

Highlights

The CKA exam is highly important today as Kubernetes is the de facto Linux of the cloud, with 77% of organizations increasing their use of cloud and container technologies.

The CKA certification is one of the most trending certifications, with an 842% increase in course consumption according to the Udemy for Business Workplace Learning Trends report.

The CKA exam is part of three Kubernetes exams, including the CKAD for developers and the CKS for security specialists.

The CKA exam is focused on five key domains: cluster architecture, workloads and scheduling, services and networking, storage, and troubleshooting.

Exam takers are assessed on their ability to perform tasks using the command line interface within a given time frame of two hours.

The CKA exam environment consists of six clusters, and candidates must switch contexts between them during the exam.

Common mistakes include working on the wrong cluster, which is crucial to avoid.

Tip 1: Familiarize yourself with the Kubernetes command-line interface and practice typing commands quickly and accurately.

Tip 2: Utilize the Kubernetes documentation as a reference during the exam, as it is allowed and encourages practical skills over rote memorization.

Tip 3: Review your work after each question to ensure accuracy and avoid wasting time on incorrect solutions.

Tip 4: Copy and paste object names from the exam to avoid errors that could cost you points.

Tip 5: Manage your time effectively during the exam, focusing on getting easy questions right first and not spending too much time on a single question.

A learning guide is provided for different levels of technical skills, including courses on Linux basics, Docker for beginners, and Kubernetes for beginners.

The CKA exam preparation course includes hands-on labs and mock exams to simulate the real exam environment.

The CKA mock exam series on CodeCloud offers over 10 mock exams with a similar setup to the real exam, including multiple clusters.

The time required to prepare for the CKA exam varies, with a chart provided to estimate preparation time based on daily study hours.

Exam registration is available on the CNCF website, costing $395 with two attempts included.

An FAQ page addresses common questions about the exam day, including what is allowed in the testing room.

The presenter emphasizes that the real value of the CKA exam is in the knowledge gained, not just the certification.

Transcripts

in this video I'm going to share my top

tips to prepare for the cka exam or the

certified kubernetes administrators exam

but before I get into the tips let me

give you a quick overview of how

important the cka exam is today

kubernetes is today's Linux operating

system for the cloud as recorded by the

Linux foundation's 10th Annual jobs

report 77 of organizations are growing

their use of cloud and container

Technologies

the 2022 container report by dittadog

found that nearly half of all

organizations using containers run

kubernetes to deploy and manage at least

some of their containers so no wonder

how Engineers are flocking to learn

kubernetes and no wonder the cka exam is

one of the most trending it

certifications today the udemy for

business workplace learning Trends

report indicated an 842 increase in the

cka course consumption my name is and

today I'll be sharing my top tips to Ace

the cka exam if you have already

completed your cka exam do leave your

experience and your tips in the comments

below

thank you

foreign

ER just has three Hands-On exams as of

today the cka exam the ckad and the cks

the cka is for administrators ckad is

for application developers and cks for

security specialists in this video we're

going to talk about the cka exam this is

for you if you will be working on the

administrative side of kubernetes such

as designing the cluster architecture

installation and configuration of the

cluster workload management networking

storage and troubleshooting before we

dive into my top tips let me first give

you an overview of the exam itself the

exam focuses on five key domains 25 on

cluster architecture installation and

configuration 15 on workloads and

scheduling 20 on services and networking

10 on storage and 30 on troubleshooting

the exam consists of 15 to 20

performance-based tasks that you need to

complete within two hours you will be

given access to kubernetes clusters and

you'll be assessed based on your ability

to perform tasks using the command line

interface now let me share a little bit

about the environment Itself by the way

everything I'm going to share here is

already available on the cncf website on

the cka exam FAQ section links are given

below the cka exam environment has six

clusters each with its own set of nodes

you will be required to switch contacts

between each of them during the exam so

it's very important to note that you do

that before attempting each question one

of the common mistakes people make is

doing things on the wrong cluster I will

share some resources towards the end of

this video to tackle some of these

problems and without further Ado let's

dive into my top tips to crack the cka

exam

tip number one

this is a Hands-On exam so make sure

you're very comfortable with the

kubernetes command line interface the

cube control utility and practice typing

commands quickly and accurately use

aliases if needed I personally am not a

big fan of setting aliases but I've

heard others who use it and told me that

it helps them so you're going to be

running the cube control command line

utility many times during this exam so

you could save a second each time you

type the command so setting an alias

like k for cube control might give you

an extra minute or two towards the end

of the exam which might be beneficial

for some of you however I've seen people

also recommend things like this my

recommendation would be to not get

obsessed with it either you know you

don't have to spend an entire hour out

of the two hours that you have setting

up your aliases and shortcuts and other

things tip number two you don't have to

write the exam alone you're allowed to

have one friend to accompany you and

that friend my friends is the kubernetes

documentation in Pages you're allowed to

view and refer to the kubernetes

documentation Pages during the exam to

look up important information you see

that's one of the beauties of the

kubernetes certification exam unlike

many other exams it doesn't test your

memory skills or how much you can

remember it tests if you can actually

get done so make sure you know

exactly what information is where and

how to easily search for it in the

kubernetes documentation pages and no

you're not allowed to use bookmarks and

don't even try to do that tip number

three review your work after each

question and make sure you got it right

you don't want to get into a situation

where you spend like 10 to 15 minutes

working on a question and not knowing

that something was not done correctly

let's say if you had to create a pod do

not just run a command to create a pod

and assume it's working and proceed to

the next question instead make sure you

verify by running a cube control get

pods command for instance and make sure

that it is in a running State I've had

so many students tell me that there were

sure that they did it right but they

still didn't get the marks for it so

don't end up in that situation tip

number four another reason why people

think they did it right but didn't

actually get it right is when they do

not copy and paste yes my next tip is

that you must copy and paste during the

exam you see most of the questions in

the exam will have some weird name for

the objects that you you have to create

for example a question could be to

create a pod by the name

xyz-33568932 or something if you try to

type that in yourself and if you got any

character wrong you won't get any points

for that question so always copy the

name from the question or any other

details and paste it into the terminal

tip number five my next tip is about

managing time effectively the exam

consists of anywhere from 15 to 20

questions each question has a varying

difficulty level and some of them may be

easy and others may be hard and each

question has its own weight depending

upon the difficulty level too so it's

important to be smart in deciding how

much time you're going to spend on each

question do not get stuck on a single

question and waste your entire time on

that you don't need to get a hundred

percent to pass the exam you only need

66 percent or about to clear the cka

exam so even if you don't get all of

them right you can still pass the exam

so my recommendation is to attempt all

the easy questions first and make sure

you get them right time limit yourself

for each question if you're stuck on any

question for more than 10 minutes skip

to the other questions and come back to

this at the end of the exam so those are

my top five tips to clear the cka exam

and here is a quick learning guide that

we have put together for you on code

Cloud now depending on the level of your

technical skills today you may start

anywhere on this path you must have some

Linux and networking knowledge as the

exam environments are based on Linux and

if you need a refresher on Linux I would

highly recommend the Linux Basics course

you'll learn Linux with Hands-On Labs

now kubernetes is a container

orchestration system so knowledge of

containers is a must if you're new to

Containers go through the docker for

beginners course it's a three hours

course that will get you up to speed

with containers in no time and if you

are new to kubernetes I would recommend

the kubernetes for beginners course and

once you gain the basics of kubernetes

are cka exam Prep course will help you

learn everything you need to know for

the cka exam along with Hands-On labs

and mock exams at the end and finally

the cherry on the cake is our ultimate

cka mock exam series that is exclusively

available on codecloud and has over 10

mock exams with an exam environment

having a very similar setup as a real

exam you'll have multiple clusters that

you will have to switch back and forth

between and that will help you prepare

for the actual exam you can find the

link to the learning path right here

we're also a certified kubernetes

training partner so you can rest assured

that you're in safe hands now one of the

common questions I hear is how long does

it take for you to prepare for the exam

now it all depends on where you stand

today and how much time you're willing

to put in on a per day per week basis to

prepare for the exam we have had

students who have taken three to six

months to prepare for the exam and

others who already had some experience

just sit through two weeks straight and

pass the exam at the end of it but at a

high level here is a chart that we've

put together if you spend two hours a

day you should be able to complete the

cka course in about three months four

hours a day then you'll have to spend

about one and a half to two months and

six hours a day it might take you one to

one and a half months you can see the

time it would take for you to go through

the other courses as well in this chart

of course this is completely dependent

upon how fast you can pick things up so

it may be different for different people

but this is like a high level over view

of a chart that you can refer to so

what's next Once you prepare for the

exam well register for the exam on the

cncf website as of today it costs 395

dollars you get two attempts for the

exam and if you fail the first one you

can attempt again a second time and no

you don't have to attempt the second

time if you already passed the exam the

first time someone actually asked me

that once now you may have a lot of

questions about the exam day itself like

what can you do and what are you not

supposed to do in the testing room like

what monitors you use what keyboards you

use what camera to use and Etc we've

collated a list of all questions from

our existing users and created an FAQ

page that's available on our GitHub page

so you can check that out here and

finally a word before you leave

you see the exam is a practical and

performance-based exam for a reason cncf

wants to make sure that there's 35

people who have actual skills who can't

do stuff so it's very important that you

get your intentions right and your heart

in the right place when you prepare for

this exam your goal and only goal should

be to learn as much as you can while you

prepare for the exam consider the exam

as just a cover to push you to spend as

much time as you can in learning the

concepts well understand that the real

win here is the knowledge you gain by

putting yourself through months of

learning and practice and not the piece

of paper that you get at the end of it

so try to enjoy the journey of learning

more than obtaining the certification

itself ultimately the certificate by

itself is not going to get you anywhere

or B of any value if you haven't

actually learned the concepts well

enough so having said that I wish you

all the best for your certification and

I hope you will truly enjoy the journey

of learning until next time goodbye