Certified Kubernetes Application Developer CKAD Learning Path
Finally, I moved away from the Clouds (AWS/GCP) and became more involved with Kubernetes. I decided to take on the Kubernetes certification. I started with the Certified Kubernetes Application Developer exam and was happy to report that I passed it with 84%.
CKAD is more an open book test. You have access to the Kubernetes documentation exam. However, it focuses more upon hands-on experience.
CKAD focuses on “Using a Kubernetes cluster once already provisioned”
You would need to debug and solve actual problems on a Kubernetes cluster, unlike AWS and GCP certifications.
It is definitely one of the most difficult exams I have ever taken.
It is an open-book test, but you must know where the information is.
Trust me, if your are not prepared, this time will not be enough.
CKAD Exam Pattern
These general domains are included in the CKAD exam curriculum and their weights on exam: Application Design and Build – 20%
Application Environment, Configuration, and Security – 25%
Application Deployment – 20%
Services & Networking – 20%
Application observation and maintenance – 15%
CKA requires that you solve 24 questions within 3 hours.
The CKAD exam has been updated and you will need to answer 15-18 questions in two hours.
CKAD was already upgraded for the k8s 1.22 edition.
You can open another tab in your browser. This can be from kubernetes.io, Falco documentation, or any other product documentation. Do not open other windows.
Exam questions can be attempted in any order. They don’t need to be in a specific order. You can always go ahead and come back later. CKAD Exam Preparation and Tips
I used the KodeKloud courses for practice and it was sufficient to cover the requirements for the exam.
Killer.sh offers 2 exam simulator sessions when you book your exam. These mock exams are very difficult compared to the real thing, but they provide a great learning experience. If you fail to complete this exam on time, don’t let that discourage you.
I didn’t have to rush for CKAD, so I had plenty of time to review.
Each question on an exam carries weight. Be sure to attempt the higher weighted questions first, before you focus on the lower ones. You should focus on the heavier questions and find faster solutions, such as debugging.
Killer.sh provides the exam with 6-8 preconfigured K8s clusters. Each question is specific to a Kubernetes cluster and the context must be changed. You will need to execute the kubectl context command. It is included with every question.
To find resources or create resources, check the namespace in the question. Use the -n
Most of the interaction would be performed from the client node. Pay attention to the master or worker node that you are using to perform the exams. Also, make sure to return to the base node.
It is important to use CKS to move the master server for any changes to cluster kubeapiserver
If necessary, SSH to nodes is allowed and root access is granted.
Pay attention to the information provided in the questions marked with an i mark. These would be very helpful hints to address the question and save you time. For example, Namespaces to be looked into. You should look at what is already in place, such as configmap, secrets, and network policies, so you don’t create another.
You won’t be able to create or edit YAML files if you don’t know the imperative commands.
You can edit further using –dry-run –o yaml. This will give you a head start with the YAML spec file.
To avoid typing kubectlCKAD Resources, I use the alias kk=kubectl
Check out the CKAD Curriculum
Mumshad Mannambeth or Udemy Kubernetes Certified App Developer (CKA)
