KCNA — Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate Cheatsheet
90 minutes · multiple choice · no prerequisite
5certifications
2associate exams
3hands-on exams
v1.35performance track
Certification 1
KCNA — Foundations
Build the cloud native map: architecture, orchestration, delivery, observability and the CNCF ecosystem. Learn the vocabulary and mental models every later exam assumes.
Certification 2
KCSA — Security foundations
Think in threats and controls: the 4Cs, component trust boundaries, identity, Pod and network security, supply chain, platform security and compliance.
Certification 3
CKA — Administration
Operate the cluster: troubleshoot, install, upgrade and secure clusters; manage networking, workloads, storage, RBAC, etcd and the control plane.
Certification 4
CKAD — Application delivery
Ship applications under pressure: design workloads, roll out versions, configure and secure Pods, build health checks, expose Services and debug failures.
Certification 5
CKS — Security specialist
Secure build, cluster and runtime: harden the platform and OS, minimize workload vulnerabilities, protect the supply chain, audit behavior and investigate threats.
Keep the path current.
Curriculum and program details checked on 19 July 2026. Re-check before scheduling because Kubernetes versions and certification policies move.