To help DevopsCube readers, we have interviewed Pradeep Pandey, a certified Kubernetes administrator and developer for tips & tricks to ace the Kubernetes certification exam.<\/p>\n
Before getting into the certification tips, let’s have a look at the exam overview.<\/p>\n
Note: <\/strong>You can checkout our complete CKA exam guide<\/a>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
What skillsets you had when you started preparing for the certification?<\/h2>\n
I was primarily working on Linux, Cloud, Automation, Jenkins, Networking, Security & Kubernetes.<\/p>\n
How long did it take for you to prepare for CKA certification?<\/h2>\n
I worked on Kubernetes for more than 2 years before appearing for the certification exam mostly on the cluster administration, cluster components troubleshooting, cluster networking, and application deployments using Kubernetes objects.<\/p>\n
Even though, I had the previous experience I had to fully dedicate 1 week to for preparing the certification exam. As there are many Kubernetes components and concepts that I was not using in my day-to-day work. One such thing would be the cluster setup as it is a one-time task.<\/p>\n
Note:<\/strong> You could save up to $187 using Kubernetes certification coupons<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
What are the key areas one should focus on?<\/h2>\n
Linux<\/h3>\n
\n
- Linux knowledge – Regex, filtering, searching, editing using sed (replacing texts, etc)<\/li>\n
- Should be good at any one of the Linux command line editors<\/a>. (vi\/vim, nano) editor. Editor shortcuts knowledge is must-have if you want to save time in the examination.<\/li>\n
- Understanding of Systemd service file configurations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Certificates<\/h3>\n
\n
- Understanding on CA, root CA (certificate chain)<\/li>\n
- Generation of client and server certificate (OpenSSL).<\/li>\n
- Should have an understanding of all the information required for the certificates. For example, Kubernetes cluster etcd SSL configuration<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Kubernetes<\/h3>\n
\n
- Kubectl<\/strong>: You should be comfortable using all kubectl commands as it will be used to create, edit and manage all Kubernetes resources.<\/li>\n
- Custer Administration<\/li>\n
- Cluster Networking<\/li>\n
- Kubernetes Functionalities: Very good understanding of kubernetes YAML specification of all Kubernetes objects. Very good understanding of deploying all the Kubernetes objects using YAML (pods, deployment, service, etc)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
What are the best resources for CKA preparation?<\/h2>\n
I used the official kubernetes documentation<\/a> as it covers all the Kubernetes concepts with examples. I have the following suggestions if you are a beginner to Kubernetes.<\/p>\n
\n
- Kubernetes the hard way<\/a><\/li>\n
- Kubernetes Linux foundation training.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Note:<\/strong> If you are preparing for Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist, refer to the CKS exam study guide<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
What is your advise for Kubernetes beginners?<\/h2>\n
If you are an absolute beginner, the following resources will help you get started.<\/p>\n