Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD)
Kubernetes certification for developers. Covers deploying, configuring, and debugging applications on Kubernetes clusters.
Provider
CNCF/Linux Foundation
Level
Associate
Duration
1–3 months
Cost
$395
Passing Score
66%
Validity
3 years
Salary Impact
+$12,000–$20,000 avg
Prerequisites
Docker knowledge
Basic Kubernetes understanding
Linux command-line skills
Exam Format
Practical hands-on exam, 15-20 tasks, 120 minutes, $395 USD
Exam Topics & Weights
Core concepts
13%
Configuration
18%
Multi-container pods
10%
Observability
18%
Pod design
20%
Services and networking
13%
State persistence
8%
8-Week Study Plan
Weeks 1
Focus: Kubernetes core concepts
Pod basics
Namespaces
Labels and selectors
Weeks 2-3
Focus: Configuration and environment variables
ConfigMaps
Secrets
Service accounts
Weeks 4-5
Focus: Multi-container pods and sidecar patterns
Init containers
Sidecar pattern
Pod design patterns
Weeks 6-7
Focus: Observability and debugging
Logs and monitoring
Debugging pods
Network debugging
Exam Tips & Strategies
More developer-focused than admin CKA—focus on application deployment
Multi-container pod patterns are important
Observability and debugging skills are critical
Environment configuration and secrets management
Practice labs in real K8s clusters are essential
Killer.sh practice exams are nearly identical to real exam
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