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Linux Foundation · Cloud

CKAD

Running applications on Kubernetes: workload definitions, configuration, services, observability and deployment.

View certification details
Understand the subject

Running applications on Kubernetes: workload definitions, configuration, services, observability and deployment.

Apply it to the work

Useful when an application team needs to package a service for Kubernetes and diagnose why it is not healthy or reachable.

Build practical evidence

Containerise a small application first. Get comfortable editing YAML, reading logs and checking the difference between a running container and a ready service.

Level
Intermediate

What you will learn to do

Understand the subject

Running applications on Kubernetes: workload definitions, configuration, services, observability and deployment.

Apply it to the work

Useful when an application team needs to package a service for Kubernetes and diagnose why it is not healthy or reachable.

Build practical evidence

Containerise a small application first. Get comfortable editing YAML, reading logs and checking the difference between a running container and a ready service.

Certification essentials

Requirements, costs and keeping it current.

Check the vendor record and ongoing commitment alongside the career guidance.

Pricing view
Market

Vendor record

Live

A two-hour proctored practical exam covering building and deploying Kubernetes applications. The exam version changes with Kubernetes releases; use the current vendor instructions.

Source: Linux Foundation · Read 19 September 2026

Sourced fields only; this does not mean every exam detail has been verified. Pricing and renewal policies have their own sources and check dates. Confirm the currency, tax and final booking total with the vendor.

Role-fit guidance is TechWaymark editorial interpretation. It is separate from the recorded vendor facts and does not measure hiring outcomes.

Costs and renewal

Exam cost
US$445
Exam format
Exam format not yet verified — check the vendor's exam page
Keeping it current

Retake and pass the practical exam before expiry to renew for 2 years. Exam fees apply.

Renewal sources & exceptions

CKAD earned before 1 April 2024 had a 3-year term. The CKS-to-CKA CARE extension does not cover CKAD.

Renewal policy checked 2026-09-28. Check the linked provider policy for current fees and eligibility.

Exam-only purchase, with the vendor-listed retake and eligibility window; not the training or subscription bundle. Confirm applicable tax at checkout. Vendor price checked 2026-09-24. Check the vendor record before booking.

Current vendor pricing source ↗
Preparation and practical skills

Recommended prior knowledge

  • Container basics
  • A real app to deploy

Common misconceptions

  • CKAD may meet a named requirement; it does not guarantee shortlisting or replace documented work.

What this cert does NOT guarantee

  • Guaranteed interviews, a salary increase or proof of production experience.
Alternatives and related certifications

Where this fits

  • None required
This cert
CKAD
  • Top of this lane

Alternative routes

No single right path. These adjacent options reach similar roles.

  • CKA
    Common follow-on or adjacent credential, see the graph for full lineage.
  • CKS
    Common follow-on or adjacent credential, see the graph for full lineage.

Adjacent & overlapping

  • CKA
  • CKS
Career outcomes and limitations

Realistic first roles

Application delivery on Kubernetes

How people actually get here

    Real-world career variations

    Timeline expectations

    1. Months 0–2Foundation reading, concepts, vocabulary.
    2. Months 2–4Hands-on labs, documented home projects.
    3. Months 4–6Practice exams, weak-area drills, exam.
    4. Post-examUse target vacancies to guide applications and projects. There is no guaranteed time to a first role.

    Study resources

    Study options

    Choose the right mix for your goals and experience. Links below go to official and third-party resources.

    Guided study

    Structured resources from established providers can help build knowledge and skills.

    Compare study options →

    Third-party providers. Commercial terms, pricing and availability apply.

    Practice environments

    Explore suitable environments for practical work. Check the tools, features and access you need.

    Compare practice resources →

    External resources. Check current costs and access requirements.

    Resources are selected for relevance. Compare access, syllabus coverage and total cost; a listing does not imply a commercial partnership.

    Compare the resources for CKAD
    CourseProvider source

    Linux Foundation. Kubernetes for Developers (LFD259)

    Self-paced + Labs

    Check the resource provider for current local pricing
    View resource
    SimulatorExternal resource

    killer.sh CKAD simulator

    Hands-on

    Check the resource provider for current local pricing
    View resource
    ReferenceExternal resource

    kubernetes.io official docs (allowed in exam)

    Reading

    Free resource; confirm current access terms
    View resource

    Check the current syllabus, access terms and total cost before choosing. Resource inclusion does not guarantee exam success.

    Optional home projects

    Build something you can explain.

    Ideas to explore after choosing a certification, using your own tools and keeping evidence of your work.

    Example project evidence
    Project evidence map (example)
    Deployment manifest with probe rationaleScope and inputs
    Request trace and rollout observationsDecisions and reasoning
    Evidence record (example)
    EvidenceWhat to capture
    Deployment manifest with probe rationaleShow the inputs, scope and decisions behind this record. Traffic does not reach a replica before it is ready.
    Request trace and rollout observationsInclude the evidence supporting your conclusion. Slow startup is not confused with a dead process.

    Roll out an application with meaningful health probes

    An application starts slowly and briefly returns errors during updates. Its Kubernetes deployment needs probes and a rollout that respect startup behaviour.

    Local lab Your own tools Evidence guidance
    View project guide
    Track this certification

    Editorial route and career guidance. No separate external evidence review is recorded for this assessment.

    Editorial evidence review: pending · UK market. Vendor facts and prices elsewhere on this page have their own sources and check dates.