CKA vs CKS | Which Kubernetes Certification Should You Choose First?

Table of Contents

• Why Choose a Kubernetes Certification?
• What Is the CKA Certification?
• What Is the CKS Certification?
• Key Differences Between CKA and CKS
• CKA vs CKS: Side-by-Side Comparison
• Who Should Choose the CKA First?
• Who Should Choose the CKS First?
• Preparation Tips for CKA and CKS
• Career Benefits of CKA and CKS
• How to Decide Which to Take First
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions

Why Choose a Kubernetes Certification?

Kubernetes is the backbone of cloud-native applications, enabling businesses to deploy, scale, and manage apps efficiently. As its adoption grows, so does the demand for professionals who can manage or secure Kubernetes clusters. The CKA and CKS certifications validate your skills, boost your credibility, and open doors to roles in DevOps, cloud engineering, and security. Choosing the right certification first depends on your career goals, experience level, and interest in administration versus security. Both certifications enhance your marketability, but understanding their focus areas will help you make an informed decision.

What Is the CKA Certification?

The Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) certification focuses on the administration of Kubernetes clusters. It’s a two-hour, hands-on exam where you complete 15–20 tasks in a live Kubernetes environment using the kubectl command-line tool. The exam tests your ability to manage clusters and covers five domains:

• Cluster Architecture, Installation, and Configuration (25%)
• Workloads and Scheduling (15%)
• Services and Networking (20%)
• Storage (10%)
• Troubleshooting (30%)

The CKA is ideal for those who want to master the operational side of Kubernetes, such as setting up clusters, deploying applications, and troubleshooting issues. It has a passing score of 66% and is accessible to beginners with basic container and Linux knowledge.

What Is the CKS Certification?

The Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) certification focuses on securing Kubernetes clusters. It’s also a two-hour, hands-on exam with 15–20 tasks, but it emphasizes security practices. You’ll use kubectl and other tools to secure clusters, with tasks covering:

• Cluster Setup (10%)
• Cluster Hardening (15%)
• System Hardening (15%)
• Minimize Microservice Vulnerabilities (20%)
• Supply Chain Security (20%)
• Monitoring, Logging, and Runtime Security (20%)

The CKS is more advanced and requires the CKA as a prerequisite, making it suitable for those with Kubernetes experience who want to specialize in security. The passing score is 67%.

Key Differences Between CKA and CKS

While both certifications focus on Kubernetes, they target different skill sets and career paths. Here are the key differences:

• Focus Area: CKA emphasizes cluster administration (setup, deployment, troubleshooting), while CKS focuses on securing clusters.
• Prerequisite: CKA has no prerequisites, but CKS requires you to hold a valid CKA certification.
• Difficulty: CKA is beginner-friendly with basic Kubernetes knowledge, while CKS is more advanced, requiring deeper understanding of security practices.
• Exam Content: CKA tasks include cluster setup and application management; CKS tasks focus on securing clusters, such as configuring RBAC or scanning images.
• Career Path: CKA suits DevOps and cloud engineers; CKS targets security engineers or those in regulated industries.

Understanding these differences will help you choose the certification that aligns with your goals and experience.

CKA vs CKS: Side-by-Side Comparison

Below is a table comparing the CKA and CKS certifications:

Who Should Choose the CKA First?

The CKA is the best starting point for most candidates, especially if you’re new to Kubernetes or focused on administration. Consider choosing the CKA first if:

• You’re a Beginner: The CKA requires only basic knowledge of containers and Linux, making it accessible to newcomers.
• You Want a Broad Foundation: It covers core Kubernetes administration skills like cluster setup and workload management.
• You’re in DevOps or Cloud Roles: The CKA aligns with roles like DevOps Engineer or Cloud Engineer, which focus on operational tasks.
• You Plan to Take the CKS: Since the CKS requires the CKA, starting with the CKA sets you up for both certifications.
• You Want Versatility: CKA skills apply to a wide range of industries and roles, from tech to finance.

The CKA provides a solid foundation in Kubernetes, making it the logical first step for most professionals.

Who Should Choose the CKS First?

The CKS is more specialized and requires the CKA as a prerequisite, so it’s rarely chosen first. However, you might prioritize the CKS if:

• You Already Have the CKA: If you’re CKA-certified, the CKS is a natural next step to specialize in security.
• You’re in Security Roles: Professionals in cybersecurity or compliance roles may prioritize CKS to focus on securing clusters.
• You Work in Regulated Industries: Industries like finance or healthcare value CKS skills for compliance and security.
• You Have Kubernetes Experience: If you’re experienced with Kubernetes administration, you may skip directly to CKS after earning the CKA.

Since the CKS requires the CKA, most candidates will need to start with the CKA regardless.

Preparation Tips for CKA and CKS

Both certifications require hands-on practice and strategic preparation. Here are tips for each:

• CKA Preparation:
  • Use labs like KodeKloud or Killercoda to practice tasks like cluster setup and troubleshooting.
  • Study the CNCF CKA curriculum to focus on exam-relevant topics.
  • Practice kubectl commands and YAML creation in a live Kubernetes environment.
  • Simulate the exam with a two-hour time limit to build speed.
• CKS Preparation:
  • Build on CKA knowledge with security-focused labs, like those from Killer.sh.
  • Learn tools like Trivy for image scanning and Falco for runtime security.
  • Practice securing clusters with RBAC, network policies, and PodSecurityPolicies.
  • Use the Kubernetes documentation and additional security resources during practice.

Consistent practice in a live environment is key to passing both exams.

Career Benefits of CKA and CKS

Both certifications enhance your career, but they cater to different roles and goals:

• CKA Benefits:
  • Qualifies you for DevOps, Cloud Engineer, and SRE roles.
  • Boosts employability in industries adopting Kubernetes.
  • Provides a foundation for further certifications like CKS or CKAD.
• CKS Benefits:
  • Positions you for security-focused roles like Security Engineer.
  • Valuable in regulated industries like finance and healthcare.
  • Enhances your expertise with advanced Kubernetes security skills.

Both certifications increase your marketability and earning potential in the cloud-native ecosystem.

How to Decide Which to Take First

Choosing between CKA and CKS depends on your experience, career goals, and interests. Follow these steps to decide:

• Assess Your Experience: If you’re new to Kubernetes, start with the CKA for foundational skills.
• Define Your Career Path: Choose CKA for DevOps or cloud roles; prioritize CKS if you’re in security or already CKA-certified.
• Consider Prerequisites: Since CKS requires the CKA, most candidates start with the CKA.
• Evaluate Time and Resources: CKA preparation takes 2–3 months; CKS may require additional time for security tools.
• Plan for Both: If you aim for both, start with CKA and progress to CKS for a comprehensive skill set.

For most, the CKA is the best starting point due to its accessibility and foundational focus.

Conclusion

Choosing between the CKA and CKS certifications depends on your career goals and Kubernetes experience, but for most, the CKA is the ideal starting point. It builds essential administration skills, has no prerequisites, and prepares you for the CKS if you choose to specialize in security later. Both certifications enhance your career, opening doors to high-demand roles in DevOps, cloud engineering, and security. By preparing strategically with hands-on labs and aligning with the CNCF curriculum, you can pass either exam and boost your credibility in the cloud-native world. Start with the CKA, build a strong foundation, and take your career to new heights!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CKA certification?

A CNCF certification validating Kubernetes cluster administration skills.

What is the CKS certification?

A CNCF certification focusing on securing Kubernetes clusters.

Which certification should I take first?

Most should start with CKA, as it’s foundational and a prerequisite for CKS.

Does the CKS require the CKA?

Yes, you must hold a valid CKA to take the CKS exam.

Is the CKA beginner-friendly?

Yes, with basic container and Linux knowledge, beginners can prepare.

Is the CKS more difficult than the CKA?

Yes, CKS is more advanced, focusing on specialized security tasks.

What is Kubernetes?

An open-source platform for managing containerized applications.

What is kubectl?

A command-line tool for managing Kubernetes clusters.

What roles does the CKA prepare me for?

DevOps Engineer, Cloud Engineer, and Site Reliability Engineer.

What roles does the CKS prepare me for?

Security Engineer and roles in regulated industries like finance.

How long is the CKA exam?

It’s a two-hour, hands-on test with 15–20 tasks.

How long is the CKS exam?

It’s also a two-hour, hands-on test with 15–20 security tasks.

What is the passing score for CKA?

You need 66% to pass the CKA exam.

What is the passing score for CKS?

You need 67% to pass the CKS exam.

Can I use documentation during the CKA and CKS?

Yes, Kubernetes documentation is allowed for both exams.

How do I prepare for the CKA?

Use labs like KodeKloud, study the CNCF curriculum, and practice kubectl.

How do I prepare for the CKS?

Practice security tasks with tools like Trivy and study CKS-specific labs.

Does the CKA or CKS expire?

Both are valid for three years, requiring recertification afterward.

What is the CNCF?

The Cloud Native Computing Foundation, which offers CKA and CKS.

Can I take both CKA and CKS?

Yes, start with CKA and then pursue CKS for a comprehensive skill set.