What Are the Differences Between Red Hat Certified in Containers and CKA/CKS?
Containers and Kubernetes have become cornerstones of modern IT, enabling organizations to build, deploy, and manage applications with unprecedented speed and scalability. For professionals looking to validate their skills in these technologies, certifications like the Red Hat Certified Specialist in Containers (EX180/EX188), Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA), and Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) are top choices. But how do these certifications compare, and which one is right for you? This blog dives into the differences between these credentials, exploring their focus, structure, and relevance in a clear, beginner-friendly way. Whether you’re a system administrator, developer, or DevOps enthusiast, this guide will help you choose the certification that aligns with your career goals.

Table of Contents
- Overview of the Certifications
- Focus and Scope
- Prerequisites and Difficulty
- Exam Format and Structure
- Key Skills Tested
- Industry Recognition and Career Impact
- Comparison Table
- Which Certification Should You Choose?
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Overview of the Certifications
The Red Hat Certified Specialist in Containers (EX180/EX188), offered by Red Hat, focuses on container management using tools like Podman, Buildah, and Skopeo within a Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) environment. It’s designed for professionals working with containerized applications, emphasizing practical skills for building and managing containers.
The Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA), offered by the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF), validates expertise in managing Kubernetes clusters, covering tasks like cluster setup, application deployment, and troubleshooting. It’s a vendor-neutral certification focused on vanilla Kubernetes.
The Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS), also by CNCF, builds on the CKA and focuses on securing Kubernetes clusters. It targets professionals responsible for protecting containerized environments from security threats.
Key takeaway: EX180/EX188 is about container management, CKA focuses on Kubernetes administration, and CKS specializes in Kubernetes security.
Focus and Scope
Red Hat Certified Specialist in Containers (EX180/EX188): This certification centers on container fundamentals, excluding Kubernetes orchestration. It teaches how to create, manage, and secure containers using Red Hat tools, with a strong emphasis on RHEL environments. It’s ideal for foundational container skills.
CKA: The CKA dives deep into Kubernetes, covering cluster architecture, installation, networking, storage, and troubleshooting. It’s vendor-neutral, meaning it applies to any Kubernetes environment, not tied to a specific platform like Red Hat OpenShift.
CKS: The CKS focuses exclusively on Kubernetes security, including securing cluster components, implementing role-based access control (RBAC), and protecting workloads. It’s a specialized credential for those already familiar with Kubernetes administration.
Key takeaway: EX180/EX188 is container-focused, CKA is Kubernetes administration-focused, and CKS is Kubernetes security-focused.
Prerequisites and Difficulty
EX180/EX188: No formal prerequisites, but basic Linux knowledge or Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) certification is recommended. The exam is moderately difficult, suitable for beginners with some Linux experience.
CKA: No strict prerequisites, but strong Linux and container knowledge is advised. The exam is challenging due to its technical depth and time constraints, requiring familiarity with Kubernetes concepts.
CKS: Requires a valid CKA certification, making it more advanced. It’s highly technical, focusing on complex security scenarios, and assumes prior Kubernetes expertise.
Key takeaway: EX180/EX188 is beginner-friendly, CKA is intermediate to advanced, and CKS is advanced with a CKA prerequisite.
Exam Format and Structure
EX180/EX188: A 2-3 hour performance-based exam where candidates complete tasks in a live RHEL environment. Tasks include building containers, configuring storage, and troubleshooting using Podman, Buildah, and Skopeo.
CKA: A 2-hour performance-based exam conducted in a live Kubernetes environment. Candidates perform tasks like cluster setup, application deployment, and troubleshooting, using command-line tools.
CKS: A 2-hour performance-based exam, also in a live Kubernetes environment. It focuses on security tasks like securing cluster configurations, implementing RBAC, and hardening workloads.
Key details:
- EX180/EX188: 2-3 hours, RHEL-based, container management tasks.
- CKA: 2 hours, Kubernetes-based, cluster administration tasks.
- CKS: 2 hours, Kubernetes-based, security-focused tasks.
Key takeaway: All are hands-on, but EX180/EX188 focuses on containers, while CKA and CKS target Kubernetes with different emphases.
Key Skills Tested
EX180/EX188:
- Creating and managing containers with Podman.
- Building and modifying container images with Buildah.
- Managing images across registries with Skopeo.
- Configuring container storage and networking.
- Troubleshooting container issues.
- Securing containers with non-root users and SELinux.
CKA:
- Installing and configuring Kubernetes clusters.
- Deploying and managing applications with pods, deployments, and services.
- Configuring cluster networking and storage.
- Troubleshooting cluster and application issues.
- Managing cluster maintenance and upgrades.
CKS:
- Securing cluster components and configurations.
- Implementing RBAC and network policies.
- Hardening container runtimes and images.
- Monitoring and auditing Kubernetes clusters.
- Detecting and mitigating security threats.
Key takeaway: EX180/EX188 teaches container fundamentals, CKA focuses on cluster management, and CKS specializes in security.
Industry Recognition and Career Impact
EX180/EX188: Highly valued in organizations using Red Hat solutions, particularly RHEL or OpenShift. It’s ideal for roles like system administrator or DevOps engineer in containerized environments.
CKA: Widely recognized as a gold standard for Kubernetes expertise. Its vendor-neutral nature makes it appealing across industries, especially for cloud-native roles.
CKS: Gaining traction as organizations prioritize Kubernetes security. It’s valued in security-focused roles within cloud-native environments.
Key takeaway: EX180/EX188 excels in Red Hat ecosystems, CKA is broadly recognized, and CKS is niche for security roles.
Comparison Table
Certification | Provider | Focus | Exam Duration | Prerequisites | Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
EX180/EX188 | Red Hat | Container management | 2-3 hours | None (RHCSA recommended) | ~$400 |
CKA | CNCF | Kubernetes administration | 2 hours | None (Kubernetes knowledge) | ~$395 |
CKS | CNCF | Kubernetes security | 2 hours | Valid CKA | ~$395 |
Which Certification Should You Choose?
Your choice depends on your career goals and experience:
- EX180/EX188: Ideal for beginners or those in Red Hat environments, focusing on container fundamentals without Kubernetes.
- CKA: Best for professionals seeking vendor-neutral Kubernetes expertise, suitable for cluster administration roles.
- CKS: Perfect for those with CKA certification aiming to specialize in Kubernetes security.
Consider starting with EX180/EX188 for container basics, then pursuing CKA and CKS for Kubernetes expertise. Combining these certifications can create a well-rounded skill set for cloud-native roles.
Conclusion
The Red Hat Certified Specialist in Containers (EX180/EX188), CKA, and CKS are powerful certifications that cater to different aspects of the container and Kubernetes ecosystem. EX180/EX188 lays a foundation in container management, ideal for Red Hat environments and beginners. CKA offers deep Kubernetes administration skills, recognized across industries, while CKS specializes in securing Kubernetes clusters. By understanding their focus, prerequisites, and career impact, you can choose the certification that best aligns with your goals. Whether you’re starting your journey or advancing your expertise, these certifications equip you to thrive in the cloud-native world, driving innovation and efficiency in modern IT.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Red Hat Certified Specialist in Containers?
It’s a certification (EX180/EX188) that validates skills in managing containers using Red Hat tools like Podman, Buildah, and Skopeo.
What is the CKA?
The Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) validates expertise in managing Kubernetes clusters, offered by CNCF.
What is the CKS?
The Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) focuses on securing Kubernetes clusters, requiring a valid CKA.
Does EX180/EX188 cover Kubernetes?
No, it focuses on container management, not Kubernetes orchestration.
Is CKA vendor-neutral?
Yes, CKA applies to any Kubernetes environment, unlike EX180/EX188, which is Red Hat-specific.
Do I need CKA to take CKS?
Yes, a valid CKA certification is a prerequisite for CKS.
How difficult is EX180/EX188?
It’s moderately difficult, suitable for beginners with some Linux experience.
How difficult is CKA?
CKA is challenging, requiring strong Kubernetes and Linux knowledge.
How difficult is CKS?
CKS is advanced, focusing on complex Kubernetes security scenarios.
What tools are used in EX180/EX188?
Podman, Buildah, and Skopeo in a RHEL environment.
What is the exam duration for EX180/EX188?
It lasts 2-3 hours and is performance-based.
What is the exam duration for CKA and CKS?
Both are 2-hour performance-based exams in a Kubernetes environment.
Which certification is best for beginners?
EX180/EX188 is more beginner-friendly due to its focus on container basics.
Which certification is best for Kubernetes?
CKA for administration, CKS for security.
How much does EX180/EX188 cost?
It costs around $400, varying by region.
How much do CKA and CKS cost?
Each costs around $395, with discounts sometimes available.
Is EX180/EX188 recognized in the industry?
Yes, especially in organizations using Red Hat solutions like RHEL or OpenShift.
Is CKA widely recognized?
Yes, it’s a gold standard for Kubernetes expertise across industries.
Can I combine these certifications?
Yes, starting with EX180/EX188 and adding CKA/CKS creates a robust skill set.
Where can I learn more about these certifications?
Visit Red Hat’s website for EX180/EX188 and CNCF’s website for CKA/CKS.
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