The exam

This chapter prepares you to take and pass the exam. It’s divided as follows:

• Exam domains and competencies
• About the exam
• Booking the exam
• Taking the exam
• Getting your result
• Staying connected

Exam domains and competencies

The overall aim of the KCNA is to test and prove your understanding of the following broad topics:

• Cloud native and microservices architectures
• Kubernetes architecture
• The wider Kubernetes and cloud native landscape (CI/CD, GitOps, observability, security etc.)
• Basics of using kubectl

The exam tests the following topics that it calls domains and competencies, and you’ll notice they map directly to the chapters of the book. However, the book organises them so each chapter builds on the previous one and prepares you for the next one. As the name of the certification suggests, Kubernetes accounts for nearly half of the exam and the Kubernetes questions feel slightly more in-depth than other topics.

Kubernetes fundamentals: 46%

Kubernetes resources

Kubernetes architecture

Kubernetes API

Containers

Scheduling

Container orchestration: 22%

Container orchestration fundamentals

Runtime

Security

Networking

Service mesh...

About the exam

Here are the important details about the exam:

• Delivery method. Remote via secured browser with remote proctor
• Style. Multiple-choice
• Duration. 90 minutes
• Passing score. 75%
• Valid for. 3 years
• Cost. $250 USD with one free resit

The exam is an online, proctored, multiple-choice exam. This means you take it remotely over the internet and have a person remotely monitoring your desktop, video, and audio so you don’t cheat. You’ll be required to download a secure browser and there’s no option to take the exam at authorised testing centers.

All questions are multiple choice and almost all of them have 4 possible answers. There are no questions where you have to type your answers and there are no hands-on/simulator style questions.

Once you start your exam you have 90 minutes to complete all 60 questions. The platform allows you to mark questions for review that you can revisit later. You have to review and submit your answers...

Booking the exam

You can book your exam at the following link and the process is as follows:

1. Purchase the exam
2. Book your exam date
3. Prepare and complete the pre-exam checklist
4. Take your exam

https://training.linuxfoundation.org/certification/kubernetes-cloud-native-associate/

The exam costs $250 and I recommend you book it ASAP and use the date as motivation and a target. However, if it’s getting close and you don’t think you’re ready, you can re-schedule as close as 24 hours in advance for no extra charge. You also get one free resit if you don’t pass first time.

When you purchase the exam, you’ll receive a confirmation email from The Linux Foundation Training at <[e-mail]>. The email is titled “Order Confirmation” and it has a button that takes you to your Linux Foundation portal where can complete all of the following.

• Agree to the Global Candidate Agreement
• Verify your name
• Schedule...

Taking the exam

The most important thing about your exam day is to have everything ready in advance and have as much fun as possible. Don’t stress, relax and enjoy the occasion.

With this in mind, you should complete all exam pre-requisites before the day of your exam so you can chill on the day and not have to worry about completing long lists of checks.

The high-level process for taking your exam is as follows. I’m including recommended steps to make your exam day experience as smooth as possible:

• Make sure you have your authorised form of ID available
• Get a good night sleep the night before
• Clear your schedule at least one hour before the exam
• Prepare the room according to exam requirements
• Choose where you’re going to sit and make sure it meets exam requirements
• Make sure you eat and take any required comfort breaks before you start so you’re comfortable during it
• Prepare a clear drink in a clear container in case you need to drink during...

Getting your result

Despite being an online multiple-choice exam, it’s normal for the grading process to take the full 24 hours. As soon as your result is available, you’ll get an email and be able to view it in your Linux Foundation portal. Hopefully you’ll receive a passing grade and be able to celebrate.

Staying connected

I’m really excited for you to take your KCNA exam and would love to hear about your exam experience and your result.

I’ll also update the book with any tips and recommendations you may have.

Email me at [e-mail]