In the beginning of 2023, I passed the Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD) exam, so thought of sharing my experience and some tips, and the approach I took to comfortably pass this exam. There is only one shortcut to be successful in CKAD exam - Practice, Practice and Practice!
Though I really started preparation for the exam a month back, and appeared for it on Jan 2nd 2023 (what a better way to begin a new year, right?). I did start building my foundation more than a month ago. I was new to Containers and Kubernetes. Hence, I started learning about Containers, and surface knowledge of Kubernetes.
CKAD is a very different exam when I compared to all other exams I have passed so far (just to name a few AWS, Spring etc.). It is NOT a multiple choice question (MCQ) type of exam, you need to perform hands-on coding and solution/fix bugs during the exam, it may sound a little nerve-racking, but believe me though it's challenging it's equally exciting, and above all greatly rewarding! Nothing can give you more satisfaction then the feeling of your handwork paid off.
Tips
1. Online Course - building the foundation
Let's start with online courses that are available in market. Well! not really, I don't think anyone stand near to courses provided by Mumshad Mannambeth. I would highly recommend the below course
However, in case you don't have containers basic idea or want to refresh your knowledge then do checkout below course as well
2. Linux basic idea
I come from Linux background so I got good exposure to the Linux environment. But I do realize that not everyone is familiar with it and without much hands-on with Linux terminal one may struggle (as not everyone is fond of black screen😁). So, I would recommend learning basic Linux commands like changing directory, creating file in editor (like vim or nano). I prefer using vim editor and here are some VIM helpful shortcuts.
3. Environment Variables
CKAD exam is of 120 mins, and number of questions could be between 15-20. That means speed and accuracy of typing is utmost important. Hence, setting up environment variables for frequently used commands and options are definitely going to help a lot. Here are a few examples :
export do="--dry-run=client -o yaml"
export now="--force --grace-period 0"
export tmp="kubectl run --image=nginx:alpine -it --rm --"
4. Practice tests
There are limited quality CKAD exam practice tests, but luckily those are enough for practicing our skills. What is even better is online Kubernetes environment provided by Killercoda, that you can use to play around with practice tests and to explore different Kubernetes objects.
a. kubernetes.io/docs/tutorials
Kubernetes documentation have lot of information, and I mean it’s documented really well. So I suggest always begin with it. In case you feel a little lost, here is the direct link to one of the basic practices kubernetes-basics/deploy-app
b. Killercoda CKAD practice test
c. https://github.com/dgkanatsios/CKAD-exercises
5. Strategy to attempt questions
The exam will have different weightage questions like 4%, 6%, 8% etc. Start with higher weightage question first and suppress the urge to answer sequentially. Do not spend more time on one single question. Remember there’s always going to be one tricky question, so just flag that one and move on with next higher weightage question.
6. Last and final - Prepare on simulator
When you feel you're ready to blast in the exam, try out the free simulator test that you get when you register for CKAD exam on Linux Foundation. Here is a screenshot as I almost missed it and would have regretted for the same. Simulator provide near real exam experience that is very important to practice as even basic copy and paste works differently in actual exam (as it’s Ubuntu OS).
If you have reached here, then I did a satisfactory effort to keep you reading. Please be kind to leave any comments or ask for any corrections. Happy Kuberneting! and MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU!😀
Some helpful links
- https://docs.linuxfoundation.org/tc-docs/certification/tips-cka-and-ckad
- https://docs.linuxfoundation.org/tc-docs/certification/certification-resources-allowed#certified-kubernetes-administrator-cka-and-certified-kubernetes-application-developer-ckad
Top comments (3)
Great!!
I took Kubernetes Application Developer CKAD practice test from P2PExams and i found it very helpful. Practicing with this practice material i got essential exam knowledge. I got familiar with actual test format and types of questions. A lot of exam questions in the final test came form this practice material. I passed my test on my first attempt.
Congrats, @charkescook! I know passing CKAD really has a complete different feeling.
I wanted to check if customised bookmarks are allowed now