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Mirantis · DevOps & Automation · Associate

Docker Certified Associate (DCA) exam guide

Exam DCA

The Docker Certified Associate, now delivered by Mirantis, validates practical knowledge of Docker images, registries, networking, storage, security and Swarm orchestration. It remains the only vendor credential focused on Docker itself and is useful for container-heavy DevOps roles alongside Kubernetes certifications.

Questions55
Time limit90 minutes
Passing scoreSee official page
Exam fee$199 USD
Valid for2 years
DeliveryRemote proctored (Windows or Mac)

Format: 13 multiple choice + 42 discrete option multiple choice (DOMC). Fee note: Per attempt; no free retake.

Who it's for

Developers and ops engineers with roughly 6-12 months of Docker experience who build, ship and run containers.

What the exam covers

Orchestration25%
Image Creation, Management and Registry20%
Installation and Configuration15%
Networking15%
Security15%
Storage and Volumes10%

Eligibility & prerequisites

Required: None

Recommended: 6-12 months of hands-on Docker experience.

Keeping it active

Valid 2 years. Renew by passing the current DCA exam.

Skills & careers

Skills it validates

  • Writing efficient multi-stage Dockerfiles
  • Managing images, tags and private registries
  • Deploying Swarm services, stacks and secrets
  • Configuring bridge and overlay networks
  • Using volumes and bind mounts
  • Hardening containers (user namespaces, content trust, capabilities)

Job roles

DevOps EngineerContainer Platform EngineerSoftware EngineerSite Reliability EngineerCloud Engineer

Where it fits in your path

Planning a degree too? See how this cert earns college credit in the College Credit Navigator.

Build my study plan

  1. Week 1: Install Docker Engine, write Dockerfiles for two apps, practice build cache, multi-stage builds and image pruning.
  2. Week 2: Registries and security - push/pull to a private registry, Docker Content Trust, secrets, non-root users.
  3. Week 3: Networking and storage - bridge, host, overlay networks, published ports, volumes and drivers.
  4. Week 4: Orchestration - init a 3-node Swarm, deploy stacks, rolling updates, placement constraints, quorum and node availability.
  5. Week 5: Mirantis Kubernetes Engine/MSR concepts and DOMC-style timed practice.

Make it yours: pick your exam date and weekly hours. We'll split your time by domain weight and give you a printable plan.

Exam-day tips

  • DOMC shows one option at a time and ends the item early - decide on each option independently and do not wait for a better one.
  • Orchestration is the largest domain (25%): know Swarm quorum math, manager vs worker roles and service update flags.
  • Know exact CLI flags (docker service create --replicas, --mode global, --constraint).
  • Expect questions on Mirantis Kubernetes Engine and Mirantis Secure Registry concepts.
  • Review storage driver behavior and the difference between volumes and bind mounts.

Key terms for this exam

All 37 terms Study with thinQcards™

Commonly confused on this exam

Frequently asked questions

Is the Docker Certified Associate still available?

Yes. Mirantis sells DCA vouchers on its webstore; the exam is remote proctored.

How much does the DCA cost?

$199 USD per attempt.

What is DOMC?

Discrete Option Multiple Choice: answer options appear one at a time and you mark each as correct or incorrect. 42 of the 55 questions use it.

DCA vs CKA?

DCA covers Docker and Swarm; CKA is a hands-on Kubernetes admin exam and is more in demand. Many engineers do DCA or KCNA first, then CKA.

How long is DCA valid?

2 years.

Official page: store.mirantis.com. Reviewed November 2026. Vendors change fees and objectives, so confirm with the vendor before you book. Spot something out of date? Tell us.