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Linux Foundation · DevOps & Automation · Entry

Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate (KCNA) exam guide

Exam KCNA

The Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate (KCNA) validates foundational knowledge of Kubernetes and the cloud native ecosystem: Kubernetes fundamentals, container orchestration, application delivery and cloud native architecture. It is the entry point to CNCF certifications.

QuestionsSee official page
Time limit90 minutes
Passing scoreSee official page
Exam fee$250 USD
Valid for2 years
DeliveryOnline proctored (remote, PSI)

Format: Multiple choice, online proctored. Fee note: Includes one retake; bundles $299 with LFS250 course or $495 with THRIVE-ONE.

Who it's for

Beginners, developers, managers and IT staff new to Kubernetes who want a foundation before CKA or CKAD.

What the exam covers

Kubernetes Fundamentals44%
Container Orchestration28%
Cloud Native Application Delivery16%
Cloud Native Architecture12%

Eligibility & prerequisites

Required: None

Recommended: Basic familiarity with containers and Linux is helpful.

Keeping it active

Valid 2 years. Recertify by passing the exam again before expiry.

Skills & careers

Skills it validates

  • Kubernetes architecture and core resources
  • Container runtimes and orchestration concepts
  • Scheduling, networking and storage basics
  • GitOps and CI/CD concepts
  • Observability and autoscaling concepts
  • CNCF ecosystem and cloud native roles

Job roles

Junior DevOps EngineerCloud Support EngineerDeveloperTechnical Project ManagerIT Operations Analyst

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: Kubernetes fundamentals (44%) - architecture, pods, deployments, services, kubectl basics in a local cluster
  2. Week 2: Container orchestration - runtimes, networking, storage, security basics
  3. Week 3: Application delivery - GitOps, CI/CD, Helm basics
  4. Week 4: Cloud native architecture - autoscaling, serverless, observability, CNCF projects; practice questions

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

  • Kubernetes Fundamentals is 44% - know control plane components and core objects well
  • Run a local cluster (kind or minikube) even though the exam is multiple choice
  • Review CNCF project roles (Prometheus, Helm, Argo CD, Envoy) at a high level
  • Use the included retake if needed

Key terms for this exam

All 100 terms Study with thinQcards™

Commonly confused on this exam

Frequently asked questions

How much is KCNA?

$250 USD including one retake.

Is KCNA hands-on?

No, it is an online multiple-choice exam.

How long is KCNA valid?

Two years.

Is KCNA worth it?

Useful for beginners and non-engineering roles; engineers usually go straight to CKA or CKAD.

How long to prepare?

About 2-4 weeks for beginners.

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