Tag: certification

Passed Certified Kubernetes Administrator exam

About 2 weeks ago, I wrote about my LFCS experience and noticed that it was probably the hardest exam I’ve ever taken. Actually, the LFCS exam was my first step to the Certified Kubernetes Administrator exam. Why do you need LFCS or strong Linux skills before taking the CKA?

Well, the answer is quite simple – all exams are based on Linux, Kubernetes control plane and worker nodes are also Linux-based, so it’s quite logical to get/check/level up/confirm Linux skills, even though you work with Linux everyday. Anyway, let’s talk a bit about the CKA exam.

About the exam

  1. Exam duration is still 2 hours. I’ve been working with k8s for 3 years and 2 hours were quite enough to finish and even verify answers. I completed the exam in an hour and a half and had about 20 minutes to think on tasks I wasn’t sure about. In contrast, the LFCS exam didn’t provide me such opportunity and I spent whole 2 hours solving the tasks.
  2. 100% performance-based. The CKA exam requires all work to be done on the command-line. In my case the environment was based on Ubuntu 18.04 and Kubernetes 1.20. One of the main difference between CKA and LFCS – you are allowed to have ONE tab with kubernetes.io opened! It’s also logical. 2 hours would not be enough for writing yaml files without api/doc references. But again – you should be familiar with all objects of Kubernetes to pass the exam. Otherwise, the time limit will help you to fail (read docs at home, write yamls at the exam 🙂 )
  3. Online, Proctored, Certificate is valid for 3 years – Good news as I’m not ready to spend 300$ every year and don’t have so much time to take exams frequently.

Requirements and Preparation

  1. At least 1-2 years experience with Kubernetes in commercial projects (from setting up to troubleshooting/logging and monitoring)
  2. I ordered both LFCS and CKA exams a year ago and passed them on the last day of expiration. Both exams were purchased along with official online training courses, which I don’t recommend actually. They are 80% text-based + 20% of lab tasks available as PDF files. I don’t see significant differences between them and official docs (kubernetes.io/docs).
  3. Complete this FREE Linux Foundation course – Introduction to Kubernetes
  4. If you prefer books, I’d recommend Kubernetes in Action (2st edition going to be published later this year, you can start with the 1st ed.) and Core Kubernetes. I reviewed them both and they would be the great companions on your journey.
  5. I’m a fan of video courses and found that they make learning process more interactive and easier. Pluralsight is one the best choice for everything you need – Certified Kubernetes Administrator path
  6. One of the prefect preparation for the CKA is the Killer Shell – test environment containing 25 scenarios and their solutions. This exam simulator is much difficult than the real CKA exam – a great option for those who doesn’t have everyday practice with k8s. (I haven’t tried this service but heard great feedbacks on it)
  7. Because of 2 and as the last step, use the docs as the main source of truth, then do the tasks available at https://kubernetes.io/docs/tasks/ to check your knowledge.
  8. In summary, if you work with Kubernetes on a daily basis for years – you will pass the exam for sure (preparation would still be needed though). For others, complete the “from zero to hero” path and try your luck.

I wish you good luck and don’t ever give up. Cheers.

Microsoft Azure Certifications Explained – A Deep Dive for IT Professionals in 2020

It’s common knowledge, or at least should be, that certifications are the most effective way for IT professionals to climb the career ladder and it’s only getting more important in an increasingly competitive professional marketplace. Similarly, cloud-based technologies are experiencing unparalleled growth and the demand for IT professionals with qualifications in this sector are growing rapidly. Make 2020 your breakthrough year – check out this free upcoming webinar hosted by two Microsoft cloud experts to plan your Azure certification strategy in 2020. 

The webinar features a full analysis of the Microsoft Azure certification landscape in 2020, giving you the knowledge to properly prepare for a future working with cloud-based workloads. Seasoned veterans Microsoft MVP Andy Syrewicze and Microsoft cloud expert Michael Bender will be hosting the event which includes Azure certification tracks, training and examination costs, learning materials, resources and labs for self-study, how to gain access to FREE Azure resources, and more. 

Altaro’s webinars are always well attended and one reason for this is the encouragement for attendee participation. Every single question asked is answered and no stone is left unturned by the presenters. They also present the event live twice to allow as many people as possible to have the chance of attending the event and asking their questions in person! 

For IT professionals in 202, and especially those with a Microsoft ecosystem focus, this event is a must-attend! 

The webinar will be held on Wednesday February 19, at 3pm CET/6am PST/9am EST and at again 7pm CET/10am PST/1pm EST. I’ll be attending so I’ll see you there! 

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