CKA and CKAD are both hands-on, performance-based Kubernetes exams from the CNCF: you solve tasks in a live cluster with kubectl, not multiple-choice questions. CKA (Certified Kubernetes Administrator) is about running and troubleshooting clusters. CKAD (Certified Kubernetes Application Developer) is about deploying and configuring applications on Kubernetes. Choose the one that matches whether you operate clusters or build on them.
CKA vs CKAD at a glance
| CKA | CKAD | |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Intermediate - administrator | Intermediate - developer |
| Best for | Those installing and operating Kubernetes clusters | Developers deploying and configuring apps on Kubernetes |
| Main focus | Cluster architecture, networking, storage, and troubleshooting | Designing, building, deploying, and configuring workloads |
| Prerequisites | Kubernetes and Linux command-line experience | Kubernetes and container experience |
| Difficulty | Advanced - live-cluster troubleshooting | Intermediate - live-cluster app tasks |
| Exam length | 120 min | 120 min |
| Passing score | 66% | 66% |
Key differences
- Operate vs build. CKA covers cluster administration - installation, networking, storage, security, and especially troubleshooting. CKAD covers building and deploying workloads - pods, deployments, config, probes, and services.
- Troubleshooting weight. CKA puts significant weight on diagnosing and fixing broken clusters, which many find the hardest part. CKAD is more about correctly defining and deploying application resources quickly.
- Both are hands-on. Neither exam is multiple choice. Both are two-hour, performance-based tests in a real cluster, so speed with kubectl and the Kubernetes docs matters a lot.
Which should you take?
Take CKA if you install, operate, or troubleshoot Kubernetes clusters. Take CKAD if you are a developer who packages and deploys applications on Kubernetes. There is meaningful overlap, so many people earn both; CKAD is often a slightly gentler entry point, while CKA goes deeper on cluster internals.
Frequently asked questions
Are CKA and CKAD multiple choice?
No. Both are hands-on, performance-based exams. You complete real tasks in a live Kubernetes cluster from the command line within two hours.
Which is harder, CKA or CKAD?
Most people find CKA harder because of its cluster troubleshooting and administration depth. CKAD is more focused on quickly defining and deploying application resources.
Should I take CKAD or CKA first?
If you are a developer, CKAD maps to your work and is a common first step. If you are an operator or SRE, start with CKA. The two share a core foundation, so the second is easier after the first.