KCNA (Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate)
The exam focuses on conceptual understanding rather than deep hands-on configuration.
- Format: MCQs
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Focus: Concepts over commands
- No heavy
kubectltroubleshooting
1. Kubernetes Fundamentals
- Core architecture (control plane, nodes)
- Pods, Deployments, Services
- Namespaces
- Basic networking concepts
- YAML basics
2. Container Orchestration
- What containers are and why orchestration is needed
- Scheduling concepts
- Scaling and self-healing
3. Cloud Native Architecture
- Microservices
- Immutable infrastructure
- Declarative APIs
- GitOps basics
4. Observability
- Metrics, logs, traces
- Monitoring vs logging
- Prometheus fundamentals
5. Cloud Native Ecosystem
- CNCF landscape overview
- Role of tools like Helm, container runtimes, and service meshes
KCNA vs Other Kubernetes Certifications
- KCNA → Foundation-level (concepts)
- CKAD → Developer-focused, hands-on
- CKA → Administrator-focused, hands-on
- CKS → Security-focused, advanced