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Custom - Kubernetes CKA + CKAD + CKS Advanced

The Custom - Kubernetes CKA + CKAD + CKS course by Open Source prepares cloud engineers, DevOps administrators, and application developers to master Kubernetes operations, development, and security in real-world environments. It solves the critical industry gap where 83% of enterprises report a shortage of certified Kubernetes talent, despite widespread adoption across cloud infrastructure. Learners gain hands-on expertise in cluster management (CKA), cloud-native app development (CKAD), and runtime security hardening (CKS), aligning with CNCF’s official curriculum and performance-based exam domains.

This course prepares you for the Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA), Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD), and Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) certifications from the Cloud Native Computing Foundation. Koenig provides 30-day lab access for immersive practice, ensuring mastery of all three exams. Graduates are equipped to lead secure, scalable Kubernetes deployments in high-demand roles, with certification holders earning median salaries exceeding $120,000 annually.

80 Hours (10 Days)
Live Online / Classroom
0+ professionals trained

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1-on-1 USD 3,950
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Public Batch USD 3,100
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Course Overview

The Custom - Kubernetes CKA + CKAD + CKS by Open Source is a comprehensive training program designed to prepare IT professionals for the Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA), Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD), and Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) exams. This course serves DevOps Engineers, Platform Engineers, and Cloud Security Specialists seeking mastery across Kubernetes operations, application development, and security hardening. With Kubernetes adoption exceeding 84% among enterprises according to the CNCF’s 2025 survey, demand for multi-certified practitioners has surged, making this combined credential path highly valuable in today’s cloud-native job market.

Participants engage with core technologies including Kubernetes v1.35, containerd, Calico for CNI, Helm for package management, Kustomize for configuration management, and security tools like OPA/Gatekeeper and Falco. The hands-on lab environment simulates the actual exam setup using a web-based terminal with access to pre-configured clusters via minikube or kind, mirroring the PSI Bridge proctored interface used in official exams. Students build production-grade deployments, configure network policies, implement role-based access control (RBAC), and secure supply chains using image scanning and admission controllers. A key real-world project involves hardening a multi-node cluster against CIS benchmarks while deploying and securing a microservices-based application across namespaces with proper resource limits and monitoring.

This training prepares candidates for three of the most respected certifications in the cloud-native ecosystem—CKA, CKAD, and CKS—each recognized globally as a benchmark of hands-on Kubernetes proficiency. Professionals holding all three credentials report average U.S. salaries between $135,000 and $160,000+, reflecting significant career advancement potential. Koenig Solutions enhances preparation with Guaranteed-to-Run classes and access to expert instructors through 1-on-1 training sessions, ensuring learners master both exam techniques and real-world implementation skills. Completing the Custom - Kubernetes CKA + CKAD + CKS by Open Source positions individuals to lead secure, scalable Kubernetes initiatives and qualify for senior roles such as Principal Platform Engineer or Cloud-Native Security Architect.

What You'll Learn

Configure Kubernetes cluster architecture and installation following CNCF best practices, ensuring a reliable and scalable environment for your containerized applications.
Deploy cloud-native applications using Kubernetes core primitives aligned with CKAD standards, enabling efficient and resilient microservice operations.
Implement Kubernetes network policies and secure ingress with TLS to protect data in transit and enforce strict access controls.
Manage pod security contexts to reduce microservice vulnerabilities and strengthen security across CNCF platforms.
Secure the Kubernetes supply chain by using image scanning and static analysis tools, preventing malicious code from entering your environment.
Monitor, log, and maintain runtime security in Kubernetes environments through CNCF tools, ensuring continuous compliance and threat detection.

Skills You'll Gain

Kubernetes Pods Kubernetes Services Kubernetes Deployments Kubernetes ConfigMaps Kubernetes Secrets Kubernetes Network Policies Kubernetes RBAC Kubernetes Storage Classes Kubernetes Persistent Volumes Kubernetes Ingress Kubernetes Helm Charts Kubernetes DaemonSets Kubernetes StatefulSets Kubernetes SecurityContext Kubernetes Pod Security Standards Kubernetes Admission Control Kubernetes Audit Logs

Prerequisites

Recommended knowledge before taking this course
  • Familiarity with container runtimes such as containerd and CRI-O is essential for mastering the Custom - Kubernetes CKA + CKAD + CKS course by Open Source.
  • Understanding OCI-compliant container image concepts and operations is crucial for effective Kubernetes deployment and management.
  • A working knowledge of microservice architecture and design principles helps learners build scalable, resilient applications using Kubernetes.
  • Proficiency with Kubernetes core primitives like Pods, Services, Deployments, ConfigMaps, and Secrets is vital for success in this certification program.
  • Experience managing applications with kubectl in a command-line environment ensures smooth hands-on practice and real-world readiness.
  • Prior completion of the Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) certification or equivalent hands-on experience provides a strong foundation for advanced Kubernetes skills.
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Certification Exam

Everything you need to know about the Custom - Kubernetes CKA + CKAD + CKS certification exam

Exam Details
Exam Name
Format
Multiple choice, labs & case studies
Questions
Duration
Passing Score
Validity
Retake Policy
One free retake included; additional attempts require full registration
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Course Curriculum

Structured learning with hands-on labs and real-world scenarios

1
Day 1– Day 1: Cluster Architecture, kubeadm, and etcd Management
Container Orchestration Fundamentals Kubernetes Ecosystem Introduction Cluster Architecture and etcd Backup/Restore Designing Scalable Kubernetes Clusters Master and Node Installation via kubeadm Selecting Network Solutions Exam-simulated performance tasks: Cluster Installation Verification
2
Day 2– Day 2: Resource Scheduling and Workload Management
Efficient Pod Management Labels and Selectors Mastery ReplicaSet and Controller Control Service Networking: ClusterIP, NodePort, LoadBalancer Manual Scheduling Techniques Taints and Tolerations Implementation Node Selector Configuration Hands-on kubectl troubleshooting: Advanced Node Affinity Rules
3
Day 3– Day 3: Deployment Lifecycle and Configuration
Deployment Lifecycle Overview Modern Deployment Strategies Managing Production Deployments Canary Deployment Workflows Blue-Green Deployment Patterns Environment Variable Management ConfigMap Configuration Secret Management Best Practices
4
Day 4– Day 4: Storage, StatefulSets, and RBAC Security
Volume Management Essentials Persistent Volume Provisioning Persistent Volume Claim Handling StatefulSet Application Use Cases Managing StatefulSet Workloads RBAC: Role, ClusterRole, and Binding Configuration StatefulSet Architecture Introduction Headless Service Configuration
5
Day 5– Day 5: CKS Security, Audit, and Admission Controllers
Kubernetes Authentication and Audit Logging Admission Controllers and Security Contexts Image Scanning and Supply Chain Security Runtime Security with Falco Network Policies (Ingress/Egress) Implementation Service Account Security Mounting Variables as Volumes Exam-simulated performance tasks: Security Hardening

What's Included in Your Training

Every enrollment comes packed with resources to maximise your learning and exam success

Career Outcomes

85%

of Custom - Kubernetes CKA + CKAD + CKS certified professionals report career advancement within 6 months

Salary Impact

+30%

Average salary increase reported after obtaining the Custom - Kubernetes CKA + CKAD + CKS certification

Typical Salary Range (Global)
Entry$90,000–$115,000
Mid$115,000–$145,000
Senior$145,000–$180,000

*Source: Glassdoor / LinkedIn 2025

Job Roles

6
  • Kubernetes Administrator
  • Kubernetes Application Developer
  • Kubernetes Security Specialist
  • DevOps Engineer
  • Platform Engineer
  • Site Reliability Engineer

Companies Hiring

5,000+
Google Amazon Microsoft Red Hat Accenture Deloitte Capgemini JPMorgan Chase IBM Netflix

and 5,000+ organizations worldwide seeking Custom - Kubernetes CKA + CKAD + CKS certified professionals

Real Transformations

Course Student Reviews

Real results from IT professionals who trained with Koenig — rated 4.9/5 from 18,400+ verified reviews.

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Verified Reviews
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  • ★★★★★

    “Passed AZ-104 on first attempt. The MCT knew the exact exam patterns and the labs were exactly what Microsoft tests. Worth every penny.”

    Rahul M.

    Rahul M.

    Azure Administrator

    AZ-104 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “I trained 15 of my team members for SC-200. Koenig's on-site delivery was seamless and all 15 passed within 3 months.”

    Sarah K.

    Sarah K.

    CISO, Financial Services

    Enterprise Client ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “The 1-on-1 format was a game changer. My trainer adjusted the pace to my schedule and I cleared PL-300 while working full-time.”

    Ahmed R.

    Ahmed R.

    Business Intelligence Lead

    PL-300 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “From AZ-900 to AZ-305 in 6 months. Koenig's structured roadmap and MCT mentoring made the expert level achievable.”

    Priya S.

    Priya S.

    Cloud Solutions Architect

    AZ-305 Expert ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “As an L&D head I've used 5 training vendors. Koenig's MCT quality, MOC materials, and ESI compliance is in a different league.”

    James T.

    James T.

    Head of L&D, UK Enterprise

    100+ Learners Trained ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “SC-900 and SC-300 back to back — both cleared first try. The security curriculum at Koenig is incredibly thorough and up to date.”

    Aisha N.

    Aisha N.

    Security Analyst

    SC-300 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “AI-102 was daunting but the trainer broke it down perfectly. Real Azure OpenAI labs made the difference. Highly recommend.”

    David L.

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    AI Engineer

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    “DP-600 Fabric certification done in 3 weeks of part-time study. The customised schedule around my timezone was a lifesaver.”

    Mei W.

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    Data Platform Engineer

    DP-600 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “Our whole DevOps team got AZ-400 certified through Koenig's corporate training. Smooth logistics and top-tier MCTs throughout.”

    Carlos R.

    Carlos R.

    Engineering Manager

    AZ-400 Team Training ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “Passed AZ-104 on first attempt. The MCT knew the exact exam patterns and the labs were exactly what Microsoft tests. Worth every penny.”

    Rahul M.

    Rahul M.

    Azure Administrator

    AZ-104 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “I trained 15 of my team members for SC-200. Koenig's on-site delivery was seamless and all 15 passed within 3 months.”

    Sarah K.

    Sarah K.

    CISO, Financial Services

    Enterprise Client ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “The 1-on-1 format was a game changer. My trainer adjusted the pace to my schedule and I cleared PL-300 while working full-time.”

    Ahmed R.

    Ahmed R.

    Business Intelligence Lead

    PL-300 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “From AZ-900 to AZ-305 in 6 months. Koenig's structured roadmap and MCT mentoring made the expert level achievable.”

    Priya S.

    Priya S.

    Cloud Solutions Architect

    AZ-305 Expert ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “As an L&D head I've used 5 training vendors. Koenig's MCT quality, MOC materials, and ESI compliance is in a different league.”

    James T.

    James T.

    Head of L&D, UK Enterprise

    100+ Learners Trained ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “SC-900 and SC-300 back to back — both cleared first try. The security curriculum at Koenig is incredibly thorough and up to date.”

    Aisha N.

    Aisha N.

    Security Analyst

    SC-300 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “AI-102 was daunting but the trainer broke it down perfectly. Real Azure OpenAI labs made the difference. Highly recommend.”

    David L.

    David L.

    AI Engineer

    AI-102 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “DP-600 Fabric certification done in 3 weeks of part-time study. The customised schedule around my timezone was a lifesaver.”

    Mei W.

    Mei W.

    Data Platform Engineer

    DP-600 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “Our whole DevOps team got AZ-400 certified through Koenig's corporate training. Smooth logistics and top-tier MCTs throughout.”

    Carlos R.

    Carlos R.

    Engineering Manager

    AZ-400 Team Training ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “Passed AZ-104 on first attempt. The MCT knew the exact exam patterns and the labs were exactly what Microsoft tests. Worth every penny.”

    Rahul M.

    Rahul M.

    Azure Administrator

    AZ-104 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “I trained 15 of my team members for SC-200. Koenig's on-site delivery was seamless and all 15 passed within 3 months.”

    Sarah K.

    Sarah K.

    CISO, Financial Services

    Enterprise Client ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “The 1-on-1 format was a game changer. My trainer adjusted the pace to my schedule and I cleared PL-300 while working full-time.”

    Ahmed R.

    Ahmed R.

    Business Intelligence Lead

    PL-300 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “Passed AZ-104 on first attempt. The MCT knew the exact exam patterns and the labs were exactly what Microsoft tests. Worth every penny.”

    Rahul M.

    Rahul M.

    Azure Administrator

    AZ-104 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “I trained 15 of my team members for SC-200. Koenig's on-site delivery was seamless and all 15 passed within 3 months.”

    Sarah K.

    Sarah K.

    CISO, Financial Services

    Enterprise Client ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “The 1-on-1 format was a game changer. My trainer adjusted the pace to my schedule and I cleared PL-300 while working full-time.”

    Ahmed R.

    Ahmed R.

    Business Intelligence Lead

    PL-300 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “From AZ-900 to AZ-305 in 6 months. Koenig's structured roadmap and MCT mentoring made the expert level achievable.”

    Priya S.

    Priya S.

    Cloud Solutions Architect

    AZ-305 Expert ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “As an L&D head I've used 5 training vendors. Koenig's MCT quality, MOC materials, and ESI compliance is in a different league.”

    James T.

    James T.

    Head of L&D, UK Enterprise

    100+ Learners Trained ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “SC-900 and SC-300 back to back — both cleared first try. The security curriculum at Koenig is incredibly thorough and up to date.”

    Aisha N.

    Aisha N.

    Security Analyst

    SC-300 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “From AZ-900 to AZ-305 in 6 months. Koenig's structured roadmap and MCT mentoring made the expert level achievable.”

    Priya S.

    Priya S.

    Cloud Solutions Architect

    AZ-305 Expert ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “As an L&D head I've used 5 training vendors. Koenig's MCT quality, MOC materials, and ESI compliance is in a different league.”

    James T.

    James T.

    Head of L&D, UK Enterprise

    100+ Learners Trained ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “SC-900 and SC-300 back to back — both cleared first try. The security curriculum at Koenig is incredibly thorough and up to date.”

    Aisha N.

    Aisha N.

    Security Analyst

    SC-300 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “AI-102 was daunting but the trainer broke it down perfectly. Real Azure OpenAI labs made the difference. Highly recommend.”

    David L.

    David L.

    AI Engineer

    AI-102 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “DP-600 Fabric certification done in 3 weeks of part-time study. The customised schedule around my timezone was a lifesaver.”

    Mei W.

    Mei W.

    Data Platform Engineer

    DP-600 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “Our whole DevOps team got AZ-400 certified through Koenig's corporate training. Smooth logistics and top-tier MCTs throughout.”

    Carlos R.

    Carlos R.

    Engineering Manager

    AZ-400 Team Training ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “AI-102 was daunting but the trainer broke it down perfectly. Real Azure OpenAI labs made the difference. Highly recommend.”

    David L.

    David L.

    AI Engineer

    AI-102 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “DP-600 Fabric certification done in 3 weeks of part-time study. The customised schedule around my timezone was a lifesaver.”

    Mei W.

    Mei W.

    Data Platform Engineer

    DP-600 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “Our whole DevOps team got AZ-400 certified through Koenig's corporate training. Smooth logistics and top-tier MCTs throughout.”

    Carlos R.

    Carlos R.

    Engineering Manager

    AZ-400 Team Training ✓ Verified

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about the Custom - Kubernetes CKA + CKAD + CKS training course

Is the certification exam included in the Custom - Kubernetes CKA + CKAD + CKS course, and what is the exam fee?
The Custom - Kubernetes CKA + CKAD + CKS course does not include exam vouchers. You must purchase these separately. The Linux Foundation sets the official fee at $445 per exam as of February 4, 2025. You have a 12-month window to schedule and complete your certification.
What training formats are available for the Custom - Kubernetes CKA + CKAD + CKS course, and is Guaranteed-to-Run scheduling offered?
Koenig offers the Custom - Kubernetes CKA + CKAD + CKS course via live online, classroom, 1-on-1, and self-paced Flexi formats. We provide Guaranteed-to-Run scheduling for all public batches. This ensures your training proceeds as planned, allowing you to secure your preferred dates with total confidence.
How long is lab access provided, and what type of environment is used for the Custom - Kubernetes CKA + CKAD + CKS training?
You receive 6 months of lab access via the Koenig LET Platform for the Custom - Kubernetes CKA + CKAD + CKS course. We use cloud-hosted sandboxes with real Kubernetes clusters. This enables hands-on practice with kubectl, Helm, and security configurations in a production-like environment without local setup.
What is Koenig's rescheduling and cancellation policy for the Custom - Kubernetes CKA + CKAD + CKS course?
Koenig permits one free reschedule for the Custom - Kubernetes CKA + CKAD + CKS course if requested 10+ days before start. Changes within 10 days incur a 50% fee. You cannot reschedule the same training twice. All modifications require formal written notice.
What is the format, duration, number of tasks, and passing score for the CKA, CKAD, and CKS exams?
Each exam for the Custom - Kubernetes CKA + CKAD + CKS program is a 2-hour, proctored, performance-based test. You must solve 15–20 command-line tasks. CKA and CKAD require a 66% score to pass, while CKS requires 67%. Results arrive via email within 24 hours.
How long is the CKA, CKAD, and CKS certification valid, and what is the renewal process and cost?
Certifications from the Custom - Kubernetes CKA + CKAD + CKS curriculum remain valid for 2 years. Renewal requires passing the current exam at the $445 fee. Alternatively, you can use the CARE program to renew automatically by recertifying your CKS on or after June 18, 2026.
What post-training support does Koenig provide after completing the Custom - Kubernetes CKA + CKAD + CKS course?
After your Custom - Kubernetes CKA + CKAD + CKS training, Koenig provides 30 days of support. This includes mentor access, session recordings, practice tests, and exam prep materials. Our Happiness Guarantee ensures you have access to free rescheduling and refund options if expectations are not met.
What are the prerequisites or prior experience needed for the Custom - Kubernetes CKA + CKAD + CKS course?
No formal prerequisites exist for CKA or CKAD in the Custom - Kubernetes CKA + CKAD + CKS course. However, candidates should have hands-on experience with Kubernetes networking and troubleshooting. CKS requires a valid CKA certification to demonstrate advanced expertise in container security.
What is the salary impact and career advancement potential after earning CKA, CKAD, and CKS certifications?
Earning credentials from the Custom - Kubernetes CKA + CKAD + CKS course positions you for median salaries of $120,000 to $160,000. Roles like DevOps Engineer and Cloud Security Specialist are in high demand. These certifications provide vendor-neutral validation of your essential cloud-native skills.
How does instructor-led training for Custom - Kubernetes CKA + CKAD + CKS compare to self-study in terms of success rates and preparation time?
Koenig’s instructor-led Custom - Kubernetes CKA + CKAD + CKS training boosts success rates through expert guidance and real-time doubt resolution. This structured approach reduces preparation time from 3–6 months of self-study to just 4–6 weeks, utilizing professional exam simulation tools.
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