KCNA: CNCF Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate
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Exam Resources
Official learning paths, exam details, skills measured, and community resources to supplement your study.
About the KCNA Exam
Your gateway to cloud native — validate Kubernetes fundamentals
The CNCF Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate (KCNA) certification validates foundational knowledge of Kubernetes, container orchestration, cloud native architecture, observability, and application delivery — designed for IT professionals entering the cloud native ecosystem.
Who Should Take This Exam?
The KCNA is designed for beginners and career changers. No prior experience required.
Typical study time: 2-4 weeks of part-time study
Exam Quick Facts
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Exam Code | KCNA |
| Title | CNCF Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate |
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Questions | 60 |
| Pass Score | 75% |
| Cost | $250 USD |
| Provider | Linux Foundation / PSI |
| Validity | 2 years |
| Question Types | Multiple choice |
Exam Domains & Weights
The KCNA exam covers 4 domains. Focus your study time based on the weights below — higher-weighted domains have more exam questions.
| Domain | Weight | Practice Qs |
|---|---|---|
| Kubernetes Fundamentals | 44% | 88 |
| Container Orchestration | 28% | 56 |
| Cloud Native Application Delivery | 16% | 32 |
| Cloud Native Architecture | 12% | 24 |
| Total | 100% | 200 |
💡 Study tip: Kubernetes Fundamentals carries the most weight (44%) — start there. Cloud Native Architecture has the least (12%), but don’t skip it — exam questions can come from any domain.
Practice Exam — 200 Questions
Prepare for the KCNA with our 200-question practice exam covering all 4 exam domains. Every question includes detailed explanations and maps to official exam objectives.
What you get:
- ✅ Exam simulation mode with timer
- ✅ Spaced repetition for weak areas
- ✅ Detailed explanations for every question
- ✅ Progress tracking across domains
- ✅ 20 free questions — no account needed
CNCF Certification Path
Start with KCNA (Kubernetes & Cloud Native Associate) for fundamentals, then CKA (admin) or CKAD (developer), then CKS (security) or KCSA (security associate).
Related CNCF Certifications
If you’re studying for the KCNA, you might also be interested in these CNCF certifications:
- CKA: CNCF CKA (Certified Kubernetes Administrator) — 200 practice questions
- KCSA: CNCF KCSA (Kubernetes and Cloud Native Security Associate) — 200 practice questions
- CKAD: CNCF CKAD (Certified Kubernetes Application Developer) — 200 practice questions
- CKS: Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist — 200 practice questions
Study Tips
- Start with the heaviest domain — focus your time where the exam focuses its questions
- Use our practice exam — try the 20 free questions first to gauge your readiness
- Review explanations — don’t just check if you got it right; read why each answer is correct
- Simulate exam conditions — use the timed exam mode to practice under pressure