Linux Foundation and CNCF

CKAD Application Developer

Certified Kubernetes Application Developer

The hands-on exam for developers who design, build, deploy and configure cloud native applications for Kubernetes.

Matching training How to take the exam
Scope
120 min, performance-based tasks
Validity
2 Jahre
Prerequisite
None
Where
Online, proctored

Kubernetes certifications

  1. Entry KCNA Cloud Native Associate
  2. Entry KCSA Security Associate
  3. Practice CKA Administrator
  4. you are here CKAD Application Developer
  5. requires CKA CKS Security Specialist

No linear sequence: choose by your role. Only CKS requires a passed CKA.

who_its_for

Who CKAD is for

  • Developers who run applications on Kubernetes
  • Basic knowledge of container runtimes and microservice architectures is expected
exam

Exam topics

  • Application Environment, Configuration and Security25 %
  • Application Design and Build20 %
  • Application Deployment20 %
  • Services and Networking20 %
  • Application Observability and Maintenance15 %

Share of each topic in the exam according to Linux Foundation.

process

How to get CKAD

  1. Review the exam domains. The weighting shows what matters.
  2. Prepare. With a course at one of our partners or through self-study.
  3. Buy the exam from the Linux Foundation. You then have 12 months to schedule and take it.
  4. Take it online. Proctored. One retake is included.
trainings

Training for preparation

There is currently no course for CKAD.

Ask us: we will check with our training partners what is possible.

Request training All Kubernetes courses

Information according to training.linuxfoundation.org, as of October 2026. CKAD is a trademark of The Linux Foundation.