Linux Foundation and CNCF

KCNA Cloud Native Associate

Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate

The entry-level certification of the Linux Foundation. It proves basic knowledge of Kubernetes and the cloud native ecosystem.

Matching training How to take the exam
Scope
90 min
Validity
2 Jahre
Prerequisite
None
Where
Online, proctored

Kubernetes certifications

  1. you are here KCNA Cloud Native Associate
  2. Entry KCSA Security Associate
  3. Practice CKA Administrator
  4. Practice 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 KCNA is for

  • Newcomers to Kubernetes and cloud native
  • Everyone who wants to prove their basics before moving on to KCSA or CKA
exam

Exam topics

  • Kubernetes Fundamentals44 %
  • Container Orchestration28 %
  • Cloud Native Application Delivery16 %
  • Cloud Native Architecture12 %

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

process

How to get KCNA

  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 KCNA.

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. KCNA is a trademark of The Linux Foundation.