Kubernetes Roadmap: Zero to CKA Certified
Follow this Kubernetes roadmap from zero to CKA certified: kubeadm, workloads, networking, storage, RBAC, troubleshooting and mock exams.
0 / 8 modules
Your recommended path
Start at Linux and Container Prerequisites and work every step in order. Budget 3-4 months of steady, hands-on practice.
- Build a practice cluster with kind in Step 2, then a real multi-node cluster with kubeadm in Step 3. Keep both: you will break and fix them many times before the exam.
- Type every command yourself. The CKA is a hands-on exam with no multiple-choice questions.
- You can skip these for now: service mesh, GitOps, cloud-managed clusters like EKS, and Kubernetes cost tools. None of them are on the CKA.
Your recommended path
Skim Steps 1-2, then start properly at Cluster Architecture and Installation. Budget 6-8 weeks.
- Most working engineers have never built a cluster with kubeadm, upgraded one, or restored etcd. Those tasks carry a lot of exam weight.
- Practice imperative kubectl commands until they are faster than writing YAML by hand.
Your recommended path
Start with a timed practice test from CKA Exam Practice and Readiness to find your weak domains. Then study Troubleshooting and those weak domains, and retest.
- Troubleshooting alone is 30% of the exam, and cluster architecture, installation and configuration is another 25%.
- Do at least two full timed mock exams before the real one. Our recommendation: book the exam only when you score 80% or more on both, with no domain below 70%.
Your recommended path
The CKA is a 2-hour, online, proctored, performance-based exam. You solve real tasks on live clusters from the command line, and you may use the official Kubernetes documentation during the exam. Check the Linux Foundation exam page for the current Kubernetes version and passing score before you book.
- Exam weights: Troubleshooting 30%, Cluster Architecture, Installation and Configuration 25%, Services and Networking 20%, Workloads and Scheduling 15%, Storage 10%.
Steps in this roadmap
Builds on Networking for DevOps: Debug Connections Fast
Status Module Topics Learn Quiz Resources Save Linux for DevOps 12 Read Docker for Beginners: Build, Run and Ship ContainersOptional 12 Read +1 Builds on Networking for DevOps: Debug Connections Fast
Status Module Topics Learn Quiz Resources Save Kubernetes Tutorial for Beginners: Pods to Helm 14 Read +2 kubectl Mastery for the CKA 12 Read Status Module Topics Learn Quiz Resources Save Kubernetes Cluster Architecture and kubeadm 12 Read Status Module Topics Learn Quiz Resources Save Kubernetes Workloads, Config and Autoscaling 10 Read Status Module Topics Learn Quiz Resources Save Networking for DevOps: Debug Connections FastOptional 12 Read Status Module Topics Learn Quiz Resources Save Kubernetes Storage: PV, PVC and StorageClasses 9 Read No modules in this step yet.
No modules in this step yet.
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Salary outcomes
- Junior Kubernetes Administrator
- ₹5L - ₹10L
- Kubernetes Engineer
- ₹10L - ₹22L
- Senior Kubernetes Engineer
- ₹22L - ₹40L
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Frequently asked questions
10 steps and 8 modules, in order: Beginner (Linux and Container Prerequisites and Kubernetes Core Concepts and kubectl); Intermediate (Cluster Architecture and Installation, Workloads and Scheduling, Services and Networking, Storage and Security and Access Control); Advanced (Cluster Maintenance and Extensions and Troubleshooting); Capstone (CKA Exam Practice and Readiness).
Yes. Every step and module of the Kubernetes Roadmap: Zero to CKA Certified roadmap is free to read on DevOps Network with no paywall. A free account lets you track progress, save modules and take the quizzes.
Pick the learning path closest to your background (I'm New to Kubernetes, I Already Use Kubernetes at Work, My Exam Is Coming Up Soon and ℹ️ About the CKA Exam) at the top of the page. The step list then shows only the steps on that path; "All steps" brings the rest back.
Work through the step's modules, then pass its quiz. The quiz unlocks once the required modules are done, and passing it marks the step complete. You can also practise any quiz without the lock in the practice hub.
Typical ranges listed for this path: Junior Kubernetes Administrator: ₹5L - ₹10L; Kubernetes Engineer: ₹10L - ₹22L; Senior Kubernetes Engineer: ₹22L - ₹40L. Actual offers vary by company, city and experience.