Kick-starting 2023 with CKAD.
CKAD Exam Experience
Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD) is an online, proctored, performance-based test that requires solving multiple issues from a command line. Candidates have 2 hours to complete the tasks on 4 different Kubernetes clusters. I felt like 2 hours were sufficient.
It was a remote VNC-based exam and as far as network latency goes, it was OK. I used my personal Ubuntu 20.04 laptop with a PSI Bridge application installed, no other software was required. I was able to sit the exam from my home office and therefore had no technical problems. Scheduling the exam was as straightforward as it could get, plenty of time slots available even on weekends.
My CKAD exam started 63 minutes late because of an ID check process: I had to wait in a virtual lobby queue for other candidates to have their IDs checked first (there were 15 of them). Do keep in mind that the PSI Bridge application does not support multiple webcams, nor switching between them. If you use your laptop but have an external webcam plugged in as well, do decide on which one you will be using, as otherwise you will find yourself restarting the application, and doing the check-in process all over again.
In terms of scoring, I’ve received 78% which I’m happy with. I had to end my exam 30 minutes earlier due to its late start because of other commitments, poor planning on my part, but a lesson learnt. I use Kubernetes at work on a daily basis therefore I did not find the CKAD exam difficult.
Exam Preparation
I used Mumshad Mannambeth’s CKAD course with practice tests that’s available on Udemy. He’s done a great job updating the course material to match the latest version of the exam (which was v1.26 at the time of writing). The mock exams on KodeKloud were very helpful as well.
I also used killer.sh CKAD simulator. This acted as a decent readinessProbe to determine whether I was exam-ready. 22 scenarios with solutions that will make you try harder if you’re not prepared well.
My CKAD study notes can be found on GitHub here.
What’s Next?
CKS!