PLEASE NOTE: The Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate (KCNA) exam will be updated no earlier than November 24, 2025.
These updates are part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that a Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate (KCNA) has the most updated skills, knowledge, and competence needed in the industry.
What is changing on KCNA exam?
- The KCNA domains (i.e. Fundamentals, Container Orchestration etc.) will remain mostly unchanged except that observability will be rolled under Cloud Native Architecture. Please also review the upcoming changes to competencies (some additions/deletions and updated language which are outlined below each domain heading).
- Any KCNA exam taken after the updated release will test on the new set of Domains and Competencies (see below for updates).
NOTE: It does NOT matter if the exam reservation happens to be for a first attempt or a retake, nor does it matter on what date you completed the exam purchase. The only date that matters is the date you sit for the exam.
A Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate (KCNA) will be able to demonstrate a user’s foundational knowledge and skills in Kubernetes and the wider cloud native ecosystem.
Kubernetes Fundamentals – 44%
- Kubernetes Core Concepts
- Administration
- Scheduling
- Containerization
Container Orchestration – 28%
- Networking
- Security
- Troubleshooting
- Storage
Cloud Native Application Delivery – 16%
- Application Delivery
- Debugging
Cloud Native Architecture – 12%
- Observability
- Cloud Native Ecosystem and Principles
- Cloud Native Community and Collaboration
