How I Cleared My CKAD Certification Within 30 Days

Background

I began my career in 2014, and as I write this post, I have over 10 years of professional experience. With the new year approaching and a desire to continue learning and staying relevant, I decided to pursue the CKAD (Certified Kubernetes Application Developer) certification. My goal was simple: pass the CKAD exam — not necessarily with a perfect score, but enough to prove to myself that I could do it. When I finally succeeded, the sense of achievement I felt was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had in a long time. This is also my first Medium post, where I’m excited to share this journey and what I’ve learned along the way.

Perquisites

When I began this journey, the only thing I knew about Kubernetes was that it was a container orchestration tool — I was starting at level zero. However, these prerequisites were instrumental in my preparation:

Docker — Understanding the basics of Docker is essential since Kubernetes builds on it. Familiarize yourself with concepts and basic commands. Also, expect at least one exam question about Docker or its alternatives, such as Podman.

Linux Commands — Basic Linux commands and proficiency with the vi editor are must-haves. During the exam, you’ll need to work in a Linux environment. Practice creating files, using redirections, and learning vi shortcuts.

Timelines

Here’s a quick overview of my preparation timeline:

• Dec 13, 2024: Purchased a CKAD course on Udemy.
• Jan 13, 2025: Exam date.
• Jan 14, 2025: Received results.
• Jan 25, 2025: Published this post.

What Worked in My Favor

I scheduled my preparation and exam during the holiday season (late December to early January). This gave me ample time to focus since work demands were low, and I could utilize my personal holidays effectively.

Tips for Success

1. Prepare Handy Notes

At the start of the exam, open the built-in text editor (like Mousepad) and jot down frequently used commands, exports, and aliases. These will save you time. Here’s an example of what helped me:

export dr="--dry-run=client -o yaml"
export now="--force --grace-period=0"
alias ksc="kubectl config set-context --current --namespace"
alias kgp="kubectl get pods"
alias kgd="kubectl get deployments"
alias kgs="kubectl get services"
alias kgn="kubectl get nodes"
alias kdp="kubectl describe pod"
alias kdd="kubectl describe deployment"
alias cls="clear"

For the Killer.sh simulator, add these:

cat .vimrc
echo "filetype plugin indent on" >> .vimrc
echo "set ai" >> .vimrc

Commands to keep handy

kubectl run tmp --image=nginx:alpine --restart=Never --rm -i -- curl -m 5
kubectl run tmp --image=blackbox --restart=Never --rm -i -- wget -O- -T 5
kubectl exec mypod -c container -i -- /bin/sh
docker save --format oci -o output.tar image:tag

2. Stop Typing and Start Copy-Pasting

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Use shortcuts to copy and paste commands and text both in the terminal and from the exam questions. This minimizes typos and significantly saves time during the test.

-- To Copy 
Ctrl + Shift + c
-- To Patste
Ctrl + Shift + v

3. Time is a Resource

Don’t get stuck on a single question. If a question takes too long, flag it, and move on to the next. Once you’ve completed the rest of the exam, return to flagged questions with a fresh perspective.

4. Exam Cost

The exam can be expensive. Udemy courses often provide discounts, but prices fluctuate, especially around December. Purchase the exam when you see a good deal.

5. Practice Labs

Regularly practice on the KodeKloud CKAD labs provided with the Udemy course. These labs are quick and effective for revising concepts.

6. Focus on Key Topics

Skip redoing advanced topics like roles, permissions, and context management. These are more relevant for the CKA (Certified Kubernetes Administrator) certification. While these concepts are essential for a deeper understanding of Kubernetes, they are not necessary for the CKAD exam itself. I didn’t encounter any questions on these in the CKAD exam.

7. Give The Exam

Don’t overprepare. Set a date and stick to it. Delaying the exam in pursuit of perfection won’t make it easier. For instance, I’ve been preparing for an AWS certification since 2020 and still haven’t completed it! If you don’t pass, use the feedback to prepare better and retake it confidently. The CKAD exam includes a retake feature, so you have another chance without extra cost if needed.

8. Exam Environment

This is critical, so it’s worth emphasizing. You don’t want the invigilator to interrupt you during the exam. Familiarize yourself with the exam rules and ensure compliance: your desk should be clean, your face must remain visible on video at all times, and no one should enter the room during the exam. Any violation of these rules may result in the invigilator pausing or even ending your exam.

Summary

The hardest part was deciding to take the exam. Once I committed, the rest fell into place with preparation and focus. If you’re considering the CKAD certification, take the first step. It’s worth it — not just for the certification but for the confidence and growth it brings.

Good luck!