CKA vs CKAD: Which Kubernetes Certification Should You Get?
CKA vs CKAD — compare Kubernetes certifications for admins and developers. Exam format, difficulty, salary impact, and which one to take first.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | CKA (Certified Kubernetes Administrator) | CKAD (Certified Kubernetes Application Developer) |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Code | N/A | N/A |
| Vendor | N/A | N/A |
| Questions | N/A | N/A |
| Duration | N/A | N/A |
| Passing Score | N/A | N/A |
| Exam Cost | N/A | N/A |
| Avg Prep Time | N/A | N/A |
| Pass Rate (CertlyAI) | N/A | N/A |
| Avg Salary | N/A | N/A |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose CKA (Certified Kubernetes Administrator) if:
- •You work primarily with this technologies
- •Your employer uses or plans to adopt this platform
- •You want to specialize in this ecosystem
Choose CKAD (Certified Kubernetes Application Developer) if:
- •You work primarily with this technologies
- •Your employer uses or plans to adopt this platform
- •You want to specialize in this ecosystem
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is harder, CKA (Certified Kubernetes Administrator) or CKAD (Certified Kubernetes Application Developer)?▾
Difficulty depends on your background. CKA (Certified Kubernetes Administrator) focuses on its ecosystem, while CKAD (Certified Kubernetes Application Developer) covers its platform. Both require dedicated study — typically 30-30 days of preparation.
Can I get both CKA (Certified Kubernetes Administrator) and CKAD (Certified Kubernetes Application Developer)?▾
Absolutely. Many professionals hold multiple cloud or industry certifications. Having both demonstrates broader expertise and can increase your marketability. Start with the one most relevant to your current role, then pursue the other.
Which certification pays more?▾
Salary varies by region, experience, and role. On CertlyAI, CKA (Certified Kubernetes Administrator) holders report an average salary of N/A while CKAD (Certified Kubernetes Application Developer) holders report N/A. Your actual compensation depends on many factors beyond certification.
Ready to Start Preparing?
Practice with AI-powered mock tests on CertlyAI