specialty Kubernetes & Cloud Native paid
Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS)
by Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) ↗
Kubernetes practitioners who secure container-based applications and Kubernetes platforms during build, deployment, and runtime.
Exam facts
- Provider
- Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF)
- Exam code
- CKS
- Level
- specialty
- Domain
- Kubernetes & Cloud Native
- Exam format
- Performance-based hands-on lab in a live Kubernetes environment, online proctored
- Duration
- 120 minutes
- Cost
- $445 USD
- Renewal
- 2 years
- Prerequisites
- A valid (non-expired) CKA certification is required before sitting the CKS exam.
Recommended preparation
After earning CKA, practice cluster hardening, network policies, admission control, image scanning, and runtime security with tools like Falco and Trivy. Rehearse with the included killer.sh CKS simulator since time pressure is significant.
Follow the free DevSecOps 90-Day Learning Path — its final phase (days 76–90) is built for certification preparation.
⚠ Certification details change. Always verify on the official provider website before booking.