I've been studying for the Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) exam since September 2024, and I feel like I've put in a lot of effort. After completing the KodeKloud course, tackling 70+ Killercoda scenarios, and spending over 120 hours preparing, I took the updated exam on March 1, 2025. I was expecting a challenge but ended up feeling completely overwhelmed. I flagged most of the first questions and by the end, I only scored 45%. I've heard mixed feedback about how the updated exam feels compared to practice tests like killer.sh, which I scored 80% on, but I found the real exam really unpredictable and tougher, especially with new topics like the Gateway API and CNI configurations. Has anyone else experienced this after the February update? Is the exam genuinely harder now, or is it just me? I'm also looking for additional resources beyond KodeKloud and killer.sh for my retake later this year. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
3 Answers
You're definitely not alone in feeling this way! I had a similar experience with the 2025 CKA exam. The shift toward real-world scenarios makes it much more difficult, especially with new topics that aren't fully covered in standard courses. The confusion around the Gateway API and the CNI installation was also a big hurdle for me. I recommend getting hands-on with your own Kubernetes cluster, like you're planning with the Hetzner VPS. That real-life experience can make a huge difference! Also, KubeCraft has been really helpful for my retakes—great community support there.
Totally agree! I found that hands-on practice bridges the gap between theory and application.
I hear you! I had a rough time with the remote exam platforms too. It's frustrating when you pay so much for an exam and the experience is so poorly managed. It's taken me multiple attempts because of issues with the testing browser. Definitely hoping for a better experience on my final attempt. Keep your head up, focusing on real-world applications will help you with the exam. Good luck on your next try!
That browser's a nightmare—I've experienced the same slowdowns. Let's hope they're improving!
Fingers crossed you pass on your upcoming attempt! Good luck!
Don't beat yourself up! The CKA 2025 does seem more challenging than past versions, especially if you're not coming from a strong Kubernetes background. It's a steep learning curve, especially with fresh topics that weren't as visible in the study materials. Try consistent practice with mock tests for your next attempt and look for additional resources if you feel something's missing. QA/CloudAcademy has good mock exams that helped me.
I'll check out QA/CloudAcademy then! Thanks for the tip!
I loved the practice tests on Udemy; they really helped with the tricky parts!
Building your own cluster is a great idea! It helps build intuition for concepts that could trip you up in the exam.