I started my Kubernetes journey in September 2024 with limited experience, mainly working with Docker and Docker Compose, but I've had some sys admin/devops background. I spent over 120 hours studying by going through the KodeKloud course and completing 70+ scenarios on KillerCoda. I scored 80% on my practice exam from Killer.sh, which gave me confidence as I prepared for the updated CKA exam on March 1, 2025. However, during the exam, I struggled more than I expected, often needing to flag questions and felt like I was really unprepared. I encountered tough questions about the Gateway API and Helm, and I couldn't find sufficient documentation to help me. After two hours, I ended with a score of 45%. Have others found the updated exam harder? Should I expect to struggle again if I retake it in July or August? What resources can you suggest for extra prep?
5 Answers
You're definitely not alone! I had a rough time too, especially with timing and the PSI browser issues. My second attempt has been a nightmare, and the exam just seems poorly organized for the price we're paying. I totally empathize with your frustration and just want to get it done myself, so you have my support!
Good luck on your final attempt! Hope you get some questions that suit you this time!
I hear you! It's a lot of information to juggle, and it's stressful since this exam also costs significantly more than others. I'm halfway through my CKA training and really feeling the pressure—especially with the recent updates making it tougher.
Just remember that hands-on practice is crucial. Don’t just study theory; really get your hands dirty to understand the concepts.
You're not stupid at all! The 2025 CKA definitely upped the ante with newer topics like the Gateway API and more complex CNI setups. Scoring 80% on Killer.sh means you're serious about this, and the feedback I've seen suggests the current exam is more unpredictable and resembles real-world Kubernetes troubleshooting. Setting up your own cluster on a service like Hetzner is a fantastic way to get more practice and real-life insight! If you're looking for more resources, check out KubeCraft for hands-on scenarios—lots of folks share their experiences there and can help you prepare better.
KubeCraft sounds like a great option! I’m definitely considering it for my next round of practice.
I feel you! I studied a ton and failed too. This exam is brutal, especially with the updates. I expected it to be easier since I already had my CKAD, but nope! It's much tougher than I anticipated.
I’d recommend checking out QA/CloudAcademy for solid mock exams. They've been a game-changer for me.
What kind of struggles did you face on the updated version? I just started my preparation and feel a bit overwhelmed by all the info.
It's really easy to get lost in the details. Be sure to note down specific areas where you struggle—like how to set up charts and configuration issues—so you can focus your studies.
Yeah, remote certs can be a hassle. I'm sticking with in-person exams to avoid the stress.