Exam comparison
CCA vs KCNA: Cilium networking or Kubernetes foundations
Who should take each exam
Cilium Certified Associate is for Network/Platform Engineers managing Cilium for network security, observability, and service mesh in Kubernetes.
KCNA targets beginners discovering Kubernetes and the cloud-native ecosystem. No prior technical requirements.
In short: KCNA for a broad first view of Kubernetes, CCA to focus on Cilium networking and security. CCA is also an entry-level certification; Kubernetes and basic networking knowledge are recommended.
Exam format
| Cilium (CCA) | Kubernetes (KCNA) | |
|---|---|---|
| Code | CCA | KCNA |
| Publisher | Linux Foundation / CNCF | |
| Duration | 90 minutes | |
| Format | Online multiple-choice, proctored | |
| Number of questions | 60 | |
| Passing score | 75% or above | |
| Validity | 2 years | |
| Prerequisites | Kubernetes and basic networking knowledge recommended | None |
| Languages | English | English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese |
Domains and coverage
Cilium (CCA)
- Architecture 20 %
- Network Policy 18 %
- Service Mesh 16 %
- Network Observability 10 %
- Installation and Configuration 10 %
- Cluster Mesh 10 %
- eBPF 10 %
- BGP and External Networking 6 %
KCNA
- Kubernetes Fundamentals 44 %
- Container Orchestration 28 %
- Cloud Native Application Delivery 16 %
- Cloud Native Architecture 12 %
Overlaps and differences
Overlaps: both explore Kubernetes. Cilium integrates as a CNI (Container Network Interface) and provides identity-based network policies.
Differences:
- CCA covers: Cilium specifically, architecture (eBPF, datapath), identity-centric policies, service mesh, Hubble observability, advanced security.
- KCNA covers: Kubernetes broadly, containers, orchestration, application patterns, general observability.
Which one to choose based on your profile
Choose KCNA if…
- You are new to Kubernetes and cloud-native.
- You are preparing your first infrastructure certification.
- You want a broad overview before specializing.
Choose CCA if…
- You deploy or administer Cilium.
- Network security and observability interest you.
How to prepare
- CCA page or KCNA page.
- Curricula: CCA PDF or KCNA PDF.
- Practice: CCA practice exam or KCNA practice exam.
Try both, free
Original questions, each answer explained with a link to the documentation. Study mode is free and needs no account.
Practice Exam CCA: Cilium Certified Associate
25 free questions with explanations
Practice Exam KCNA: Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate
25 free questions with explanations