Certified Kubernetes Security

Prove your skills in managing clusters, workloads, and security within Kubernetes.

The Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) certification proves you have the skills to secure containerized applications and Kubernetes clusters. The exam covers cluster and pod security, network policies, access control, secrets management, vulnerability scanning, and runtime security. Designed for practical application, the certification validates that you can implement security best practices and protect Kubernetes environments from threats while ensuring compliance and operational reliability.

The Exams and recommended training

The Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) training course and exam provide the foundation to advance your career in Kubernetes security. By earning the CKS certification, you demonstrate the skills, knowledge, and rigor that organizations recognize and trust to secure, monitor, and protect Kubernetes clusters and containerized applications effectively.

Possible job roles

Junior Kubernetes Security Specialist – Supports securing Kubernetes clusters and applications under guidance, focusing on access control, secrets management, and basic security configuration.

Kubernetes Security Operator (Entry-Level) – Implements and monitors security policies, network policies, and vulnerability scanning, assisting in securing cluster resources and workloads.

Junior Cloud/DevOps Security Analyst – Assists in monitoring, auditing, and enforcing security best practices for applications and clusters, supporting compliance and incident response processes.

Application Security Operator (Entry-Level) – Manages application-level security, ensures proper service segmentation, and performs basic automation for security enforcement in Kubernetes environments.

Prerequisites

There are no formal prerequisites for the Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) exam. However, it is recommended to have one or more years of experience securing, configuring, or managing Kubernetes clusters and containerized applications before attempting the exam.

Active Status

All Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) certifications must be maintained by completing regular updates or recertification activities, typically aligned with new Kubernetes releases, to ensure the certification remains valid and active.

Recertification

All Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) certifications must be maintained by completing regular updates or recertification activities, typically aligned with new Kubernetes releases, to ensure the certification remains valid and active.