Passing My CKA!
Tags: kubernetes, learning, devops, cloud
Published: 2024-06-18 20:46:18


## Introduction
Hello, fellow developing cloud architecture network administration engineering Kubernetes cyber security consultants! 😮‍💨
I'm excited to share my journey to becoming a Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA). It’s been a whirlwind of learning experiences and growth!
## My Journey
### 08/2023: AWS Solutions Architect Associate and CSPM Development
In August, I successfully passed my AWS Solutions Architect Associate exam. This was a significant milestone for me, as it not only validated my cloud expertise but also sparked my interest in exploring more advanced cloud technologies. To build on this knowledge, I developed a Cloud Security Monitoring Tool (CSPM), which was fully deployable via Terraform and GitHub. This project was my first foray into the world of automation and infrastructure as code, laying the groundwork for my future Kubernetes journey.
### 10/2023: Diving into Kubernetes
After completing my AWS certification, I was eager to dive deeper into container technology. I asked my mentor about learning Kubernetes since I barely understood AWS ECS, ECR, and EKS. I started by learning Kubernetes (k8s) on the terminal, a hands-on approach that felt both exciting and challenging. This step marked the beginning of my deep dive into container orchestration.
### 11/2023: Starting with the Basics
To get a solid understanding of Kubernetes, I began with an introductory course on [YouTube](https://youtu.be/XuSQU5Grv1g). This course provided a basic overview and was essential for building my foundational knowledge. It was a lighter introduction, but it gave me the intrigue to tackle more complex topics.
### 12/2023: Intensive Learning with KodeKloud Udemy Course
After completing the introductory course, I realized I needed more comprehensive training to truly master Kubernetes. I enrolled in the [KodeKloud](https://kodekloud.com/) [Udemy](https://www.udemy.com/course/certified-kubernetes-administrator-with-practice-tests/) course specifically designed for the CKA exam. This course offered in-depth lessons and practical labs that significantly enhanced my understanding of Kubernetes. I spent countless hours working through exercises and scenarios, gradually building my competence.
### 01/2024 to 04/2024: The Learning Curve
Learning Kubernetes was not an overnight process. It required dedication and persistence. During these months, I immersed myself in various aspects of Kubernetes, from cluster architecture to deployment strategies. I also expanded my knowledge beyond Kubernetes, delving into computer networking, logging architecture, Linux commands, Secrets management, industry standards, ETCD, Kubeadm, Kubectl, YAML, JSONpath, updating clusters, Linux file system architecture, and backup and restore.
### 05/2024: Exam Preparation
With a solid foundation, I scheduled my exam and began rigorous preparation. I took numerous mock exams using resources like [Killercoda](https://killercoda.com/playgrounds), [Killer.sh](https://killer.sh/cka), and materials from the [Linux Foundation](https://training.linuxfoundation.org/). The PSI ‘at-home’ testing proved to be a stressful process. I had never been through such a rigid testing environment of that caliber. The stress of the testing environment was real, but I learned to control what I could and let go of the rest. And honestly, it went better than I expected.
### 05/30/2024: First Attempt
So I went into the PSI browser, followed the step they gave me and on my first attempt, I scored 60, just shy of the 66 needed to pass. I identified my weak areas, particularly in networking and cluster updates, and dedicated two more weeks to intensive study.
### 06/13/2024: The Final Attempt
Feeling confident, and after having gone through the process of PSI testing, I retook the exam and scored 78! The 6-month-long study was done, and I officially became a Certified Kubernetes Administrator. The journey had its ups and downs, but looking back every moment was worth it.
## Conclusion
I’m incredibly excited to have achieved this milestone. The journey taught me the importance of persistence, continuous learning, and the value of a supportive community. I’m grateful to everyone who supported me along the way.
As I move forward, I plan to take a month to reset and reflect on my current skills. My goal is to continue learning and growing, building on the foundation I've established. I’m looking forward to connecting with others who are on a similar path and sharing our experiences. Maybe one day, I will get to see you at a conference when I can afford it. 😂
Until then, thank you for reading, and here’s to the next chapter!