Kubernetes vs OpenShift Certification
Compare Kubernetes (CKA) and Red Hat OpenShift certifications.
Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)
CNCF/Linux Foundation
Red Hat Certified Specialist in OpenShift Administration
Red Hat
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Compare all aspects of these certifications side by side
| Feature | Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) | Red Hat Certified Specialist in OpenShift Administration |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | CNCF/Linux Foundation | Red Hat |
| Difficulty Level | Professional | Specialist |
| Exam Duration | 2 hours | 3 hours |
| Exam Cost | $395 USD | $400 USD |
| Exam Format | Performance-based | Performance-based |
| Prerequisites | None | RHCSA recommended |
| Validity Period | 3 years | 3 years |
| Ideal For | Kubernetes administrators | OpenShift administrators |
| Salary Range | $130,000 - $180,000 | $120,000 - $165,000 |
What Each Certification Covers
Key topics and domains covered in each exam
Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) Focus Areas
- Cluster Administration
- Workloads
- Networking
- Storage
- Security
Red Hat Certified Specialist in OpenShift Administration Focus Areas
- OpenShift CLI
- Routes
- Operators
- Projects
- RBAC
Our Recommendation
CKA is vendor-neutral; OpenShift includes enterprise features and Red Hat support.
Choose Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)
Choose CKA for vendor-neutral Kubernetes expertise.
Choose Red Hat Certified Specialist in OpenShift Administration
Choose OpenShift for Red Hat enterprise environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) or Red Hat Certified Specialist in OpenShift Administration?
CKA is vendor-neutral; OpenShift includes enterprise features and Red Hat support.
What are the salary differences between Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)?
Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) typically offers salaries around $130,000 - $180,000, while Red Hat Certified Specialist in OpenShift Administration offers $120,000 - $165,000.
Which certification should I get first?
Choose CKA for vendor-neutral Kubernetes expertise. Choose OpenShift for Red Hat enterprise environments.
How long does it take to prepare for these certifications?
Preparation time varies based on experience. Most candidates spend 4-12 weeks studying, depending on their background and the certification difficulty level.
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