RHCE vs CKA Certification
Compare Red Hat RHCE and Kubernetes CKA for Linux and container expertise.
Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)
Red Hat
Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)
CNCF/Linux Foundation
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Compare all aspects of these certifications side by side
| Feature | Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) | Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Red Hat | CNCF/Linux Foundation |
| Difficulty Level | Professional | Professional |
| Exam Duration | 3.5 hours | 2 hours |
| Exam Cost | $400 USD | $395 USD |
| Exam Format | Performance-based | Performance-based |
| Prerequisites | RHCSA required | None |
| Validity Period | 3 years | 3 years |
| Ideal For | Senior Linux administrators | Kubernetes administrators |
| Salary Range | $100,000 - $145,000 | $130,000 - $180,000 |
What Each Certification Covers
Key topics and domains covered in each exam
Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) Focus Areas
- Automation
- Ansible
- System Administration
- Troubleshooting
Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) Focus Areas
- Cluster Admin
- Networking
- Storage
- Security
- Troubleshooting
Our Recommendation
RHCE for Linux automation; CKA for Kubernetes orchestration.
Choose Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)
Choose RHCE for Linux system engineering and Ansible automation.
Choose Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)
Choose CKA for container orchestration and cloud-native ops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) or Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)?
RHCE for Linux automation; CKA for Kubernetes orchestration.
What are the salary differences between Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)?
Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) typically offers salaries around $100,000 - $145,000, while Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) offers $130,000 - $180,000.
Which certification should I get first?
Choose RHCE for Linux system engineering and Ansible automation. Choose CKA for container orchestration and cloud-native ops.
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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