Exam Format

• Exam Code: KCSA
• Certification Level: Associate
• Exam Duration: 90 minutes
• Passing Score: 75%
• Unscored Content: The exam may include unscored questions for research purposes. These do not affect your score and are not identified.

Exam Details

• Question Types: Multiple choice, multiple response, scenario-based questions
• Number of Questions: Approximately 60 questions
• Hands-On Questions: None — this is a knowledge-based security fundamentals exam.

Exam Policies

• Offline Proctoring: Not available
• Online Proctoring: Required (remote, live proctoring via PSI)
• Waiting Period: If you fail, you must wait 24 hours before retaking the exam
• Retake Fee: One free retake is included with exam registration (valid within 12 months)

Certification Validity and Renewal

• Validity: 3 years
• Renewal Options:

1. Retake and pass the current KCSA exam before expiration
2. Progress to advanced Kubernetes security certifications such as CKS

Exam Fee

• Base Fee: $250 USD
• Taxes: Country-specific taxes may apply
• Example: In India, 18% GST applies, making the total approximately $295 USD ($250 + $45 tax)
• Includes: One free retake + 12 months exam validity

Prerequisites

• Basic understanding of Kubernetes and cloud-native concepts
• Introductory knowledge of containers and microservices
• Awareness of security fundamentals (authentication, authorization, encryption)
• General IT or DevOps background

Exam Topics

• Cloud Native Security Fundamentals: Threat modeling, shared responsibility
• Kubernetes Security Basics: Cluster, workload, and runtime security concepts
• Supply Chain Security: Image registries, signing, provenance, and CI/CD risks
• Platform Security: Identity, access control, secrets, and configuration management
• Network Security: Network policies, service communication fundamentals
• Observability & Monitoring: Security visibility, logging, and auditing basics
• CNCF Security Landscape: Key CNCF security projects and their roles

Topic weightings are officially published by the CNCF and should be reviewed in the official KCSA curriculum.

Intended Audience

• Entry-level Cloud Security professionals
• DevOps and Platform Engineers (beginner level)
• Developers interested in cloud-native security
• IT professionals transitioning into DevSecOps roles
• Students and early-career practitioners

Career Impact

Jobs You Can Get:

• Junior Cloud Security Engineer, DevSecOps Associate, Platform Security Analyst

• U.S.: $80,000–$120,000 USD
• India: ₹7,00,000–₹14,00,000 INR
• United Kingdom: £45,000–£70,000 GBP
• UAE: 120,000–200,000 AED per year

Why It’s Valuable:

• KCSA provides a strong entry point into Kubernetes and cloud-native security, preparing candidates for advanced certifications like CKS and broader cloud security roles.

Exam Mode

• Online, remotely proctored exam
• Delivered via the Linux Foundation / PSI exam platform
• Requires webcam, microphone, and stable internet connection

Exam Booking Link

• Book your KCSA exam via the Linux Foundation — Click here
  https://training.linuxfoundation.org/certification/kubernetes-cloud-native-security-associate-kcsa/

Once you pass the exam:

• Download your digital certificate and Credly badge
• Processing Time: Results typically available within 24 hours
• Certificates and badges are issued through the Linux Foundation / Credly platform

Offers