- Exam Breakdown
- Domain Breakdown
- Access Breakdown
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:
- Retake and pass the current KCSA exam before expiration
- 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
There are no formal prerequisites for taking the KCSA exam. However, it is recommended to have:
- 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
The Kubernetes and Cloud Native Security Associate (KCSA) certification is ideal for:
- 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
Average Salary:
- 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
The exam is conducted as:
- Online, remotely proctored exam
- Delivered via the Linux Foundation / PSI exam platform
- Requires webcam, microphone, and stable internet connection
Exam Booking Link
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
Prepare with actual exam questions
To strengthen your knowledge and approach exam day with confidence. We provide practice questions to help you understand the exam format and question patterns.
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