CKS exam facts, domains and practice
The CKS tests securing Kubernetes at every layer: cluster setup and hardening, minimizing microservice vulnerabilities, supply chain security, and runtime detection with tools like Falco, AppArmor, and Cilium. You must hold a valid CKA to sit it.
Who this exam is for
Security-focused engineers already holding an active CKA. The hardest of the Kubernetes trio: hands-on hardening, runtime security, and supply chain.
Exam facts
| Body | CNCF / The Linux Foundation |
|---|---|
| Format | Performance-based · 15-20 live tasks |
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Passing score | 67% |
| Exam cost | $445 · 1 free retake |
| Validity | 2 years |
| Prerequisites | Active CKA required |
| Allowed resources | k8s + tool docs (Falco, AppArmor...) |
| Delivery | Online · PSI proctored |
| Extras | 2 killer.sh simulator sessions included |
Curriculum domains
| Minimize Microservice Vulnerabilities | 20% |
|---|---|
| Supply Chain Security | 20% |
| Monitoring, Logging & Runtime Security | 20% |
| Cluster Hardening | 15% |
| System Hardening | 15% |
| Cluster Setup | 10% |
Practice coverage
| environment | live cluster |
|---|---|
| tasks per attempt | 16 |
| fixed exam mocks | 3 |
| alternate scenarios | 32 |
| clock | same 2-hour clock |
| scoring bar | official 67% |
| access | 30 days · 5 full-sim attempts |
CKS access, clearly explained
$39 USD · 30 days · one payment. 16 graded tasks, 5 attempts at the full exam simulation and unlimited single-task practice during the access window. The clock starts when you activate.
Public task descriptions; the selected weekly lab is free with an account. 2 free weekly starts per certification. Read this week's free task →
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Official exam facts last reviewed Aug 19, 2026. Product access reviewed 2026-09-10. Check the exam source. Prepium is an independent practice platform.