Kubernetes and Cloud Native Security Associate Practice Exams

The Kubernetes and Cloud Native Security Associate (KCSA) certification, from the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) and Linux Foundation, validates foundational knowledge of security concepts across Kubernetes and the cloud native ecosystem. The exam covers five domains: Overview of Cloud Native Security (the 4C's model and cloud provider/infrastructure security), Kubernetes Cluster Component Security (securing the API server, etcd, kubelet, and other control plane/node components), Kubernetes Security Fundamentals (authentication, authorization, admission control, and network policies), Kubernetes Threat Model (attack vectors, the 4C's applied to threats, and supply chain risks), and Platform Security & Compliance (policy engines, runtime security, image security, and compliance frameworks). The exam is 60 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes, with a passing score of 75%. No prior hands-on experience is required, making it a natural companion to KCNA and a foundation before the hands-on Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS).

• 1The vendor-neutral entry point into Kubernetes and cloud native security — no prior hands-on experience required
• 2Directly complements KCNA and precedes the hands-on Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS)
• 3Covers the full security surface — cluster components, the threat model, and platform/compliance — not just one narrow topic
• 4Increasingly requested for DevSecOps, platform engineering, and cloud security roles working with Kubernetes

• ✓Explain the 4C's of cloud native security: Cloud, Cluster, Container, and Code
• ✓Understand cloud provider and infrastructure security considerations for Kubernetes
• ✓Secure Kubernetes cluster components: the API server, etcd, kubelet, and controller manager
• ✓Apply authentication and authorization mechanisms: RBAC, service accounts, and admission controllers
• ✓Configure Kubernetes network policies to control pod-to-pod traffic
• ✓Identify common Kubernetes attack vectors and apply the Kubernetes threat model
• ✓Recognize supply chain security risks across the container image lifecycle
• ✓Understand policy engines (e.g., OPA/Gatekeeper) and runtime security concepts
• ✓Apply container and image security practices: scanning, signing, and minimal base images
• ✓Understand relevant compliance and security frameworks applicable to cloud native environments