CNCF / Linux Foundation · Professional Certification · Associate
Kubernetes and Cloud Native Security Associate (KCSA)
Crydd Score 63
Demand Growing
Career Value Strong
Recognition Strong
KCSA at a glance
- Provider
- CNCF / Linux Foundation
- Credential type
- Professional Certification
- Exam required
- Yes
- Category
- DevOps & Platform
- Level
- Associate
- Cost
- $250 (includes one free retake)
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Time to earn
- 1–3 months
- Validity
- 2 years
- Format
- Multiple-choice, online proctored, 60 minutes
- Prerequisites
- None; KCNA-level Kubernetes familiarity recommended
What is KCSA?
An associate-level, multiple-choice credential covering cloud-native and Kubernetes security fundamentals — the threat model, hardening basics, and supply-chain concerns — as a knowledge entry point below the hands-on CKS.
Skills it covers
- Cloud-native security fundamentals
- Kubernetes threat model
- Cluster hardening
- Supply-chain security
Is KCSA worth it? The Crydd Verdict
CS 63Choose it if
You are moving into platform or security work around Kubernetes and want a foundational security credential that prepares the ground for the demanding, hands-on CKS later.
Consider alternatives if
You already operate clusters and need to prove real remediation skill — the CKS is the performance-based credential employers weigh more heavily for security roles.
Why we say so
Cloud-native security is a fast-growing concern as Kubernetes adoption matures, and a vendor-neutral CNCF associate credential is a credible, affordable way to signal grounding in it.
Market demand
As Kubernetes estates mature, security-of-platform skills are increasingly requested; KCSA is a recognised associate signal that ladders toward the hands-on CKS.
Where KCSA takes you
- Platform Engineer
- DevOps Engineer
- Cybersecurity Analyst
Career roadmaps show where this certification fits in each path. See the roadmaps.
Related certifications
Curated connections from the catalog — each labelled with how it relates to KCSA, so you know why it’s here.
Careers KCSA leads to
The professional paths this certification genuinely serves — browse every relevant credential for each.
A sensible order
Where KCSA sits on the path — build up, then step on.
