LINUX CKS PDF Exam Questions 2025

What is the Linux CKS exam, and what will you learn from it?

The CKS (Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist) Exam is an advanced certification offered by the Linux Foundation. It is designed for IT professionals who already understand Kubernetes administration and now want to specialize in securing containerized applications and Kubernetes environments.

This certification validates your skills in securing container supply chains, managing Kubernetes clusters with strong security controls, detecting vulnerabilities, and applying best security practices across cloud-native infrastructures.

By earning the CKS certification, you demonstrate your ability to secure end-to-end Kubernetes deployments, making you highly valuable in DevSecOps, cloud security, and Kubernetes administration roles.

To prepare effectively, it is essential to practice with the best exam questions from Cert Empire, which help you understand exam patterns and reinforce your hands-on security skills.

Exam Snapshot

Prerequisites before taking the Linux CKS exam

The CKS exam is not for beginners. To take this exam, you must:

• Hold a valid CKA (Certified Kubernetes Administrator) certification.
• Have strong experience working with Kubernetes clusters.
• Understand container security, network policies, and Linux system hardening.
• Be familiar with DevSecOps workflows and security scanning tools.
• Be comfortable with hands-on labs and Linux command-line security tasks.

These prerequisites ensure you have the foundational skills required for advanced Kubernetes security work.

Main objectives and domains you will study for Linux CKS

The CKS exam focuses entirely on securing Kubernetes environments. The main domains include:

1. Cluster Setup and Hardening
2. System Hardening
3. Minimizing Microservice Vulnerabilities
4. Supply Chain Security
5. Monitoring, Logging, and Runtime Security

Topics to cover in each Linux CKS exam domain

• Cluster Setup and Hardening: Secure kube-apiserver, RBAC tightening, API access restrictions, network policy enforcement.
• System Hardening: Securing node OS, kernel module restrictions, sandboxing, and sysctl configurations.
• Minimizing Microservice Vulnerabilities: Pod security, container runtime security, image scanning, context restrictions.
• Supply Chain Security: Secure image pipelines, signing images, protecting registries, verifying image integrity.
• Monitoring, Logging, and Runtime Security: Audit logs, Falco rules, runtime detection, intrusion alerts, incident response basics.

Changes in the latest version of Linux CKS

The 2025 version of the CKS exam includes:

• Updated Kubernetes versions (K8s 1.30+).
• Enhanced coverage of Pod Security Standards (PSS).
• Revised tasks for container runtime security with modern runtimes.
• Stronger focus on supply chain security and image integrity.
• Expanded monitoring and runtime threat detection exercises.

Register and schedule your Linux CKS exam

You can schedule the CKS exam through the Linux Foundation portal. Since it is an online proctored exam, you can take it from home or office as long as you meet the technical requirements.

Before registering, it’s highly recommended to prepare thoroughly with Cert Empire’s best exam questions, which provide practical, hands-on practice aligned with the exam.

Linux CKS exam cost, and can you get any discounts?

The exam costs $395 USD, and your purchase typically includes:

• One free retake
• One year of exam eligibility

Discount options may be available for:

• Students or academic institutions
• Seasonal Linux Foundation promotions
• Bundles with Kubernetes training programs

Preparing with Cert Empire’s best exam questions can significantly reduce the risk of retakes.

Exam policies you should know before taking Linux CKS

• You must have a valid CKA certification before taking CKS.
• A quiet, private environment is required for remote proctoring.
• No external software, notes, or browser tabs are allowed.
• The exam is strictly hands-on, performed in a live Kubernetes environment.

What can you expect on your Linux CKS exam day?

• You will complete real Kubernetes security tasks on a live cluster.
• You will use kubectl, YAML configurations, and security tools directly
• Tasks may include network policies, pod security, image scanning, and runtime monitoring.
• Practicing with Cert Empire best exam questions helps you become comfortable with real-time Kubernetes environments.

Plan your Linux CKS study schedule effectively with 7 Study Tips

• Tip 1: Spend daily time practicing hands-on Kubernetes security tasks.
• Tip 2: Review Kubernetes documentation for Pod Security Standards, RBAC, and network policies.
• Tip 3: Use Cert Empire’s best exam questions to simulate real exam tasks.
• Tip 4: Practice securing container images and scanning them for vulnerabilities.
• Tip 5: Build and tear down Kubernetes clusters repeatedly for practice.
• Tip 6: Learn to secure registries, pipelines, and image supply chains.
• Tip 7: Practice with Falco, audit logs, and runtime threat detection tools.

Best study resources you can use to prepare for Linux CKS

• Linux Foundation official CKS curriculum
• Kubernetes documentation and security guides
• Hands-on labs in personal clusters or cloud environments
• Cert Empire’s curated best exam questions for realistic and practical preparation

Career opportunities you can explore after earning Linux CKS

• Kubernetes Security Specialist
• DevSecOps Engineer
• Cloud Security Engineer
• Kubernetes Administrator (Advanced)
• Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) with security specialization

This certification demonstrates advanced skills that significantly boost your employability.

Certifications to go for after completing Linux CKS

After CKS, you can continue advancing with:

• LFCE (Linux Foundation Certified Engineer)
• Security-focused certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CISSP
• Cloud security certifications like AWS Security Specialty or Azure Security Engineer

How does Linux CKS compare to other beginner-level cloud certifications?

The CKS exam is far more technical and advanced than beginner cloud certifications such as AZ-900 or AWS Cloud Practitioner. Those certifications focus on cloud concepts, while CKS focuses on securing real Kubernetes clusters.

For professionals who want deep expertise in Kubernetes security, the CKS certification is one of the most respected credentials available.

Using Cert Empire’s best exam questions ensures you build the hands-on skills required to pass this challenging exam with confidence.