---
title: "Discussion on \"CKA vs CKAD: Which Kubernetes Certification Should You Take First?\" | Hashnode"
description: "Discussion on \"CKA vs CKAD: Which Kubernetes Certification Should You Take First?\". One of the most common questions I receive from Kubernetes learners is:\n\n“Should I start with CKA or CKAD?”\n\nIt’s a fair question.\nBoth certifications are highly respected within the Kubernetes ecosys"
url: "https://hashnode.com/posts/cka-vs-ckad-which-kubernetes-certification-should-you-take-first/6a35ebe3bc68ac72a44f18bf"
---

[Feed](https://hashnode.com/feed) /

Discussion

# [CKA vs CKAD: Which Kubernetes Certification Should You Take First?](https://shahzadahmad.dev/cka-vs-ckad-which-kubernetes-certification-should-you-take-first?utm_source=hashnode&utm_medium=feed)

One of the most common questions I receive from Kubernetes learners is: “Should I start with CKA or CKAD?” It’s a fair question. Both certifications are highly respected within the Kubernetes ecosys

Jun 20 · 5 min read · shahzadahmad.dev  
Updated Jun 21  
Read the article

-   [#cka](https://hashnode.com/tag/cka)
-   [#ckad](https://hashnode.com/tag/ckad)
-   [#cka-exam](https://hashnode.com/tag/cka-exam)
-   [#ckad-exam](https://hashnode.com/tag/ckad-exam)
-   [#kubernetes](https://hashnode.com/tag/kubernetes)
-   [#kubernetes-setup](https://hashnode.com/tag/kubernetes-setup)
-   [#kubernetes-architecture](https://hashnode.com/tag/kubernetes-architecture)
-   [#compare](https://hashnode.com/tag/compare)
-   [#journey-into-tech](https://hashnode.com/tag/journey-into-tech)
-   [#kubectl](https://hashnode.com/tag/kubectl)
-   [#kubestronaut](https://hashnode.com/tag/kubestronaut)
-   [#golden-kubestronaut](https://hashnode.com/tag/golden-kubestronaut)

## Written by

[Shahzad Ali Ahmad](https://hashnode.com/@shahzadahmad)

@shahzadahmad · Pune, India

  
[View profile](https://hashnode.com/@shahzadahmad)

Senior DevOps Engineer | Kubernetes | Cloud Native | CNCF Certifications | Kubestronaut Journey

Senior DevOps Engineer with 9+ years of experience across networking, infrastructure, cloud operations, and DevOps. I write about Kubernetes, CNCF certifications, cloud-native technologies, platform engineering, automation, and lessons learned from real-world projects. Currently documenting my journey toward becoming a Kubestronaut while sharing practical insights, study strategies, and hands-on experiences with the Kubernetes ecosystem.

## Responses

Markdown supported · ⌘↵ to post

No responses yet.