CKA Tips Kubernetes 1.30

CKA Tips for Kubernetes 1.30

In this section, we’ll provide some tips on how to handle the CKA exam and browser terminal effectively.

Knowledge

Study all topics as proposed in the curriculum until you feel comfortable with them.

General

• Do 1 or 2 test sessions with the CKA Simulator. Understand the solutions and try out different ways to achieve the same goals.
• Set up your aliases, be fast, and make sure you’re familiar with kubectl.
• Most tasks in the CKA will involve creating Kubernetes resources, similar to the CKAD. Preparing for the CKAD can be beneficial.
• Practice the in-browser scenarios on Killercoda. Also, consider using Killercoda for CKAD.
• Imagine and create your own scenarios to solve.

Components

• Understand Kubernetes components and how to troubleshoot clusters: Debug Cluster.
• Know advanced scheduling concepts: Kube-Scheduler.
• When fixing a component (e.g., kubelet) in one cluster, check how it’s set up on another node or cluster. You can copy config files if needed.
• Consider exploring Kubernetes The Hard Way, but it’s not necessary for CKA preparation.
• Install your own cluster using kubeadm (one control plane, one worker) in a VM or cloud provider, and investigate the components.
• Know how to use kubeadm to add nodes to a cluster.
• Know how to create Ingress resources.
• Know how to snapshot/restore ETCD from another machine.

CKA Preparation

• Read the Curriculum.
• Read the Handbook.
• Read the Important Tips.
• Read the FAQ.

Kubernetes Documentation

Get familiar with the Kubernetes documentation and learn how to use the search function. Allowed links are:

• Kubernetes Docs
• Kubernetes Blog
• Helm Docs

The Test Environment / Browser Terminal

• You’ll use a browser terminal on Ubuntu 20 with standard shells like bash.
• Lagging: Ensure a strong internet connection as your webcam and screen will be uploading constantly.
• Kubectl Autocompletion and Commands: Autocompletion, k alias, yq, jq, tmux, curl, wget, and man are available.
• Copy & Paste: There could be issues copying text from the task information into the terminal. Press Cmd/Ctrl+C a few times to ensure it works.
• Score: The exam consists of 15-20 questions. Results are checked automatically, and you can request a review if needed.
• Notepad & Skipping Questions: Use the notepad to store skipped question numbers.
• Contexts: Be comfortable working in different namespaces with kubectl.

PSI Bridge

• The exam is taken using the PSI Secure Browser, which can be downloaded using the latest versions of Edge, Safari, Chrome, or Firefox.
• Multiple monitors and personal bookmarks are no longer permitted.
• The ExamUI includes a remote desktop with the necessary tools and a timer with alerts at 30, 15, and 5 minutes remaining.

Browser Terminal Setup

Consider spending ~1 minute at the beginning to set up your terminal. Most questions will be done from the main terminal, but be aware that configurations won’t transfer when SSHing into another machine.

Minimal Setup

Alias: The k alias for kubectl is already configured. If not, set it up using this link.

Vim: The following settings are pre-configured in ~/.vimrc, but it’s good to know them:

Optional Setup

Fast Dry-Run Output:

Fast Pod Delete:

Alias Namespace: Define an alias for setting the default namespace:

Be Fast

• Use the history command or Ctrl + r for faster command reuse.
• If a command takes time, use Ctrl + z to background it, and fg to bring it back.
• Delete pods quickly with:

Vim Tips

• Toggle line numbers with :set number or :set nonumber.
• Copy/paste/cut lines with Vim commands:

Indent multiple lines with:

Then mark lines with Shift + v, and indent with > or <. Repeat with ..

Split Terminal Screen

Use tmux to split your terminal into multiple panes. Just be cautious, as scrolling and copy/pasting may behave differently.

Learn more: A Quick and Easy Guide to tmux.