KCSA — Kubernetes and Cloud Native Security Associate

CNCF's entry-level Kubernetes and cloud-native security credential. ~90-minute MCQ exam (~60 questions), no prerequisites, free retake included, $250. Covers the 4Cs of cloud-native security (Cloud/Cluster/Container/Code), the Kubernetes threat model, RBAC fundamentals, network policies, Pod Security Standards, compliance frameworks (NIST, CIS, GDPR, PCI-DSS), and cloud-native attack patterns. Pure MCQ — 0% practical weight. Natural entry point before CKS, and part of the CNCF Kubestronaut program (requires CKA + CKAD + CKS + KCNA + KCSA). Strong foundational value for practitioners approaching cloud-native security.

Issuer	Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) / Linux Foundation
Level	beginner
Domains	Cloud Security
Practical weight	0%
Cost (USD)	250
Renewal	2 years
Skills	kubernetes_security_fundamentals, 4cs_cloud_native_security, kubernetes_threat_model, container_security_basics, network_security_basics, compliance_frameworks, cis_benchmarks_awareness, nist_framework_awareness

Official certification page

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