Certified Kubernetes Network Engineer (CKNE) exam price, length, validity and renewal
CNCF · Specialty · CKNE · 120 min · 15 to 20 tasks · valid 2 yearsBeta
Exam facts
Checked Sep 25, 2026 on CNCF's page| Length | 120 min |
|---|---|
| Questions | 15 to 20 tasks |
| Format | Performance-based tasks in a Linux remote desktop (terminal and web interfaces), online proctored |
| Valid for | 2 years |
| Renewal | Retake and pass the exam before the certification expires; the renewed certification stays current for 2 more years from the date you pass. |
| Prerequisites | None (CKA-level Kubernetes administration skills assumed) |
| Level | Specialty (CNCF calls it Intermediate) |
| Delivery | Online proctored (PSI Bridge secure browser) |
| Languages | English |
| Status | BetaThe beta is closed; the official page says to sign up to be notified when CKNE is available for purchase and scheduling |
| Source | training.linuxfoundation.org/certification/certified-kubernetes-network-engineer-ckne/Last checked Sep 25, 2026 |
Changes
Other CNCF exams
CNCF programKubernetes and cloud native exams from other vendors
Track| Exam | Price | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specialty | - | 180 min | 3 years | |
| Specialty | - | 240 min | 3 years | |
| Specialty | - | 180 min | 3 years | |
| Specialty | - | 240 min | 3 years | |
| Specialty | - | 240 min | 3 years | |
| Professional | - | 180 min | 3 years | |
| Professional | - | - | 3 years | |
| Professional | $200 | 90 min | - |
About this exam
Validates hands-on skill in Kubernetes networking, security and troubleshooting for platform engineers, network engineers and SREs.
What the official page says
- Duration: "Candidates have 2 hours to complete the CKNE Exam."
- Questions: "The exams consist of 15-20 performance-based tasks."
- Validity: "CKNE Certification is valid for 2 years."
Certifications are valid for 2 years and are renewed by retaking and passing the exam before the expiration date, which extends them 2 years from the new pass date.
Each exam purchase includes one free retake, which must be taken within 12 months of the original purchase; SINGLE-attempt purchases and no-shows get no retake.
CNCF policy