Kubestronaut FAQ

How do I become eligible to become a Kubestronaut?

To become a Kubestronaut, you need to pass all Kubernetes-related certifications: CKA, CKAD, CKS, KCNA, and KCSA. All certifications must be current/active (i.e., in good standing, not expired).

If I don’t have all 5 exams but I have something else (e.g. KCNA, KCSA, PCA, CKA…or any other combination of CNCF exams) am I eligible to become a Kubestronaut?

No. To become a Kubestronaut and get the jacket, you need to have all 5 Kubernetes-related certifications and all must be active certifications. You will have to pass the missing exams to become a Kubestronaut.

Do all 5 certifications need to be active at the same time? (e.g. my CKA expired last year – I now have an active CKAD/CKS and KCNA).

Yes, all 5 certifications need to be active at the same time.

Do the 5 certifications have to be achieved during a certain period, or does the list include all eligible candidates since the certifications were launched?

No. The only condition is to have all certifications active, regardless of when they were passed.

As a Kubestronaut, what happens if one of my certifications expires?

You will still be a Kubestronaut until the end of the year. Here is how we are managing the expiration :

• The Kubestronaut title is valid until the end of the year in which their first of the 5 certifications expires.
• Every October, the CNCF sends an expiration reminder to all Kubestronauts whose status expired earlier in the year, and to those whose status will expire before the end of the year.
• Kubestronauts who fail to renew their expired certification before the end of the year will lose their title and all associated benefits.
• Existing Kubestronauts will receive their new voucher certifications in January of each year their status is maintained.

How often will jackets be distributed? How soon after I achieve my fifth certification should I expect to receive my jacket?

Once you successfully pass your 5th certification, a CNCF Staff member will contact you within 30 days to discuss the shipping and size selection of the jacket. The jacket will be distributed to you within 15 days.

How will jackets be distributed, and who will manage the distribution?

The CNCF staff will make the distribution. CNCF will take care of the shipping details but won’t be able to pay any extra customs fees. If you expect to face such fees, please mention that to the CNCF staff member who will contact you when you successfully pass the 5th certification.

If I have a question about this promotion OR if I’ve received my jacket and I have a problem (wrong size, etc.), who do I contact?

Please send an email to training@cncf.io.

What if I don’t want a jacket? Can I get something else?

No. The CNCF Recognition Program will only distribute the exclusive jacket to recognize Kubestronauts.

If I lose my status as a Kubestronaut but then regain it at a later point, do I get another jacket, vouchers and other benefits?

As a former Kubestronaut who requalifies, you will once again enjoy the same benefits as all other Kubestronauts, with the exception of the jacket, since a Kubestronaut can only receive one single Kubestronaut jacket during their lifetime.