CNCF Introduces CARE Certification Program

By Amber Ankerholz

Previous credentials automatically renew when more advanced certs are passed.

The Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) has introduced the Certification Advancement & Recertification Experience, otherwise known as the CARE Program, as an updated certification approach that recognizes continued learning.

The initiative aims to simplify how professionals maintain their credentials by removing the need to renew each certification independently. Now, advanced certifications will be seen as “an extension of earlier credentials while retaining the high standards of the CNCF certification program.”

For example, according to the blog post:

Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate (KCNA) will automatically renew when a practitioner passes or recertifies Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) or Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD).
Kubernetes and Cloud Native Security Associate (KCSA) certification will automatically renew when a candidate passes or recertifies Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) certification.