Linux Foundation Certification Discount Codes (CKA, CKS, and more)

Yes. Certification bundles are already priced 7-15% below buying the same certifications one by one at list price, and the code takes another 30% off the bundle price. For example, KCNA, KCSA, CKA, CKAD, and CKS cost $1,835 if you buy each one separately at list price. The Kubestronaut bundle of those five is $1,645, and with the code it comes to $1,151.50, about 37% less than the separate list prices. Calculated the same way, the Golden Kubestronaut bundle of 16 certifications comes to about 40% less. Those savings include the bundle's own discount, and the code itself is still 30% off. Promotions differ in code, discount, and what they cover, so check the banner above during a promotion (Kubestronaut bundle).

You have 12 months from purchase to schedule and take the exam, with two attempts included. That means you can buy during a sale and sit the exam once you are ready (CKA page).

CKA, CKAD, and CKS are valid for 2 years. CKA and CKAD earned before April 1, 2024 are valid for 3 years. You must pass CKA before you can take CKS (exam FAQ).

Yes. Under the Linux Foundation CARE (Certification Advancement & Recertification Experience) program, earning or recertifying a higher-level certification automatically brings the lower-level certifications you earned before back to current, with their expiration dates aligned to the higher one. Since January 1, 2026, CKA or CKAD covers KCNA and CKS covers KCSA, and since June 18, 2026, CKS also covers CKA. So today CKS alone covers up to three: KCSA, CKA, and KCNA through CKA. The Kubestronaut title lasts only until the end of the year in which the first of your five certifications expires, so renewing CKS and CKAD on time keeps the other three from expiring and keeps the title. An expired lower-level certification comes back as current as long as you earned it before, but CARE never grants a certification you have never held. CKA is covered only when CKS is earned or recertified on or after June 18, 2026. If you earned the certifications under different Linux Foundation accounts, this is not automatic: send Linux Foundation Support all the accounts you used and ask them to link them. Automatic updates take a few business days to show up (CARE program, Kubestronaut FAQ).

No. Once you earn Golden Kubestronaut, you keep the title without renewing, and you do not need to pass new CNCF certifications when they are released. Even if your Kubestronaut title expires, the Golden title and most Golden benefits stay. The exception is the THRIVE-ONE subscription, which requires a current Kubestronaut title, and you also lose Kubestronaut benefits such as the yearly 50%-off certification coupons. To keep those, renew CKS and CKAD on time as described above (Kubestronaut FAQ).

An exam can be refunded only within three business days of purchase and before you schedule or take it. Self-paced e-learning courses can be refunded within three days if you have not completed them, and instructor-led training (live classes on a set schedule) needs a request at least 14 days before the class, with a 3% processing fee deducted. Requests go through the training support portal with your LF account. The official policies do not mention refunding the difference if a bigger discount appears after you buy (exam refund policy, payments FAQ).