Linux Foundation certifications including LFCA, LFCS, KCNA, KCSA, CKA, CKAD and CKS can currently be taken online. Choose LFCA for foundational Linux/IT knowledge, LFCS for hands-on Linux administration, KCNA for cloud-native foundations, KCSA for foundational security, CKA for Kubernetes administration, CKAD for application development and CKS for advanced Kubernetes security after CKA.
Current exam-only prices are $250 for LFCA, KCNA and KCSA and $445 for LFCS, CKA, CKAD and CKS. Compare official training, certification bundles and current discounts before buying because the lowest exam price is not always the lowest useful preparation route.
Which Online Linux Certification Fits Your Role?
Choose LFCA for foundational Linux/IT knowledge, LFCS for hands-on Linux administration, KCNA for cloud-native foundations, KCSA for foundational cloud-native security, CKA for Kubernetes administration, CKAD for application development and CKS for advanced Kubernetes security after CKA.
Linux and IT foundations
LFCA covers foundational Linux, cloud, security, DevOps and IT concepts in an associate-level online exam.
Explore LFCA online →Linux systems administration
LFCS is aimed at people who want to validate practical Linux system administration skills in an online, performance-based exam.
Explore LFCS online →Kubernetes administration
CKA focuses on operating and troubleshooting Kubernetes clusters in a hands-on command-line exam.
Explore CKA online →Kubernetes application development
CKAD focuses on designing, building, configuring and exposing cloud-native applications on Kubernetes.
Explore CKAD online →Kubernetes security
CKS is the security-specialist route and requires you to have previously passed CKA.
Explore CKS online →Cloud-native foundations
KCNA is a multiple-choice associate credential for foundational Kubernetes and cloud-native knowledge.
Explore KCNA online →Cloud-native security foundations
KCSA is the associate route for foundational Kubernetes and cloud-native security knowledge.
Explore KCSA online →How Much Do the Main Online Linux Certifications Cost?
Current exam-only prices are $250 for LFCA, KCNA and KCSA and $445 for LFCS, CKA, CKAD and CKS. The table below also shows the current exam formats and the guide for each credential.
| Certification | Best fit | Exam-only price* | Format | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LFCA | Linux / IT foundations | $250 | 90-minute online multiple-choice | LFCA guide |
| LFCS | Linux system administrators | $445 | 2-hour online performance-based | LFCS guide |
| CKA | Kubernetes administrators | $445 | 2-hour online performance-based | CKA guide |
| CKAD | Kubernetes application developers | $445 | 2-hour online performance-based | CKAD guide |
| CKS | Kubernetes security specialists | $445 | 2-hour online performance-based | CKS guide |
| KCNA | Cloud-native foundations | $250 | 90-minute online multiple-choice | KCNA guide |
| KCSA | Cloud-native security foundations | $250 | 90-minute online multiple-choice | KCSA guide |
*Current USD list prices checked 7 Sep 2026. Taxes, local pricing and promotions can change.
Should You Buy Exam-Only, Course + Exam or THRIVE-ONE?
Buy exam-only when you already have the skill, a focused course + exam when one aligned course will close the gap, or certification + THRIVE-ONE when you will use the broader annual catalog. Compare the route you will actually use, not just the largest bundle.
Linux Foundation certification pages commonly offer three purchase routes: exam only, a certification bundled with THRIVE-ONE Annual, or a certification bundled with a certification-aligned course. The right route depends on how much structured training you need and whether you will actually use the wider subscription catalog.
Exam only
Best when you already have the skills and mainly need the credential and exam resources.
Compare current costs →Course + exam
Useful when you want one focused, certification-aligned self-paced course plus the exam.
Compare course routes →THRIVE-ONE bundle
Potentially better value when you will use a broader e-learning catalog during the year.
Understand THRIVE bundles →How Do Online Linux Certification Exams Work?
“Online” does not mean casual or unproctored. The major performance-based certifications covered here are delivered remotely and require you to complete practical tasks under exam rules. Associate exams such as KCNA use an online, proctored multiple-choice format.
What Does Linux Certification Online Do - and Not Do?
Linux Certification Online is an independent decision guide. We organize current first-party information around the choices a buyer actually makes: credential, course, cost, bundle, exam format and preparation. We do not sell exams ourselves, publish exam dumps, claim insider access, or imply endorsement by The Linux Foundation or CNCF.
When we link to a commercial Linux Foundation offer, the link may be an affiliate link. That does not change the price you pay and it does not change our editorial obligation to show material drawbacks or alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
Can Linux certifications be taken online?
Yes. The certifications covered on this site are currently offered online. LFCS, CKA, CKAD and CKS are performance-based; LFCA, KCNA and KCSA are multiple-choice. Check the official page before booking because delivery rules can change.
Which online Linux certification should I start with?
Choose by role and current skill level. LFCA fits foundational Linux/IT knowledge; LFCS fits Linux administration; KCNA is foundational cloud-native knowledge; KCSA is foundational cloud-native security; CKA is Kubernetes administration; CKAD is Kubernetes application development; CKS is advanced Kubernetes security and requires a previously passed CKA.
Is LFCE still available?
No. The Linux Foundation states that the LFCE exam was retired on May 1, 2022.
Sources checked
Current certification prices, formats, validity, eligibility, attempts and the main Linux Foundation policy links on this page were rechecked against the first-party sources below on 7 Sep 2026. Recheck the official product or policy page before purchase or exam day because changeable terms can move.
- LFCA certification - Linux Foundation
- LFCS certification - Linux Foundation
- KCNA certification - Linux Foundation
- KCSA certification - Linux Foundation
- CKA certification - Linux Foundation
- CKAD certification - Linux Foundation
- CKS certification - Linux Foundation
- LFCE retired notice - Linux Foundation
Last fact check: 7 Sep 2026