By Quick answer: CKA or Terraform Associate: which should I choose in 2027?
- Choose CKA — you run containers and platforms.
- Choose Terraform Associate — you provision cloud infrastructure.
- Verdict — Many platform engineers hold both.
- Before you pay — take a free practice test.
Key takeaways
- Choose CKA if you run containers and platforms.
- Choose Terraform Associate if you provision cloud infrastructure.
- Check job posts in your target market before deciding.
CKA and Terraform Associate are often compared, but they suit different people. Here's a side-by-side comparison and a clear way to choose.
The options at a glance
Ranked for this reader. Costs and formats come from each issuer's own page, checked on 3 November 2026; prices change, so confirm before you book.
| # | Certification | Cost | Time | Prove it free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)Linux Foundation / CNCF | $4451 | 2-hour hands-on, performance-based exam | Free test |
| 2 | HashiCorp Certified: Terraform AssociateHashiCorp | Check the official page2 | Check issuer | Free test |
| 3 | AWS Certified Solutions Architect – AssociateAmazon Web Services | $1503 | 130 minutes, 65 questions | Free test |
| 4 | Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104)Microsoft | Exam priced by country4 | 100 minutes; renew free every 12 months | Free test |
Prove it free before you pay for an exam
Take the free test first. Pay for an exam only when you pass.
Every pick above has a matching free practice test on Science of Apps, one of the world's largest libraries of free certification tests (1,200+). Check your level before you pay for an exam, or add a verifiable credential to LinkedIn while you study. (Disclosure: we publish these tests; the certifications above earn us nothing.)
- Kubernetes CKA & CKAD Practice ExamPractise for Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) before you pay.Start free test →
- Terraform Associate Practice ExamPractise for HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate before you pay.Start free test →
- AWS Solutions Architect Associate Practice ExamPractise for AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate before you pay.Start free test →
- Azure Administrator AZ-104 Practice TestPractise for Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) before you pay.Start free test →
Each option, and who should choose it
- Linux FoundationCertified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)Containers$445
- HashiCorpHashiCorp Certified: Terraform AssociateInfrastructure as codeCheck the official page
- AWSAWS Certified Solutions Architect – AssociateCloud foundation$150
Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)
- Cost
- $4451
- Format
- 2-hour hands-on, performance-based exam
$445; hands-on. The Linux Foundation's Certified Kubernetes Administrator is a two-hour, performance-based exam taken in a live cluster. It costs $445 including one free retake and is respected because it tests real hands-on skill.
Best forcontainers
HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate
- Cost
- Check the official page2
Terraform; multi-cloud. HashiCorp's associate exam proves infrastructure-as-code skills with Terraform, which works across AWS, Azure and Google Cloud. It suits DevOps and cloud engineers; check HashiCorp's page for the current fee.
Best forinfrastructure as code
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
- Cost
- $1503
- Format
- 130 minutes, 65 questions
$150. AWS's associate exam tests designing secure, resilient, high-performing and cost-aware systems on AWS. It's 130 minutes with 65 questions and costs $150, and it's the cloud credential most often named in job posts.
Best forcloud foundation
Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104)
- Cost
- Exam priced by country4
- Format
- 100 minutes; renew free every 12 months
Azure admin. Microsoft's associate exam proves you can manage Azure identity, storage, compute and networking. It's 100 minutes, priced by country, and renews free online every 12 months, which keeps long-term cost low.
Best forcloud foundation
CKA vs Terraform Associate side by side
| CKA | Terraform Associate | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Running Kubernetes clusters | Provisioning infrastructure |
| Format | Hands-on, live cluster | Multiple choice (see HashiCorp) |
| Cost | $445 with a free retake | See HashiCorp |
| Best for | Platform and SRE roles | DevOps and cloud engineers |
Table: CKA vs Terraform Associate
How to choose
- Choose CKA — you run containers and platforms.
- Choose Terraform Associate — you provision cloud infrastructure.
- Still unsure — search job posts in your city for each name.
How we ranked these picks
We compared both options on cost, format, prerequisites and fit using official pages, checked 3 November 2026. Science of Apps has no commercial relationship with either issuer.
Frequently asked questions
Which is harder?
CKA, because it's hands-on.
Which first?
Terraform if you manage infrastructure; CKA if you run containers.
Do I need a cloud exam first?
It helps.
Can I hold both?
Yes; common for platform engineers.
Is there a free practice test for both?
Yes. Science of Apps offers free practice tests for both, instantly graded with a verifiable certificate.
Sources
- Linux Foundation — Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA), official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- HashiCorp — HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Amazon Web Services — AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Microsoft — Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104), official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Checked November 4, 2026. Figures that change — fees, salaries, prices — are reviewed every six months; if something is out of date, tell us.
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