Hello everyone! I’ve finally passed the 12th hurdle, the CNPA (Certified Cloud Native Platform Engineering Associate) exam, on my journey to conquer 15 certifications to become a ‘Golden Kuberstronaut’! π₯³
This exam was not merely about ‘how to use tools’. If the previous 11 certifications were individual components, CNPA was an exam that captured the essence of platform engineering, asking “How can we build a factory where developers can work most comfortably?” by assembling those components.
π οΈ “Why, not How”: Breaking through the barrage of 85 questions
π οΈ “Why, not How”: This exam was a much tougher race than expected, with a staggering 85 questions. While previous exams like CKA or CAPA focused on “how to configure this feature?”, CNPA thoroughly explores practical operational methods and architecture through its 85 questions.
- A battle of stamina and concentration: With 85 questions to solve in 120 minutes, there isn’t much time for deliberation. To maintain speed, one must have the ‘essence’ of the platform ingrained, beyond just the technology.
- A feast of situational judgment questions: Strategic questions like “In this business scenario, what platform design should be chosen to reduce developers’ cognitive load?” are continuously presented.
- Rediscovery of familiar tools: Tools previously mastered, such as Kubernetes, Prometheus, Argo, and Backstage, were organically re-examined within the larger framework of ‘platform’, making the expertise from 11 previous certifications a great asset.
π Essential “4 White Papers” Guide for Conquering CNPA
The greatest help in preparing for this exam came from the official CNCF white papers and standard models. To develop ‘platform thinking’ beyond technical implementation skills, be sure to refer to the guides I’ve compiled below! π₯
- Defining and Establishing the Value of a Platform π
- Complete Analysis of the CNCF Platforms White Paper
- This lays the theoretical foundation for why a platform should be a ‘product’ and what experience it should provide to internal customers, i.e., developers.
- Assessing Our Team’s Maturity ποΈ
- Platform Engineering Maturity Model Guide
- Understanding the organization’s growth path from ad-hoc (L1) to optimized (L4) stages, based on invested capital and technical level, was crucial for solving exam questions.
- Proving Performance with Numbers π
- The 4 North Stars of DevOps Success: A Complete Guide to DORA Metrics
- DORA metrics, which measure how much deployment frequency has increased and lead time has decreased after platform adoption, are key indicators for proving the value of a platform team and are featured in the exam.
- Maximizing User Experience (UX) π¨
- How to Read User Minds with Data: The HEART Framework
- This helps with a strategic approach to quantifying and improving developer experience (DevEx).
π‘ CNPA Exam Success Tips: Don’t Miss These!
- ‘Perspective’ over Tools: It’s more important ‘how to build a self-service environment’ using Backstage or ArgoCD than ‘how to install’ them.
- Reducing Cognitive Load: The answer to every problem boils down to “How can application developers focus solely on code without worrying about infrastructure?”
- Thoroughly Read White Papers is Essential: Clearly understand the key keywords (Golden Path, IDP, Platform as a Product, etc.) from the white papers mentioned above.
β¨ Concluding: 12 out of 15 Completed, Only 3 Steps Left!
With this CNPA pass, I’ve now achieved 12 certifications. I’ve crossed the 80% mark of the entire journey! ποΈ
As a working dad and a multi-jobber, finding time to study can sometimes be tough, but the thrill of seeing technology pieces come together to form the big picture of a ‘platform’ is irreplaceable. I will continue to run tirelessly towards the remaining 3 certifications.
Please cheer me on for my next, 13th challenge! If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments, and I’ll answer them anytime. Thank you! π
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