Docker is one of the leading container technologies that is sought by professionals. This technology has become a center of attention and the reason why thousands of candidates aim to gain its credential badge. A certification acts as a pillar to support and uplift your skills and abilities. However, preparation for this exam might be a stumbling block for you. You might be confused to decide whether this credential is right for you to take or not. If yes, then this blog contains substantial answers that are appropriate for all your queries. It has been prepared to give you a complete overview of the Docker Certified Associate (DCA) exam. You will get a precise idea about everything, including the DCA exam details, course outline, cost, benefits, preparation tips, and difficulty level.
Things You Must Know About Docker Certified Associate Exam
The Docker DCA exam tests the ability of a candidate to run, configure and maintain the platform. The exam has 42 discrete option multiple choice (DOCM) and 13 multiple-choice questions. Candidates can take the exam remotely on Windows or Mac computers. The exam is only available in English.
Principal Cost to Earn Docker Certified Associate Exam
The cost of the exam is dependent on a few factors like the exam registration cost, dumps cost and the study course. Price of the Docker Certified Associate (DCA) Certification exam is USD 195 or €200. The voucher for registration is available online. If you have to take the learning course and the practice sessions, this will add to the cost of your exam.
Course Topics that are Covered in Docker Certified Associate Exam
Orchestration (25% of exam)
- Complete the setup of a swarm mode cluster, with managers and worker nodes
- Describe and demonstrate how to extend the instructions to run individual containers into running services under swarm.
- Describe the importance of quorum in a swarm cluster.
- Describe the difference between running a container and running a service.
- Interpret the output of “docker inspect” commands.
- Convert an application deployment into a stack file using a YAML compose file with “docker stack deploy”
- Manipulate a running stack of services.
- Describe and demonstrate orchestration activities.
- Increase the number of replicas.
- Add networks, publish ports.
- Mount volumes.
- Describe and demonstrate how to run replicated and global services.
- Apply node labels to demonstrate placement of tasks.
- Describe and demonstrate how to use templates with “docker service create”.
- Identify the steps needed to troubleshoot a service not deploying.
- Describe how a Dockerized application communicates with legacy systems.
- Describe how to deploy containerized workloads as Kubernetes pods and deployments.
- Describe how to provide configuration to Kubernetes pods using configMaps and secrets.
Image Creation, Management, and Registry (20% of exam)
- Describe the use of Dockerfile.
- Describe options, such as add, copy, volumes, expose, entry point.
- Identify and display the main parts of a Dockerfile.
- Describe and demonstrate how to create an efficient image via a Dockerfile.
- Describe and demonstrate how to use CLI commands to manage images, such as list, delete, prune, rmi.
- Describe and demonstrate how to inspect images and report specific attributes using filter and format
- Describe and demonstrate how to tag an image.
- Describe and demonstrate how to apply a file to create a Docker image.
- Describe and demonstrate how to display layers of a Docker image
- Describe and demonstrate how to modify an image to a single layer.
- Describe and demonstrate registry functions.
- Deploy a registry.
- Log into a registry.
- Utilize search in a registry.
- Push an image to a registry.
- Sign an image in a registry.
- Pull and delete images from a registry.
Installation and Configuration (15% of exam)
- Describe sizing requirements for installation.
- Describe and demonstrate the setup of repo, selection of a storage driver, and installation of the Docker engine on multiple platforms.
- Describe and demonstrate configuration of logging drivers (splunk, journald, etc.).
- Describe and demonstrate how to set up swarm, configure managers, add nodes, and set up the backup schedule.
- Describe and demonstrate how to create and manage user and teams.
- Describe and demonstrate how to configure the Docker daemon to start on boot.
- Describe and demonstrate how to use certificate-based client-server authentication to ensure a Docker daemon has the rights to access images on a registry.
- Describe the use of namespaces, cgroups, and certificate configuration.
- Describe and interpret errors to troubleshoot installation issues without assistance.
- Describe and demonstrate the steps to deploy the Docker engine, UCP, and DTR on AWS and on-premises in an HA configuration.
- Describe and demonstrate how to configure backups for UCP and DTR.
Networking (15% of exam)
Content may include the following:
- Describe the Container Network Model and how it interfaces with the Docker engine and network and IPAM drivers.
- Describe the different types and use cases for the built-in network drivers.
- Describe the types of traffic that flow between the Docker engine, registry and UCP controllers.
- Describe and demonstrate how to create a Docker bridge network for developers to use for their containers.
- Describe and demonstrate how to publish a port so that an application is accessible externally.
- Identify which IP and port a container is externally accessible on.
- Compare and contrast “host” and “ingress” publishing modes.
- Describe and demonstrate how to configure Docker to use external DNS.
- Describe and demonstrate how to use Docker to load balance HTTP/HTTPs traffic to an application (Configure L7 load balancing with Docker EE).
- Understand and describe the types of traffic that flow between the Docker engine, registry, and UCP controllers
- Describe and demonstrate how to deploy a service on a Docker overlay network.
- Describe and demonstrate how to troubleshoot container and engine logs to resolve connectivity issues between containers.
- Describe how to route traffic to Kubernetes pods using ClusterIP and NodePort services.
- Describe the Kubertnetes’ container network model.
Security (15% of exam)
- Describe security administration and tasks.
- Describe the process of signing an image.
- Describe default engine security.
- Describe swarm default security.
- Describe MTLS.
- Describe identity roles.
- Compare and contrast UCP workers and managers.
- Describe the process for using external certificates with UCP and DTR.
- Describe and demonstrate that an image passes a security scan.
- Describe and demonstrate how to enable Docker Content Trust.
- Describe and demonstrate how to configure RBAC with UCP.
- Describe and demonstrate how to integrate UCP with LDAP/AD.
- Describe and demonstrate how to create UCP client bundles.
Storage and Volumes (10% of exam)
- Identify the correct graph drivers to use with various operating systems.
- Describe and demonstrate how to configure devicemapper.
- Compare and contrast objects and block storage and when they should be used.
- Describe how an application is composed of layers and where these layers reside on the filesystem.
- Describe the use of volumes used with Docker for persistent storage.
- Identify the steps to take to clean up unused images on a filesystem and DTR.
- Describe and demonstrate how storage can be used across cluster nodes.
- Describe how to provision persistent storage to a Kubernetes pod using persistent volumes.
- Describe the relationship between container storage interface drivers, storageClass, persistentVolumeClaim, and volume objects in Kubernetes.
Read more: How Hard is Docker Certified Associate Exam
Is the Docker Certified Associate Exam Hard to Crack?
The Docker Associate Certification exam is generally not hard to crack. The major reason is that there is plenty of preparation material and study courses available for the preparation of Docker. Moreover, the Docker Associate exam is associate level, so if you have obtained the basic knowledge to run the Docker platform, you can easily crack the course. Experiences from other candidates is useful to get an idea of what kind of questions are expected in the exam and what is their level of difficulty. Hence, you can
Course Preparation Steps and Resources That Lead To Docker Certification
One gets really confused about which resources are reliable to use for the preparation of the Docker Associate certification exam. The ultimate goal is to pass the exam, so authentic and reliable material is required. The following are the steps and courses required to ace the preparation.
- Study The Official Exam Guide
An exam guide is extremely important to get an idea about the details of the exam and its study components. No doubt that the online material is useful to get an idea of the exam but the official study guide has all the relevant and authentic information.
2. Learn From A Reliable Exam Course
Docker courses are taught by a number of training providers. The following are some of the famous ones used by the students:
- Docker Tailored Bootcamp
It is the official exam course that is offered to provide the students with the most relevant and explanatory lectures. You need to register to take the exam course.
- Udemy Course
Udemy offers a Docker Certified Associate (DCA) course, which is 19.5 hours long. It contains 239 lectures for $29.99.
https://www.udemy.com/course/docker-certified-associate/
- Simplilearn Course
Simplilearn provides the lectures for Docker course preparation. The course has 5 hours of lectures together with the tasks and projects.
https://www.simplilearn.com/docker-certified-associate-dca-certification-training-course
3. Practice The Exam Concepts
Practice of the concepts help you to secure good scores. Many braindumps sites are available on the internet that provide the reliable exam dumps to furnish your concepts.
4. Revise, Repeat, Revise
Revision is the key to success for any IT exam. Revision is important for proper exam prep and helps you to attempt the exam questions with confidence.
Docker Certified Associate (DCA) Certification-Registration Guide
Once you have prepared for the exam, you will register for the exam. The registration process of the Docker Certified Associate exam is easy and instant. You have to register for the exam at least 15 minutes before the exam. Moreover, you can also reschedule the exam any time before the exam starts. The exam is available for 15 minutes after the scheduled time so you have to start your exam within this time. The proctor joins and connects you with the exam link.
You need to follow the rules and regulations for taking the exam. The room must be free from any distractions. Any notes or exam material is not allowed. No one except you must be present in the room. Your exam ID is verified. If all the exam conditions are met, then you are allotted the exam link. Meanwhile, when you take the exam, the invigilator will proctor your exam. The exam results are delivered immediately. If you pass the exam successfully, you will receive the Docker badge.
Career Prospects of Docker Certified Associate Certification
The benefits and perks might grab your attention before taking the Docker Certified Associate. Hence, in this section, we will light upon the advantages that can help you decide whether it’s worth taking or not! By getting the Docker Certified Associate certification, you will get the opportunity to:
- Obtain a digital certificate to prove your skills
- Earn a high salary which is up to $184,022 per annum.
- Freely use the Docker Certified Associate Logo
- Get a verified status to showcase the Docker certification to your employer
- Become eligible to be a part of Docker network on various platforms
- Participate in the certified-only groups
Read more: Is the Docker Certified Associate Worth it
Final Decision
Earning the Docker Certified Associate (DCA) certification is a testament to your proficiency in Docker containerization. Following this roadmap will not only equip you with the necessary skills but also instill the confidence to excel in the exam. No doubt, the perks and benefits of gaining the docker associate certification are great, but it is important to note that only 40% of the candidates are able to pass the exam. However, the passing percentage has risen this year due to the vast availability of the exam preparation material. Moreover, DCA certification opens up new ways to professional and expert certifications. So if you want to build a strong basis, this exam is a good go for you.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How hard is the Docker Certified Associate (DCA) exam?
The DCA exam is easy if you have carried out proper study material. Secondly, if you have prior knowledge and experience of working with Docker, you can prepare in less time.
Is it important to have prior knowledge to take the DCA exam?
No prior knowledge is required. However, if you have 6-8 months of experience working with Docker technology, you will find the exam much more appropriate to gain and showcase your skill badge.
How long does it take to prepare for the Docker-certified associate exam?
It would take about 3-4 weeks to complete the preparation. Prep time depends on the prior experience and the working knowledge of the candidate. If you are new to the technology, it may take you a few months to prepare.
Is the Docker Certified Associate (DCA) exam online?
Yes, the Docker Certified Associate (DCA) exam is online. You can take the exam at your home or office.