Kubernetes has become a cornerstone of modern DevOps and cloud infrastructure.
As of 2025, almost every organization adopting cloud or containerization is using Kubernetes for orchestration. The Cloud Native Computing Foundation reports that around 96% of organizations are either using or evaluating Kubernetes.
For DevOps Engineers, this means Kubernetes expertise is no longer optional; it’s essential for deploying and managing scalable applications.
The good news is that there are plenty of Kubernetes training programs and courses available online to help you build this skill.
From beginner courses that teach you the basics of containers and pods, to advanced certification prep classes, these programs cater to all levels.
In this article, we highlight the best Kubernetes training programs for DevOps engineers in 2025. You’ll find recommendations for beginners just getting started with Kubernetes, as well as advanced courses to prepare for certifications like CKA (Certified Kubernetes Administrator).
We’ll also provide tips on what to look for in a Kubernetes course and how to make the most of your training.
Whether you’re aiming to be a Kubernetes expert or just need to understand it for a DevOps role, this guide will point you to the right learning path – with a spotlight on top providers like Refonte Learning that are leading the way in Kubernetes education.
Kubernetes: A Must-Have Skill for DevOps Engineers in 2025
In 2025, Kubernetes (or K8s) continues to dominate the container orchestration landscape. Here’s why Kubernetes skills are critically important for DevOps professionals:
Industry Adoption: Kubernetes is the de facto standard for running containerized applications at scale. Companies of all sizes, from startups to tech giants, use it in production. As mentioned, up to 96% of organizations are using or exploring Kubernetes, which means any DevOps engineer is likely to encounter it. Knowing Kubernetes allows you to work on modern cloud-native projects without missing a beat.
Efficient Management of Microservices: Modern applications are frequently broken into microservices, each running in containers. Kubernetes provides the automation to deploy, scale, and manage these containers across clusters of servers. For a DevOps engineer, this means you can ensure applications are highly available and can handle increases in load seamlessly. Without K8s skills, managing such systems can be extremely labor-intensive.
Ecosystem and Tooling: Kubernetes has a rich ecosystem (Helm for packaging, Argo CD for GitOps deployments, etc.). DevOps roles often extend to implementing CI/CD pipelines that deploy to Kubernetes, setting up monitoring for clusters, and more. Thus, Kubernetes knowledge goes hand-in-hand with other DevOps tasks. Many CI/CD tools (Jenkins, GitLab CI, etc.) have special integrations or operators for Kubernetes, and understanding K8s lets you leverage those capabilities fully.
Career Opportunities and Salary: There’s a high demand for DevOps engineers who can demonstrate Kubernetes expertise. Employers globally are actively looking for talent that can modernize their infrastructure using K8s. As a result, roles requiring Kubernetes often command higher salaries due to the specialized skill. Obtaining Kubernetes certifications or having hands-on experience can significantly boost your resume. Refonte Learning has integrated Kubernetes modules in their DevOps programs to meet this demand, underlining how essential it has become.
Future-Proofing Your Skills: Kubernetes is part of a broader movement towards cloud-native architecture. Even if some new tool replaces or augments Kubernetes in the future, the concepts you learn (declarative infrastructure, container orchestration, etc.) will carry over. By mastering Kubernetes now, you’re building a foundation for understanding the next generation of infrastructure tools as well.
In summary, Kubernetes is a must-have skill because it empowers DevOps engineers to deploy and maintain applications with high efficiency and reliability. Now, before diving into specific courses, let’s consider what makes a Kubernetes training program effective.
What to Look for in a Kubernetes Training Program
With so many Kubernetes courses and certifications available, it’s important to choose one that fits your needs and ensures you gain practical competence. Here are key factors to consider when evaluating Kubernetes training programs:
1. Comprehensive Curriculum
A good course should start with container basics (since Kubernetes builds on containers) and then cover all core concepts: pods, services, deployments, replica sets, scaling, networking (Services & Ingress), storage (Volumes), and security basics.
Advanced programs should also include topics like monitoring (using tools like Prometheus), logging, and perhaps service meshes. Make sure the course description outlines these.
For example, Refonte Learning’s DevOps Program includes a Kubernetes curriculum that touches on everything from containerization to deploying a full stack application on K8s – ensuring nothing critical is missed.
2.Hands-On Labs
Kubernetes is best learned by doing. Look for training that provides hands-on labs or exercises where you actually deploy containers to a Kubernetes cluster.
This could be via an in-browser lab environment, setting up Minikube on your own computer, or using cloud trial accounts for AWS EKS/Azure AKS.
Courses that include capstone projects (like “deploy a microservice app to a Kubernetes cluster with auto-scaling”) will give you confidence in applying skills on the job.
3. Up-to-Date with Latest K8s Version
Kubernetes releases frequent updates (minor versions every few months). A top course in 2025 should cover recent features and use current best practices (for instance, the deprecation of Docker shim in Kubernetes, or new objects like EndpointSlices).
Check if the course is updated for the latest Kubernetes version. Refonte Learning and official CNCF courses typically update content regularly to keep pace with changes.
4. Certification Preparation
If getting certified is your goal, ensure the program aligns with that. The two main certifications are CKA (Certified Kubernetes Administrator) and CKAD (Certified Kubernetes Application Developer), with CKS (Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist) as an advanced option.
The best Kubernetes certification courses explicitly map their modules to the exam objectives and include practice questions or exam simulations.
Even if you’re not set on certification, courses designed for these exams tend to be thorough and outcome-focused.
5. Integration with DevOps Tools
Kubernetes doesn’t exist in a vacuum. The ideal training will show how K8s works with CI/CD pipelines and cloud platforms.
For instance, deploying to Kubernetes using Jenkins or GitHub Actions, or using Terraform to provision clusters. A well-rounded DevOps engineer should understand how Kubernetes fits into the broader automation pipeline.
Some courses, such as those by Refonte Learning, emphasize this integration – teaching Kubernetes alongside CI/CD, cloud infrastructure, and monitoring tools.
6. Support and Community
Learning Kubernetes can be challenging when errors arise (and they will!). Having access to instructor support, forums, or a community chat can greatly help.
Check if the provider offers Q&A support (Coursera forums, Udemy Q&A, Refonte’s mentor support, etc.). Being able to ask “my pod is CrashLooping, what did I do wrong?” and getting guidance will accelerate your learning and prevent frustration.
7. Flexibility (Online/Offline, Self-paced)
Since you might be learning alongside a job, consider the format. Self-paced online courses give the most flexibility.
Some people, however, prefer live instructors – there are live online bootcamps for Kubernetes as well. Decide what fits your schedule and learning style.
Self-paced platforms (Coursera, A Cloud Guru, etc.) let you pause and practice at your own rate. Instructor-led can offer real-time help but often on a fixed schedule.
By evaluating a Kubernetes course with these criteria, you’ll find one that not only teaches you theory but also enables you to apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios. Now, let’s move on to specific recommended courses and programs at different levels of expertise.
Best Kubernetes Courses for Beginners
New to Kubernetes? Start with courses that introduce fundamental concepts gently and provide a lot of guidance. Here are some of the best beginner-friendly Kubernetes courses for DevOps engineers:
Introduction to Kubernetes (CNCF/Linux Foundation)
Format: Online (self-paced), ~2–3 hours. This free course is offered by the Cloud Native Computing Foundation on platforms like edX. It’s a high-level introduction aimed at absolute beginners.
You’ll learn what containers and Kubernetes are, key components of Kubernetes architecture, and basic kubectl commands.
Pricing: Free (optional certificate for a fee).
Why it’s great: It’s created by the maintainers of Kubernetes, so information is accurate and up-to-date. While it won’t make you an expert, it lays the groundwork nicely and is short enough to complete in an afternoon. Many learners use this as a first step before diving into longer courses.
Kubernetes for Absolute Beginners – Hands-On (Udemy)
Format: Online video course, ~8 hours. Taught by Mumshad Mannambeth (a well-known Kubernetes instructor), this Udemy course is extremely popular globally. It assumes you know nothing about Kubernetes.
It starts with Docker container basics and moves into Kubernetes concepts like pods, deployments, and services, all with step-by-step labs.
Pricing: ~$15 (Udemy discount pricing).
Certificate: Yes, Udemy certificate of completion.
Highlights: The hands-on approach is the biggest draw – you use a pre-configured lab environment (KodeKloud) to practice commands in real time as you follow along. By the end, you deploy a simple app to a Kubernetes cluster yourself. This course is highly accessible and practical for beginners.
Refonte Learning DevOps Program – Kubernetes Module
Format: Part of a 3-month online program. Within the Refonte Learning DevOps Engineering program, there is a dedicated module for containerization and Kubernetes fundamentals.
This module is beginner-friendly: it introduces Docker first, then covers Kubernetes concepts progressively (from basic pod creation to deploying a multi-container application).
Why include it: If you prefer a more structured pathway, Refonte’s program integrates Kubernetes training as part of a broader DevOps curriculum. Beginners benefit from seeing how Kubernetes is used in context with CI/CD pipelines and cloud infrastructure. You also get mentor support to help with any setup issues.
Outcome: By completing the Kubernetes module, along with others, you’ll not only understand K8s basics but also how to incorporate it into complete DevOps workflows – a perspective standalone courses may not provide.
Getting Started with Google Kubernetes Engine (Coursera)
Format: Online, ~6 hours. Offered by Google Cloud on Coursera, this course introduces Kubernetes through Google’s Kubernetes Engine (GKE). It covers Kubernetes basics in the context of deploying to GCP.
Pricing: Free to audit; certificate with Coursera subscription.
Why it’s useful for beginners: The integration with a real cloud platform (GCP) gives you a taste of deploying Kubernetes in a production-like environment early on. You’ll learn to create clusters, deploy pods, and scale on GKE.
Even if you’re not planning to use Google Cloud, the Kubernetes concepts you pick up apply anywhere. It’s a gentle introduction with the comfort of a managed service (GKE handles a lot of the heavy lifting).
These courses will get you comfortable with Kubernetes terminology and basic operations. After completing a beginner course or two, you should be able to create a simple Kubernetes cluster, deploy an application, and understand what terms like “pod” and “service” mean. From there, you can move on to more advanced topics and certifications.
Certification-Focused Kubernetes Training (Intermediate to Advanced)
Ready to become a Kubernetes pro and maybe get certified? The following programs are geared towards intermediate and advanced learners. They delve deeper into Kubernetes and often align with certification paths, making them some of the best Kubernetes certification courses and training programs available:
Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) Official Training (Linux Foundation)
Format: Online or instructor-led, ~35-40 hours. The Linux Foundation offers an official course often titled “Kubernetes Fundamentals” or “Kubernetes Administration” which is directly aligned to the CKA exam.
Content: It covers all exam domains: Kubernetes architecture, installation (setting up clusters), workloads and scheduling (deployments, jobs, etc.), services and networking (cluster IPs, ingress controllers), storage, and troubleshooting.
Pricing: Typically around $300–$500 (often includes a voucher for one CKA exam attempt).
Why it’s top-notch: This course is created by experts and is kept in sync with the latest Kubernetes version. For a DevOps engineer aiming for CKA, it ensures you hit every topic needed. Plus, the package usually comes with hands-on labs and access to a sandbox environment. Earning the CKA certification after this training proves you can handle Kubernetes cluster management in a real-world scenario.
Mumshad Mannambeth’s CKA and CKAD Courses (KodeKloud/Udemy)
Format: Online self-paced, ~15 hours each. Mumshad’s courses for CKA (Administrator) and CKAD (Developer) are widely acclaimed in the Kubernetes community. They are available on Udemy and also via KodeKloud (his own platform that provides an integrated lab setup).
Content: These courses not only teach you the exam topics but also provide a huge number of practice problems and mock exams. You get access to an environment where tasks are auto-graded, which is excellent for exam prep.
Pricing: ~$20 on Udemy (each course), or subscription on KodeKloud.
Value: Many learners credit these courses for their success in passing Kubernetes certifications. They break down complex tasks (like setting up cluster networking policies or debugging failing pods) into clear steps and give you repetition to build confidence. Even if you don’t take the exam, by the end you’ll be quite advanced in Kubernetes operations.
Architecting with Kubernetes Engine (Google Coursera Specialization)
Format: Multi-course Specialization on Coursera, intermediate level. This is a series of courses by Google Cloud that goes beyond the basics into running Kubernetes in production (on Google’s platform, but concepts are transferable).
It includes topics like Kubernetes security, logging and monitoring with Stackdriver (now Cloud Operations), and best practices for GKE.
Length: Several weeks of content (5 courses in the series).
Pricing: Coursera subscription (~$49/month) until you finish.
Ideal for: Those who want a deep dive into using Kubernetes in a cloud environment. It’s not a direct cert prep for CKA, but it covers a lot of real-world scenarios. By completing it, you also earn a Coursera specialization certificate which is a nice credential. This can be a stepping stone to advanced knowledge, especially if you might work with GCP or want to understand managed Kubernetes services in depth.
Refonte Learning DevOps Engineering Program – Advanced Kubernetes & Cloud
As part of the advanced segments of Refonte Learning’s program, students undertake complex projects involving Kubernetes.
While not a separate course titled “Kubernetes Advanced,” the program’s later phases require deploying a full application stack on a cloud-based Kubernetes cluster, integrating CI/CD pipelines for automated deployment, and implementing monitoring.
Why it’s beneficial: If you came through the beginner module, this is where you solidify and expand your knowledge. You’ll handle challenges like scaling an app across multiple Kubernetes nodes, dealing with config maps/secrets, and perhaps use advanced tools like Helm for deployment.
By the end, you will not only be ready for certifications like CKA, but you’ll also have real deployment experience that you can discuss in job interviews. Refonte’s emphasis on tying everything together (DevOps + Kubernetes + Cloud) gives a holistic skill set that pure-play Kubernetes courses may not.
Pluralsight/A Cloud Guru Kubernetes Learning Paths
Format: Online subscription-based learning path. Platforms like Pluralsight and A Cloud Guru offer curated paths consisting of many bite-sized courses and labs.
For instance, Pluralsight has a “Kubernetes Administration” path which goes from basic to advanced topics, including courses on Kubernetes networking, troubleshooting, and even specific Kubernetes distributions (like OpenShift).
Pricing: Subscription (Pluralsight ~$29/month, A Cloud Guru similar).
Pros: You can pick and choose topics where you need more depth. These platforms also often include hands-on lab playgrounds.
For example, A Cloud Guru’s acquisition of KodeKloud means some of the lab content might overlap with what we mentioned earlier. If you enjoy structured guidance but want the freedom to explore beyond one course, a learning path is ideal.
It’s also constantly updated as new courses are added, so you can keep learning new Kubernetes ecosystem tools under the same subscription.
With these intermediate and advanced trainings, you can aim for true Kubernetes mastery. Many DevOps engineers will combine resources: perhaps do an official course or a Udemy course, then supplement with practice labs or a learning path to cover any gaps.
The end goal is to be comfortable handling any Kubernetes scenario – from setting up a cluster, to deploying complex apps, to troubleshooting and tuning the environment. Achieving a certification like CKA or CKAD along the way is a strong validation of those skills.
Tips for Succeeding with Kubernetes in Your DevOps Role
Learning Kubernetes is a significant accomplishment, but applying it effectively in your career is the real test. Here are some actionable tips to help you make the most of your Kubernetes training and succeed as a DevOps engineer:
Practice on a Real Cluster: Don’t let your knowledge remain theoretical. Set up a real Kubernetes environment to solidify your skills. You can use Minikube or Kind to run a cluster locally on your machine, or utilize free tiers on cloud providers (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure all offer free Kubernetes cluster options for limited workloads). Try deploying a personal project or a sample microservice app. Break things on purpose and fix them – for example, purposely misconfigure a deployment and then troubleshoot why the pods won’t start. This kind of hands-on experimentation is where your understanding will really click.
Get Certified to Validate Skills: If you haven’t already, consider getting a Kubernetes certification like CKA or CKAD once you have some experience. The certification process will force you to cover any areas you might have missed in self-study. It’s also a great resume booster. Many employers see CKA as proof that you can handle cluster administration under pressure (the exam is hands-on and timed). Use the momentum from your courses – for instance, if you completed a KodeKloud or Refonte Learning Kubernetes course, schedule your exam while the knowledge is fresh and keep practicing until exam day.
Stay Updated with Kubernetes Releases: Kubernetes is a fast-evolving project. New features, deprecations, and improvements come with each release (which happen about 3 times a year for major versions). Make it a habit to read the release notes or summaries from sources like Kubernetes Blog or tech blogs. For example, features like sidecar containers or changes in how Ingress works might affect how you design solutions. Refonte Learning often updates our material in line with these releases – take advantage of updated lessons or webinars. Staying current ensures you’re using Kubernetes efficiently and you can introduce modern best practices at work.
Explore the Ecosystem (Helm, Istio, etc.): Kubernetes is powerful on its own, but real-world use often involves additional tools: Helm for package management of K8s applications, Istio/Linkerd for service mesh to manage traffic between services, Argo CD or Flux for GitOps continuous delivery, etc. As you become comfortable with core Kubernetes, start exploring one or two of these tools. They will enhance what you can do on Kubernetes and make you even more valuable as a DevOps engineer. For instance, knowing Helm allows you to deploy complex applications like databases or monitoring stacks with one command, and service mesh knowledge is crucial if your company adopts a microservices architecture requiring traffic management.
Implement Kubernetes at Work (Start Small): If your current team isn’t using Kubernetes yet, you could pioneer a small project to introduce it. Perhaps containerize a minor application and use a Kubernetes cluster to host it as a pilot. Demonstrating a proof-of-concept can convince stakeholders of K8s benefits (like easier scaling or deployment). If your workplace already uses Kubernetes, volunteer to improve the setup. Maybe you can enhance the CI/CD pipeline to deploy to the cluster or set up better monitoring for it. Showing initiative in applying your Kubernetes skills will not only improve your company’s infrastructure but also get you noticed for leadership roles.
Engage with the Kubernetes Community: Much like DevOps culture, the Kubernetes community is very active and open. Join the Kubernetes Slack (a community Slack with many channels for support), attend local Kubernetes/Cloud Native meetups or virtual conferences (KubeCon is the big one every year). By engaging, you’ll learn from others’ experiences and you can ask for advice on architectural decisions. Contributing to open-source projects, even small contributions to Kubernetes documentation or helping answer questions on forums, can deepen your mastery. It also plugs you into a network of professionals – which can be helpful for career growth down the line.
By following these tips, you’ll transition from just learning Kubernetes to living Kubernetes in your daily work. The more you apply and extend your skills, the more confident and proficient you will become. Kubernetes has a learning curve, but with determination and the right approach, you can climb to the top and leverage it to drive significant value in your projects and career.
Conclusion
Kubernetes is undeniably one of the most impactful technologies for DevOps engineers in 2025. Learning Kubernetes skills opens doors to managing scalable, resilient infrastructure and makes you a key player in any cloud or DevOps team.
By choosing one of the best Kubernetes training programs recommended above and actively engaging in hands-on practice, you can go from a beginner to a seasoned Kubernetes pro.
Remember to take advantage of Refonte Learning’s comprehensive DevOps Engineering program – it can fast-track your learning with structured curriculum and support.
Finally, as you learn, keep the bigger picture in mind: Kubernetes is a tool to enable agile, continuous delivery of software. Combined with CI/CD pipelines and a DevOps mindset, your Kubernetes expertise will help your team deliver value faster and more reliably.
So invest in your Kubernetes education, stay curious with new developments, and you’ll be well-equipped to thrive in the evolving world of DevOps.
FAQs About Kubernetes Training Program 2025
Q: Do DevOps engineers really need Kubernetes skills?
A: Yes. While not every DevOps role explicitly uses Kubernetes, a vast majority do or will in the near future. Kubernetes has become the standard for deploying containerized applications, which is a core part of modern DevOps. Even if your current company isn’t using Kubernetes yet, having the skill makes you much more versatile and future-proof. It enables you to work on cloud-native projects, helps in implementing scalable CI/CD pipelines (by providing a consistent deployment platform), and is often key to working with microservices architectures. In short, Kubernetes knowledge greatly expands the scope of what you can build and manage as a DevOps engineer.Q: What is the best Kubernetes certification for DevOps professionals?
A: The Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) is generally considered the most valuable Kubernetes certification for DevOps engineers. It proves you can handle cluster operations and troubleshooting, which are critical for running production environments. If your role is more focused on application development/deployment on Kubernetes, the Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD) is also very useful. Many DevOps folks eventually obtain both CKA and CKAD. For those interested in security, the CKS (Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist) is a good advanced cert after CKA. Each of these is offered by the Linux Foundation and CNCF. They carry weight in the industry, showing that you have hands-on skills (since the exams are practical). Depending on your focus, you can choose one to start with (CKA is a common first choice for a broad Ops role in K8s).Q: How difficult is it to learn Kubernetes?
A: Kubernetes has a reputation for being complex, and it’s true that there’s a learning curve. At first, all the new terminology (pods, nodes, deployments, services, ingress, etc.) can feel overwhelming. However, with the right approach it’s very learnable. Many have compared learning Kubernetes to when they first learned Linux or AWS – it seems complicated until the pieces start to fit together. If you already understand containers (Docker) and basic DevOps concepts, you have a head start. A structured course or training program helps a lot, as it introduces concepts in a logical order. Expect to spend a few weeks on the basics and a few months to get really comfortable. The difficulty also depends on depth: learning to deploy a simple app on Kubernetes is moderately easy, but mastering multi-node production cluster management is more involved. The good news is, thousands of engineers have learned it from scratch using the courses we discussed – so it’s definitely achievable with persistence and practice.Q: Can I learn Kubernetes without prior cloud or container experience?
A: Yes, you can start from scratch, but be prepared to learn some foundational technologies alongside Kubernetes. Since Kubernetes builds on containers, you’ll need to learn Docker basics (most beginner K8s courses include a primer on Docker). You don’t need deep cloud platform knowledge to start Kubernetes, especially if you use local tools like Minikube. However, as you progress, understanding cloud infrastructure (servers, networking, storage) becomes important because Kubernetes often runs in cloud environments. Many beginners tackle Kubernetes as their entry into the cloud-native world – they learn a bit of Linux, a bit of Docker, and Kubernetes all together. It’s a steep learning curve, but integrated training programs (for example, Refonte Learning’s program or a well-structured Udemy course) are designed to bring newcomers up to speed by covering those prerequisites. In summary, you can learn Kubernetes as a newbie, just make sure the course you choose doesn’t assume too much prior knowledge and be ready to do additional reading on basic DevOps concepts when needed.Q: Are there free Kubernetes courses or resources available?
A: Absolutely. The Kubernetes community is very open, and there are numerous free resources:
– Official Documentation: The Kubernetes docs are thorough and include tutorials for beginners (like deploying a simple app). It’s free and maintained with each Kubernetes release.
– Free Online Courses: As mentioned, “Introduction to Kubernetes” by CNCF (edX) is free. Additionally, Kubernetes tutorials on YouTube (search for “Kubernetes basics” or channels like Kubernetes’ official channel) are a great starting point. Some instructors offer free crash courses on their blogs or YouTube.
– KubeAcademy: This is a free education site by VMware that offers video lessons on Kubernetes at various levels, all free after sign-up.
– Community Support: Forums like Stack Overflow or the Kubernetes Slack have channels where you can ask questions for free help.
While free resources can teach you a lot, they may not always be as structured as paid courses. Many learners use free materials to supplement their learning. For a comprehensive path, a paid course (like those from Refonte Learning, Coursera, Udemy, etc.) can provide a roadmap and labs, and then you use free resources for extra practice or clarification. It all depends on your learning style and budget. The key is that cost shouldn’t be a barrier—if you’re motivated, you can learn Kubernetes without spending much, by leveraging the rich array of free content out there.