Linux Foundation Japan | 2026年07月28日 (PDT)
Japanese version: 認定取得者の増加で注目されるCAREプログラム更新版とは — 祝！日本のKubernetes受験数が250%増加、Kubestronautも176人へ
Cloud native talent development in Japan is experiencing rapid growth. One year after the inaugural KubeCon + CloudNativeCon Japan, the number of Kubernetes certification exam takers in Japan has increased by 250%. Furthermore, the number of "Kubestronauts"—professionals who have earned all five CNCF certifications—has reached 176, representing a 179% year-over-year growth.
As a result, more engineers are acquiring multiple certifications, making continuous maintenance and recertification increasingly important. In response to this trend, the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) and Linux Foundation Education have updated the CARE (Certification Advancement & Recertification Experience) program to streamline certification maintenance. This blog post introduces the latest updates to the CARE program and explains how it supports ongoing skill development and certification management.
Moving from Certification Maintenance to Evaluating Continuous Upskilling: The CARE Program Evolves
The CARE Program automatically updates associated certifications whenever a professional achieves or renews a higher-level Kubernetes certification. It aims to reduce the burden of maintaining multiple certifications while appropriately recognizing continuous professional development.
The key feature of this updated version of the CARE program is that earning or renewing the Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) automatically triggers a cascading renewal for three certifications: Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA), Kubernetes and Cloud Native Security Associate (KCSA), and Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate (KCNA). This updated structure reflects a natural career progression from Kubernetes administration to security, fostering an environment where continuous learning and upskilling are properly recognized.
Three Paths of the Updated CARE Program
1. KCNA Path
Target: Current KCNA holders
Condition: Earn or renew CKA or CKAD on or after January 1, 2026
Result: The KCNA certification status is automatically updated to active, and its expiration date is extended to match the higher-level certification.
2. KCSA Path
Target: Current KCSA holders
Condition: Earn or renew CKS on or after January 1, 2026
Result: The KCSA certification status is automatically updated to active, and its expiration date is extended to match the higher-level certification.
3. CKA Path
Target: Current CKA holders
Condition: Earn or renew CKS on or after June 18, 2026
Result: The CKA certification status is automatically updated to active (restoring it even if previously expired), and its expiration date is extended to match the CKS certification.
Each path significantly reduces the administrative burden of maintaining multiple credentials. For engineers aiming to become or remain Kubestronauts, managing certifications is now far simpler, allowing them to minimize the time and cost required for recertification and focus their efforts on mastering advanced skills or pursuing new credentials.
Conclusion
Kubestronauts Jacket Ceremony at Japan Community Day 2026 (Contributed by CNCJ: Cloud Native Community Japan)
At Japan Community Day, hosted by CNCJ on the day before KubeCon + CloudNativeCon Japan, the community celebrated its annual Kubestronauts Jacket Ceremony. This event showcased the dedication and passion of Japanese engineers toward technical excellence.
We hope the updated CARE program will serve as a strong support system for professionals continuing their technical journey, and we look forward to the further growth of Japan's cloud native community.
* Japanese exam questions are available for all certifications except KCSA. Please refer to the Japanese catalog for details.