Docker container as a notion of modernization has changed the aspect of software conveyance. When you are planning to learn about cloud computing you need to keep in mind the topics and important things that are covered in the course. In addition, one such popular and reliable certification is of Docker, formerly known as Docker Certified Associate. Furthermore, in terms of job prospects and earnings, a certification leads to a rampant increment in both. Furthermore, nearly 70% of individuals acknowledge that certification has enhanced their earnings, and 84% have witnessed improved job prospects after becoming certified. Now, let’s delve into learning more about the exam.
About Docker Certified Associate
The IT sector has a high demand for the Docker Certified Associate examination. Docker skills are valuable, and the Docker Certified Associate (DCA) exam validates this expertise with real-world questions crafted by experienced Docker practitioners. The skills and knowledge assessed in this exam are derived from an understanding of the tasks performed by existing Docker users.
The exam validates the skills and knowledge of IT professionals in the use of Docker technologies. The DCA certification is designed to test the understanding of Docker fundamentals, including the Docker platform, installation, and configuration, as well as image creation, management, and registry.
The Docker Certified Associate exam covers the following topics:
- Docker architecture and components: This includes an understanding of Docker engines, images, containers, networks, and volumes.
- Installation and configuration: The exam tests the candidate’s ability to install and configure the Docker engine, create and manage Docker networks, and configure Docker volumes.
- Image creation, management, and registry: The exam covers the creation and management of Docker images, as well as the use of a Docker registry for image distribution and collaboration.
- Networking and security: The exam tests the candidate’s knowledge of Docker networking, including the creation of custom networks and the use of network plugins. It also covers Docker security, including security best practices and the use of security-related tools and features.
Skills Required:
The Docker Certified Associate (DCA) exam tests the following skills:
- Understanding of Docker architecture and components: Candidates are tested on their understanding of the Docker engine, images, containers, networks, and volumes.
- Installation and configuration: Candidates are tested on their ability to install and configure the Docker engine, create and manage Docker networks, and configure Docker volumes.
- Image creation, management, and registry: Candidates are tested on their knowledge of creating and managing Docker images, as well as their ability to use a Docker registry for image distribution and collaboration.
- Networking and security: Candidates are tested on their understanding of Docker networking, including the creation of custom networks and the use of network plugins. They are also tested on their knowledge of Docker security, including security best practices and the use of security-related tools and features.
- Containerization and orchestration: Candidates are tested on their ability to create and manage containers, as well as their understanding of container orchestration and management tools, such as Docker Compose and Kubernetes.
Exam Format
The Docker Certified Associate exam consists of 55 questions to be completed within 90 minutes, so effective time management is crucial. It’s advised not to exceed 1 minute and 30 seconds per question, considering the total number is 60. If you finish the exam in 60 minutes on average, you’ll have 30 minutes for reviewing and double-checking your answers.
The test also contains a variety of question categories, such as case studies, short answers, multiple-choice, mark reviews, etc. You can finish the case study questions first as there are several sorts of questions. Thus, they take the longest to complete. You can go on to short responses after that, then multiple-choice questions. You will have to pay USD $195 or EUR €175 for this exam if you purchase it online. The best feature is that you can see the test results right away.
Exam Policies
Retake/Cancellation:
Examinations may be postponed or canceled 48 hours prior to the original appointment time. Exam payments will be lost if you don’t cancel or reschedule within this window of time.
If you fail a Docker Certification test, you are permitted to repeat it with the following restrictions:
- You must wait 14 days after your failed exam to retake it.
- Every time you take a test, you must pay the exam fee.
Identification Requirements (during the exam):
A valid form of identification must be presented: One form of identification must be a VALID government-issued ID with your signature, full legal name, and photo on it (such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport). There could be a need for a second type of identification. Any identification, if requested, should bear your signature and complete legal name.
The name on the registration form and your Examination Eligibility Form must match all forms of identification you present. You will not be allowed to take the exam at that time if you do not present ALL necessary identification at the time of the test. This is regarded as a missed appointment. You will lose your exam money in this situation.
No-show policy:
Up to 15 minutes before the start of your session, you may begin your exam. Your exam MUST begin no later than 15 minutes after the time of your planned appointment. The system will classify you as a No-Show and you won’t be allowed to take your test if you don’t start your exam within 15 minutes of your planned appointment time.
Course Outline
It is very important to know the possible domains and topics which the exam covers. Further, these are the objectives one must cover and learn in order to successfully pass the exam.
Domain 1: Orchestration: 25%
- Complete the setup of a swarm mode cluster, with managers and worker nodes
- State the differences between running a container vs running a service
- Demonstrate steps to lock a swarm cluster
- Extend the instructions to run individual containers into running services under swarm
- 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
- Increase number of replicas
- Illustrate running a replicated vs global service
- Mount volumes
- Add networks, publish ports
- Identify the steps needed to troubleshoot a service not deploying
- Apply node labels to demonstrate placement of tasks
- Sketch how a Dockerized application communicates with legacy systems
- Paraphrase the importance of quorum in a swarm cluster
- Demonstrate the usage of templates with “docker service create”
Domain 2: Image Creation, Management, and Registry: 20%
- Describe Dockerfile options(add, copy, volumes, expose, entrypoint, etc)
- Show the main parts of a Dockerfile
- Give examples on how to create an efficient image via a Dockerfile
- Use CLI commands such as list, delete, prune, rmi, etc to manage images
- Inspect images and report specific attributes using filter and format
- Demonstrate tagging an image
- Utilize a registry to store an image
- Display layers of a Docker image
- Apply a file to create a Docker image
- Modify an image to a single layer
- Describe how image layers work
- Deploy a registry (not architect)
- Configure a registry
- Log into a registry
- Utilize search in a registry
- Tag an image
- Push an image to a registry
- Sign an image in a registry
- Pull an image from a registry
- Describe how image deletion works
- Delete an image from a registry
Domain 3: Installation and Configuration: 15%
- Demonstrate the ability to upgrade the Docker engine
- Complete setup of repo, select a storage driver, and complete installation of Docker engine on multiple platforms
- Configure logging drivers (splunk, journald, etc)
- Setup swarm, configure managers, add nodes, and setup backup schedule
- Create and manager user and teams
- Interpret errors to troubleshoot installation issues without assistance
- Outline the sizing requirements prior to installation
- Understand namespaces, cgroups, and configuration of certificates
- Use certificate-based client-server authentication to ensure a Docker daemon has the rights to access images on a registry
- Consistently repeat steps to deploy Docker engine, UCP, and DTR on AWS and on premises in an HA config 1, 2, 3
- Complete configuration of backups for UCP and DTR
- Configure the Docker daemon to start on boot
Domain 4: Networking: 15%
- Create a Docker bridge network for a developer to use for their containers
- Troubleshoot container and engine logs to understand a connectivity issue between containers
- Publish a port so that an application is accessible externally
- Identify which IP and port a container is externally accessible on
- Describe the different types and use cases for the built-in network drivers
- Understand the Container Network Model and how it interfaces with the Docker engine and network and IPAM drivers
- Configure Docker to use external DNS
- 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
- Deploy a service on a Docker overlay network
- Describe the difference between “host” and “ingress” port publishing mode (Host, Ingress)
Domain 5: Security: 15%
- Describe the process of signing an image
- Demonstrate that an image passes a security scan
- Enable Docker Content Trust
- Configure RBAC in UCP
- Integrate UCP with LDAP/AD
- Demonstrate creation of UCP client bundles
Domain 6: Storage and Volumes: 10%
- State which graph driver should be used on which OS
- Demonstrate how to configure devicemapper
- Compare object storage to block storage, and explain which one is preferable when available
- Summarize how an application is composed of layers and where those layers reside on the filesystem
- Describe how volumes are used with Docker for persistent storage
- Identify the steps you would take to clean up unused images on a filesystem, also on DTR
- Demonstrate how storage can be used across cluster nodes
- Identity roles
- Describe the difference between UCP workers and managers
- Describe process to use external certificates with UCP and DTR (UCP from cli, from GUI, print the public certificates), DTR)
How to schedule the exam?
Since you have already scrolled down here. The next important step post knowing about the examination is to register for it. Let’s learn the simple ways to get you registered:
- Firstly, go to the official website of the Docker Certified Associate examination.
- Click on Schedule now
- Furthermore, create an account and follow the prompt.
- Last but not the least, complete the registeration by making the payment.
Preparation resources for Docker Certified Associate
Adhering to this preparation guide will assist you in comprehending and mastering the objectives of each exam. We offer top-notch learning resources to help you succeed in the exam. Furthermore, we will provide a detailed description to guide you in your exam preparation. Let’s get started:
Online Tutorials
Online Tutorials enriches your understanding and deepens your knowledge of exam concepts. These lessons provide extensive exam-related material, along with new advice and strategies to enhance your performance. Learning through online tutorials strengthens your preparation, better equipping you for the test.
Exam Tips:
Here are some tips to help prepare for the Docker Certified Associate (DCA) exam:
- Familiarize yourself with the exam objectives: The Docker Certified Associate exam covers a wide range of topics related to Docker and containerization. Make sure you understand the exam objectives and the specific skills that will be tested.
- Gain hands-on experience with Docker: The best way to prepare for the DCA exam is to gain hands-on experience with Docker and its various components. Experiment with creating and managing containers, images, networks, and volumes, and become familiar with the Docker command line.
- Use online resources: Numerous online resources, such as courses, tutorials, and practice exams, are accessible to aid in DCA exam preparation. Make use of these resources to strengthen your grasp of Docker and become acquainted with the exam’s format and style.
- Read the official Docker documentation: The official Docker documentation is a wealth of information and is essential for anyone preparing for the DCA exam. Make sure you have a solid understanding of the Docker platform, including its architecture, components, and features.
- Join the Docker community: Joining the Docker community can be a great way to connect with other Docker users and to stay up-to-date on the latest Docker developments. Furthermore, participating in online forums, attending meetups, and following Docker experts on social media can be a great way to learn more about Docker and to network with others in the Docker community.
- Practice, practice, practice: Practice is essential, and it holds true for the DCA exam as well. Utilize practice exams and hands-on exercises to solidify your understanding of Docker and build confidence in your abilities.
Expert Corner
Examining the exam objectives is vital as you begin your preparation journey. This step offers you a thorough comprehension of the various subjects and skills you need to acquire. Additionally, the exam objectives play a key role in enhancing your understanding of the modules and their respective subtopics.
Also, there are many books available, and you should join the community to meet others who share your interests. As well, you have the option of choosing the Docker training courses. On every exam, Docker provides training sessions. The training programs for a certain test comprise all of the exam’s details, including its description, intended audience, manner of delivery, duration, etc.
Here, you can get free sample papers to help you excel in the examination. Moreover, these free practice exam papers will give you a real-time examination feel. Therefore, start preparing now!
