CNCF launches new certification for cloud native engineers

The Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) has expanded its certification offerings with the launch of the Certified Cloud Native Platform Engineer (CNPE) credential.

Launched at KubeCon + CloudNativeCon North America in Atlanta, Georgia, the program is set to target professionals working with enterprise-scale internal developer platforms. According to the foundation, the new certification aims to formalise advanced expertise in architecting, operating, and securing cloud-native infrastructure for large organisations.

The CNCF also announced an upcoming Certified Kubernetes Network Engineer (CKNE) training program, which will become available in 2026 as an intermediate-level credential focused on Kubernetes networking and cloud native platform integration. The new certifications follow the success of CNCF's Kubestronaut program, which has recognised more than 2,500 participants in over 100 countries since 2024. 

Exam structure

The CNPE exam is a two-hour, performance-based test that sits above the foundation-level Certified Cloud Native Platform Associate (CNPA). It assesses proficiency across five domains: Platform Architecture and Infrastructure, GitOps and Continuous Delivery, Platform APIs and Self-Service Capabilities, Observability and Operations, and Security and Policy Enforcement. 

"Platform engineering teams are quickly becoming the backbone of organizations looking to scale modern infrastructure, and with CNPE, we're defining what excellence looks like at the open source and enterprise level by providing a career advantage to individuals," said Chris Aniszczyk, Chief Technology Officer at CNCF. "This launch sets a global standard for the skills needed to design and operate secure and scalable platforms that empower teams and accelerate innovation."

Kubestronaut initiative

The Kubestronaut initiative recognises those who complete CNCF Kubernetes certifications, reinforcing the value of continuous learning in a rapidly evolving tech industry.

Those who also achieve the Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator credential are designated as Golden Kubestronauts, demonstrating what CNCF describes as deep technical mastery across the cloud native domain.

Since the initiative's launch at last year's KubeCon + CloudNativeCon in North America, the program has seen nearly 30 per cent of these Golden Kubestronauts originate from Asia, reflecting the global reach and growing interest in cloud-native skills. Additionally, India is the top-ranked country for Kubestronauts, with 180 individuals achieving recognition. North America has also produced 31 Golden Kubestronauts.

Christophe Sauthier, Cloud Native Training and Certification Lead at CNCF, commented on the importance of certifications for career growth and organisational investment.

"We've seen firsthand how certifications like the Kubestronaut program have helped technologists grow their careers and organizations deepen their cloud native investment. The CNPE credential addresses the next phase of growth for platform teams, enabling them to lead with confidence and consistency," said Sauthier

The CKNE, slated for release in 2026, targets practitioners seeking to validate their skills in designing and managing networking for Kubernetes-based environments. The exam's content will reflect community-defined standards rather than proprietary solutions.

Image courtesy of CNCF. From left: CNCF's Executive Director Jonathan Bryce and CTO Chris Aniszczyk