Docker Certified Associate (DCA) Certification Prep
The Docker Certified Associate (DCA) exam tests real-world Docker skills and serves as a foundational benchmark in a comprehensive certification program. It validates a sought-after skillset for jobs in the container industry.
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Associated Certification
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About this course
Docker technology is widely used in modern software development and deployment, making Docker skills highly valuable in today’s job market. The Docker Certified Associate (DCA) exam is specifically designed to validate these skills, testing candidates on their ability to design, deploy, and manage Docker-based applications and infrastructure.
The Docker Certified Associate (DCA) certification is the first step in Docker’s multi-tiered professional certification program and provides a foundational benchmark for real-world Docker skills in the container industry.
The Docker Certified Associate (DCA) exam questions are created by experienced Docker practitioners to ensure that candidates have the knowledge and expertise required to work with Docker effectively in a professional setting.
Achieving the Docker Certified Associate (DCA) is a clear indication of a candidate’s proficiency with Docker technology and can open up new career opportunities in the field.
Who should attend?
The Docker Certified Associate (DCA) certification is targeted toward IT professionals who work with Docker technology, such as system administrators, DevOps engineers, software developers, and other IT professionals who are involved in designing, deploying, and managing Docker-based applications and infrastructure.
Prerequisites
To sit for the Docker Certified Associate (DCA) exam, there are no formal prerequisites or required courses. However, Docker recommends that candidates have at least six months of experience working with Docker technology before attempting the exam.
Candidates should also have a good understanding of the Docker platform, including containerization concepts, Docker commands and usage, and Dockerfile syntax.
In addition, candidates should be familiar with core Linux concepts, such as system administration, networking, and storage. While not required, it is also beneficial for candidates to have experience working with Docker in a production environment.
By having a solid foundation of Docker knowledge and experience, candidates will be better equipped to pass the Docker Certified Associate (DCA) exam and demonstrate their proficiency with Docker technology.
Course Content
Domain 1: Orchestration
- 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
Domain 2: Image Creation, Management, and Registry
- 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. Page 5
- 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
Domain 3: Installation and Configuration
- 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 setup 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.
Domain 5: Security
- 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 to use external certificates with UCP and DTR.
- Describe and demonstrate that an image passes a security scan. Page 7
- 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.
Domain 6: Storage and Volumes
- Identify the correct graph drivers to uses with various operating systems.
- Describe and demonstrate how to configure devicemapper.
- Compare and contrast object 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 are 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 persistentVolumes.
- Describe the relationship between container storage interface drivers, storageClass, persistentVolumeClaim and volume objects in Kubernetes.
Certification
Benefits
- Recognition for your Docker skills with an official Docker credential
- Digital certificate and use of the Docker Certified Associate logo
- Online verification of Docker Certified Associate (DCA) status by potential employers
- Exclusive access to the Docker Certified professional network on LinkedIn and invites to certified-only events
Exam Details
- 13 multiple choice and 42 discrete option multiple choice (DOMC) questions in 90 minutes
- Designed to validate professionals with a minimum of 6 to 12 months of Docker experience
- Remotely proctored on your Windows or Mac computer
- Available globally in English
- USD $195 or Euro €200 purchased online
- Results delivered immediately
FAQs
Q: What are Docker Certifications?
Docker Certifications validate technical knowledge with an industry-recognized credential. Our certifications recognize technical skills on the Docker platform.
Q: Is there a community edition certification?
While the Docker Certified Associate certification is designed for enterprise practitioners leveraging the Docker Enterprise Edition (EE) platform in production you will find that many of the topics covered in this foundational certification are also applicable to the freely available Docker Community Edition (CE) due to it’s similarity to Docker EE Basic Familiarity with Docker CE is certainly a strong asset and would contribute towards an individual’s success on the exam. You can find more information about exactly what topics are covered on the exam in the Study Guide.
Q: How do I become Certified?
You must earn a passing score via a proctored exam to earn a Docker Certified Associate. Upon receiving a passing score, you will receive your certification credentials.
Q: Do I have to agree to a Certification Program Agreement before taking a Docker Certification Exam?
Yes, you will be presented with the Docker Certified Associate (DCA) Program Agreement before you begin your exam. To review a copy of the program agreement, please click here
Q: Is there a fee for Docker certification exams?
Yes, the registration fee for the Associate Exam is $195 or €200. Payment is good for one exam attempt. Enterprise customers can also purchase exam multi-packs by contacting us.
Q: Does Docker provide discounts for the exam?
Yes, discounts are available when purchasing multi-packs of 10, 25, 50, or 100 exams. Please contact us for more information.
Q: What are the exam & equipment requirements for taking the DCA remotely online?
All equipment is already provided for on-site exam deliveries at official events such as during DockerCon. The following equipment is required for online remotely proctored exams:
–A current version of Microsoft Windows or Mac OS X.
–Google Chrome web browser and the ability to install a Chrome extension.
–A web camera accessible by Google Chrome.
Operating system
–Windows 7 or later
–Mac OS X 10.8 or later
–Unfortunately, Linux is not supported at this time.
Web Browser
–Google Chrome v39 or later
–Mozilla Firefox v34 or later
–Internet Explorer v8 or later
–Microsoft Edge
–Apple Safari v6 or later
Internet connection
–2 Mbps or better for upload and download
–Hot spots are not recommended.
Q: What score is required to pass a Docker Certified Associate exam?
Docker does not publish exam passing scores because exam questions and passing scores are subject to change without notice.
Q: When will I get my exam results?
After completing your exam, you will receive results via score report immediately on the testing screen and have the option to request via an email sent to the email address associated with your Docker ID profile post exam.
Q: How long will my certification be valid?
Your Certification will be valid for 2 years. You will be required to update your certification every two (2) years.
Q: What should I know before I start my exam?
Security Procedures
– The following security procedures will apply during the examination:
–No notes or books will be allowed
–You may not exit the room during the examination.
–Access to all personal items, including, but not limited to, electronic devices (including mobile phones), watches, food and beverages, cameras or other recording equipment, bags, briefcases, purses, and notes will not be allowed during the examination.
–No smoking, eating, or drinking will be allowed during the examination.
–Copying or communicating examination content is a violation of security regulations. Either one may result in the disqualification of examination results and may lead to legal action under copyright Docker.
Identification Requirements
– You must provide a proper form of identification: One form of identification must be a VALID form of government-issued identification (e.g., Driver’s License, State ID, Passport) which bears your signature, your full legal name, and your photograph. A second form of identification may be required.
If required, such identification must have your signature and full legal name. All identification provided must match the name on the registration form and your Examination Eligibility Form.
Failure to provide ALL required identification at the time of the examination is considered a missed appointment, and you will not be able to take the examination at such time. In such case, you will forfeit your examination fees.
NOTE: If you recently changed your name, or if your last name includes a generation indicator (e.g., Jr., III), be sure that your name is the same on your education verification, your examination registration form, and each of your required forms of identification.
No-Show Policy
– You may start your exam up to 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. You MUST start your exam no later than 15 minutes after your scheduled appointment time.
Failing to start your exam within 15 minutes of your scheduled appointment time will result in the system marking you as a No-Show and you will not be able to take your exam.
Q: What if I need to cancel my exam?
Exams can be canceled or rescheduled 48 hours before the scheduled appointment time. Failing to cancel or reschedule within this time will result in forfeiting exam fees.
Q: If I do not pass the exam, can I retake it?
In the event that you do not pass a Docker Certified Associate (DCA) exam, you may retake the exam, subject to the following conditions: a) wait 14 days from the day you fail to take the exam again, and b) pay the exam price each time you attempt an exam.
Q: I have a disability that might affect my performance on the Docker Certified Associate exam. What accommodations are available?
We are committed to making all reasonable efforts to accommodate you, please contact Docker at least 21 days in advance of your test date at training@mirantis.com to discuss available accommodations.
Q: Where can I view my certificate after passing my exam?
Your certificate access will be sent within 48 business hours after taking the exam to the email you used to create your Docker ID. Please check your spam folder as well, at times certificate credentials may be sent there.
Q: What if I am worried about my computer or operating system not working?
To ensure there will be no issue completing your exam your system must meet the following requirements. If you have any questions or concerns, you can email support@examity.com and arrange to do a system check with someone on their support team.
If your internet speed does not meet these requirements your exam attempt may be forfeited. You can test your internet speed at http://www.speedtest.net.
At this time, this course is available for private class and in-house training only. Please contact us for any inquiries.