Problem faced during CKAD exam- couldn't pass due to new exam SW issue

deepakgupta

Recently, I appeared in the CKAD exam and failed ( definitely not due to my lack of preparation). I successfully cleared the CKA exam last year without any issue but this time it's different. First, I had to install a PSI browser for remote connections, that's okay not a problem (though I had to get approval from the office IT deptt). But the problem started when I tried to use the Kubernetes documents site. There is no way you can use a browser on the local machine, you have to open the Mozilla browser on the remote desk which is a very tiny screen, you can't zoom in, and scrolling up/down and right/left is painful. In the K8s cheatsheet, you can't even scroll to the right for commands reference.
This is really not helping at all. With limited time, I spent so much time finding out the reference docs due to the remote browser small screen.
Also, they don't allow extended screens so I can't project to my big screen monitor. it's not possible to pass these exams if the Linux Foundation doesn't resolve this issue quickly.
They should allow a local browser for k8s website page so that it will help and save time instead of searching on the tiny remote screen. Also, the remote desktop was so slow, sometimes it closes all connections then you have to start from scratch, so much wasting time and a terrible experience.
Pls resolve this issue quickly otherwise no point in wasting money ($400) on these Certification exams.

parashar1505

This is so unfortunate! An org like Linux foundation that does all this nonsense without thinking about the consequences is even more unfortunate! This has to be reverted and more people should speak up against it. If they cannot do that, then they should give back our hard-earned money as we are not interested in going through their nonsense torture for nothing.

uwankhed77

I have also experienced exactly same when I appeared for my exam today. In fact this was my retake as I could not clear previous attempt last week mainly due to browser issues. It's extremely difficult to refer the k8s docs as scrolling right and left is very cumbersome and doesn't display the whole content properly. Also copying from browser to console is painful and there are no keyboard shortcuts. Infact there's no search option also in browser which makes it extremely difficult to find relevant section in large pages. This needs to be addressed by the organisers ASAP!

pruthviraj999

yeah , this did effect me in both CKA and CKAD exam i cleared CKA exam in nov and attempted CKAD in the last week of nov , i faced the same issue , since i faced the same issue while writing the CKA exam , I knew this is a torture , so when I faced it while writing CKAD , I repoted this as my 15 mins time got wasted at 60mins of time , eventually it got even worse , i couldn't even type it was that slow . with out any hesitation i asked for a reschedule but the response from the psi support and proctor was , " we sent a email , they will get back to you so, you better wait . i asked them to confirm if i will get a other attempt , they said you should ask this to them . That was a hell for 30 mins , i spent all my time chatting with them .
Kindly raise the voice against this , if you wont get a other attempt .

pruthviraj999

my problem was with " waiting connecting to remote desktop and everything was very slow "

yasirabbasi81

I also faced issues in navigation of kubernetes documentation in psi browser window. It was pain to scroll to right/left or top/bottom and waisted lot of my time. This problem should have fixed by LinuxFoundation til now but unfortunately its still an issue.

vijaynainegali

Hello - Its just a similar experiance with me as well on yesterday. I was able to manage for 15 to 20 minutes. Later part even cursors are not moving eirther on terminal (deleteing texts, backspace ) or even a browser is get scrool up and down even over the gap of 10-15 seconds. Its really frustrating for the amount of time we put on this for preperation and leads to panic just starting the test over 15 minutes.

mstepien

Hi @vijaynainegali,

We are sorry to hear about your experience. If you have not done so already, please open a ticket at trainingsupport.linuxfoundation.org and the Customer Support team will assist you.

Thank you,
Magda

raziahmed

My CKAD exam was scheduled for 5 PM EST. I logged into the secure browser at 4:30 PM. Initially, I proceeded with the registration process, submitting my ID and picture. However, upon encountering the proctor, issues arose with the ID verification process. Despite my attempts to cooperate and show my ID from various angles via webcam, the proctor rejected it and instructed me to exit and utilize the QR code for verification.

Following this, the proctor proceeded with the room scanning process. However, the manner in which this was conducted was perceived as annoying and repetitive. Additionally, there were unnecessary comments made, such as sarcastic remarks about the possibility of wearing earpods. Subsequently, I was unexpectedly kicked out of the secure browser multiple times, disrupting the process further.

Upon re-entering the browser for the third time, I encountered the same tedious room scanning process, leading to a stressful exam experience. Finally, at 5:30 PM, my exam commenced, but I encountered extreme latency within the PSI UI and browser interface, resulting in a significant waste of my valuable exam time.

It's worth noting that I have previously taken AWS and RHEL certification exams in the same environment without encountering such negative and disruptive experiences with proctors.

Suggested Changes:

Ensure a smooth and efficient ID verification process, potentially offering alternative methods for those experiencing difficulties.
Train proctors to conduct room scans in a professional and respectful manner, avoiding unnecessary repetition and comments.
Address technical issues promptly to minimize disruptions during exam sessions.
Consider feedback from candidates to improve the overall exam experience and proctoring procedures.

mstepien

Hi @raziahmed,

We are very sorry hear about your experience. If you haven't already, please share your concerns and suggestions with our Customer Support team at trainingsupport.linuxfoundation.org.

Thank you,
Magda

chauhan.singh

I got disconnected when there was more than 40 minutes remaining in the exam. When I regained access, the time had been reduced to only 20 minutes, which prevented me from attempting all the questions. I informed the proctor, but he denied any assistance, stating that he had limited access to the exam. This was my second attempt, and when the result came in, I did not qualify as expected. Immediately after the exam ended, I opened a service ticket with reference number TCCS-123569, but it still shows as 'waiting for support.' I am really frustrated that after preparing so well and paying so much, I was not given a fair chance due to issues in the exam environment.

fcioanca

Hi @chauhan.singh

We apologize for the issues encountered during the exam. Please note that it may take up to several business days for the Support Team to address your ticket, as each ticket is processed in the order it is received. Rest assured that once your ticket is assigned, they will assist you.

Regards,
Flavia
Linux Foundation Education Team

timothyeleazu

I experienced similar issues during the exam(CKAD). The PSI browser crashed twice, and when I was able to return, I noticed the timer had continued running while I was away. Additionally, the terminal and Firefox browsers kept resizing unexpectedly, significantly disrupting my focus. I contacted the proctor for assistance, but overall, the experience was frustrating and extremely unpleasant.

I took the CKA exam last week and did not encounter any of these issues, which makes this experience even more disappointing.

cheedgelee

@timothyeleazu said:
I experienced similar issues during the exam(CKAD). The PSI browser crashed twice, and when I was able to return, I noticed the timer had continued running while I was away. Additionally, the terminal and Firefox browsers kept resizing unexpectedly, significantly disrupting my focus. I contacted the proctor for assistance, but overall, the experience was frustrating and extremely unpleasant.

I took the CKA exam last week and did not encounter any of these issues, which makes this experience even more disappointing.

hi @timothyeleazu , I take it Jan. 13 and also faced many issue: frozen window, disappearing curse, and kicked off from the stoped session. And I also rise the ticket but no response yet, so I decide to re-take the exam. But I don't want to experience that nightmare again. And I guess I maybe choose a bad time slot, so could you tell me when you take the exam? I take it at 7:30pm, but my internet connect is good. Or is it just happened to PSI? because I use other exam platform, never met with these issues.

brunoneves

Had an issue yesterday when PSI was verifying "prohibited programs" , and I could not even start the CKAD exam. There was a program "Sidecar relay" that was no finishing, it kept respawning, I've contacted the live chat bot but it was totally useless, and now I'm only seeing "Grading in Progress". I took LFW212 in 2022 and it worked just fine. It's very frustrating to prepare for an exam to only lose time and money.

fcioanca

Hi @brunoneves

We apologize for the inconvenience this issue has caused. If you have not done so already, please open a ticket with the Linux Foundation Customer Support team at trainingsupport.linuxfoundation.org and they will assist you in rescheduling your exam. Please note that response time can take up to several business days (weekends and holidays are not included).

Regards,
Flavia
Linux Foundation Education Team

trakkesh

Dear Linux Foundation Education Team,
Extremely dissatisfied and frustrated with your exam process and exam environment issues. I got CKAD on 15th Dec 2025 and scored 60% in the midst of real difficulty and sluggishness in the exam environment itself. There were several issues, I have faced during the exam from the clusters. The servers and browser UIs were very slow during the exam even though I was using fibre LAN ethernet. Also when I tried to apply correct answers, exam servers rejected with "strange config (os related) errors". Few questions the results were not committed. I was trying several times and wasted my time on those as well.

I have opened a ticket for the support team. But they didn't even responded to a candidate in an appropriate manner. The support team was asking USD 150 for a manual check on the exam and to check on the exam environment if there are any issues. Don't you feel is this sound funny..? Really frustrated on how Linux Foundation treating its candidates. We are really helpless during the exam when these exam environment glitches appear..? There should be a manual process free of charge to check and see whether any issues occurred during the exam and these scores are correct...

fcioanca

Hi @trakkesh ,

We apologize for the problems you have encountered during the exam. We escalated this issue to the Linux Foundation Customer Support Team so they can investigate the exam server for the issues you have described. However, it does look like you cancelled your original ticket, and they cannot reinstate it. They have created a new ticket (TCCS-161199) and all communication will be via this new ticket.

Best regards,
Flavia
Linux Foundation Education Team

trakkesh

Hi @fcioanca,
Thanks for the prompt support and assistance. They have opened a ticket and accepted there were issues. But replied that all was caused due to errors from my end. There were no proper justifications provided on UI (documentation page + servers) slowness and the errors. I already have lost confidence in their replies and was expecting this answer. Anyway, thanks very much for your prompt support.

hmajid

@fcioanca My CKAD exam was scheduled On 27/12/2025 FOR 5 PM EST. I logged into the secure browser at 4:30 PM. Initially, I proceeded with the registration process, submitting my ID and picture. However, upon encountering the proctor, issues arose with the ID verification process. Despite my attempts to cooperate and show my ID from various angles via webcam, the proctor rejected it and instructed me to exit and utilize the QR code for verification.

Following this, the proctor proceeded with the room scanning process. However, the manner in which this was conducted was perceived as annoying and repetitive. Additionally, there were unnecessary comments made, such as sarcastic remarks about the possibility of wearing earpods. Subsequently, I was unexpectedly kicked out of the secure browser multiple times, disrupting the process further.

Upon re-entering the browser for the third time, I encountered the same tedious room scanning process, leading to wasted my exam time and stressful exam experience. Finally, at 5:30 PM, my exam commenced, but I encountered extreme latency within the PSI UI and browser interface, resulting in a significant waste of my valuable exam time.

This is my ticket id : (TCCS-162192)

trakkesh

Dear Support,

@fcioanca

My exam was scheduled on 29/12/2025.

During the exam as instructed in the instructions, I copied the clickable items from question description and tried to paste in the terminal using “Shift+Ctrl+V” or “Ctrl +V”. It didn’t work. Then I “RESETTED” the desktops from “Tools” menu several times as per the instruction. But none of the methods worked as per the instructions given. Then I contacted the PSI technical team and complained about the issue. They also several times tried by “RESET” the desktops. This went on for 30 min and not able to fix. I didn’t attempt even a single question. Really frustrated and sad. This has happened twice in my CKAD exams. I have wasted a lot of my energy, money and time on this. But in the end, I am really frustrated that I couldn’t finish this exam. You can check what are options we have tried from your exam environment logs.

Today, my day went like this and I am really feeling tired and frustrated by this exam environment glitches. How can you help me with this problem?

I have suffered severely by these exam environment issues for 2 times in a row now.

Sincerely, expecting a favorable reply…I have suffered twice already during CKAD.

(I have opened a support ticket already on this TCCS-162397). But no any answer yet.

Regards,
Titus

arianehamm

Hi @trakkesh ,

We apologize for the difficulties faced while taking the CKAD exam and can understand your frustrations. Thank you for opening a ticket with the Customer Support team. Someone from that team will be in touch soon. Depending on ticket volume, a response could take several business days (no weekends or holidays) as tickets are assigned in the order that they are received.

Kind Regards,
Ariane
Linux Foundation Education

arianehamm

Hi @hmajid ,

We are sorry to hear about the issues you faced while taking the CKAD exam. The Linux Foundation aims to provide a positive exam experience, but unfortunately, unexpected issues do sometimes arise. As you have opened a ticket, someone from the Customer Support Team will be in touch with you soon. Response times can take several business days (weekends and holidays not included), depending on ticket volume. But rest assured, someone from that team will repond to your ticket.

Kind Regards,
Ariane
Linux Foundation Education