Red Hat OpenShift Administration (EX280)
Validates skills in deploying and managing containerized applications on Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform.
- Exam fee
- $450
- Typical salary
- $115K–$150K
If you are a system administrator or DevOps engineer who already works with Kubernetes, this certification solidifies your OpenShift expertise. If you lack container experience, start with a more foundational Kubernetes cert first.
What EX280 covers
Validates skills in deploying and managing containerized applications using Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform (Kubernetes).
Key topics covered: OpenShift architecture, Deploying applications, Networking in OpenShift, Storage & volumes, Security policies, Scaling & HA.
Best suited for: System administrators and DevOps engineers managing OpenShift/Kubernetes platforms.
Common career paths: OpenShift Administrator, Kubernetes Engineer, Platform Engineer.
EX280 exam details
Exam domains
- OpenShift architecture
- Deploying applications
- Networking in OpenShift
- Storage & volumes
- Security policies
- Scaling & HA
At a glance
- Exam fee
- $450
How to prepare for EX280
| Stage | What to do | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Understand the OpenShift Architecture Study the core components of Red Hat OpenShift, how they interact, and the underlying Kubernetes foundation. | Week 1 |
| 2 | Deploy and Manage Applications Practice deploying containerized workloads, configuring routes, and using the web console and CLI for day‑to‑day tasks. | Week 2-3 |
| 3 | Master Networking, Storage, and Security Learn OpenShift networking concepts, persistent storage options, and security policies such as SCCs and RBAC. | Week 4 |
| 4 | Scale, High‑Availability, and Hands‑On Labs Implement scaling strategies, configure HA clusters, and run timed lab exercises that mimic exam scenarios. | Week 5 |
Jobs and salary with EX280
People holding this certification commonly report pay around $115K–$150K. Pay depends heavily on role, location and total experience. See the salary breakdown.
Roles this certification supports
EX280 questions answered
What is the Red Hat OpenShift Administration (EX280) certification?
Validates skills in deploying and managing containerized applications on Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform. It is issued by Red Hat and sits in the DevOps field.
Is Red Hat OpenShift Administration (EX280) hard?
Red Hat OpenShift Administration (EX280) is rated Intermediate. It assumes some foundational knowledge or entry-level experience.
How much does the Red Hat OpenShift Administration (EX280) exam cost?
The listed exam fee is $450. Fees vary by country and change over time, so confirm the current price with Red Hat before you book.
What salary can I expect with Red Hat OpenShift Administration (EX280)?
Professionals with Red Hat OpenShift Administration (EX280) commonly report pay in the $115K–$150K range. Actual pay depends on role, location and total experience.
How should I prepare for Red Hat OpenShift Administration (EX280)?
Start with the official exam outline, build hands-on practice for each domain, then finish with timed practice questions. The study plan on this page breaks this into steps.
Alternatives to EX280
| Certification | Vendor | Level |
|---|---|---|
| AWS DevOps Engineer Professional | Amazon Web Services | Advanced |
| CKAD - Certified Kubernetes Application Developer | Linux Foundation / CNCF | Intermediate |
| CKA - Certified Kubernetes Administrator | Linux Foundation / CNCF | Intermediate |
| Docker Certified Associate (DCA) | Docker | Intermediate |
| HashiCorp Terraform Associate | HashiCorp | Beginner |