10 Tips to Ace the OpenShift DO280 & EX280 Exam in 1st Attempt [ Complete 2025 Guide ]

The Red Hat OpenShift certification path is among the most respected in the DevOps and container orchestration space. If you’re planning to take the OpenShift Administration II: Operating a Production Kubernetes Cluster (DO280) course or sit for the EX280 certification exam, this guide is for you.

In this article, we provide 10 proven tips to help you ace the DO280 course and the EX280 exam on your first attempt, especially with the updated 2025 Red Hat OpenShift features in mind.

Table of Contents

1. Understand the DO280 & EX280 Exam Structure
2. Review the Official Exam Objectives
3. Master OpenShift Core Components
4. Get Comfortable with the OpenShift CLI (oc)
5. Practice Real Cluster Administration
6. Understand YAML Files & K8s Resources
7. Work on Time Management
8. Improve Your Troubleshooting Skills
9. Take Mock Labs and Simulated Tests
10. Choose the Right Training Provider

1. Understand the DO280 & EX280 Exam Structure

The EX280 is a performance-based, hands-on exam that tests your ability to manage an OpenShift cluster. The exam typically lasts 3 hours and requires candidates to complete a series of administrative tasks within a live OpenShift environment.

DO280 is the associated course that provides the foundational knowledge and hands-on experience needed to pass the EX280 exam.

2. Review the Official Exam Objectives

Always start with the official Red Hat exam objectives. For EX280, you'll be tested on topics such as:

• Installing and configuring OpenShift clusters
• Managing users and policies
• Deploying applications using templates, Helm, and Operators
• Configuring networking, storage, and persistent volumes

3. Master OpenShift Core Components

Understand how OpenShift integrates with Kubernetes. Focus on mastering the following core components:

• Pods, Deployments, and ReplicaSets
• BuildConfigs and ImageStreams
• Projects, Routes, and Services
• Operators and Templates

4. Get Comfortable with the OpenShift CLI (oc)

The oc CLI is your primary tool in the exam. Practice the following:

• Creating and managing resources
• Debugging pods and deployments
• Viewing logs and metrics
• Switching projects and users

Speed and precision with oc commands can save valuable time during the exam.

5. Practice Real Cluster Administration

Set up a lab using CodeReady Containers (CRC), minishift, or a cloud-based OpenShift environment. Focus on tasks such as:

• Creating projects and assigning roles
• Managing PVCs and dynamic storage provisioning
• Configuring ingress routes and TLS
• Using ServiceAccounts and RBAC policies

6. Understand YAML Files & K8s Resources

YAML syntax is critical for deploying and configuring OpenShift resources. Be sure to:

• Validate your YAML before applying
• Understand fields in DeploymentConfigs, Services, Routes, etc.
• Use oc explain to understand resource definitions

7. Work on Time Management

The EX280 exam is time-bound, so plan your tasks efficiently:

• Start with high-confidence tasks
• Skip long debugging tasks if you're stuck—come back later
• Leave 15–20 minutes at the end to review

8. Improve Your Troubleshooting Skills

Often, deployment issues stem from small YAML mistakes or permission errors. Learn to troubleshoot:

• Using oc describe and oc logs
• Checking Events and Status sections
• Using oc debug and oc rsh for access

9. Take Mock Labs and Simulated Tests

Simulate exam scenarios with practice labs. Use Red Hat Learning Subscription, WebAsha Technologies’ mock environments, or public GitHub repo exercises. Benefits include:

• Better exam familiarity
• Confidence under pressure
• Covering all objectives systematically

10. Choose the Right Training Provider

Select a trusted and experienced institute to guide you. At WebAsha Technologies, we provide:

• Hands-on DO280 + EX280 training with real OpenShift labs
• Guidance from certified Red Hat instructors
• 100% practical and updated curriculum for 2025

✅ 20 FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What is the OpenShift DO280 course?
   DO280 is Red Hat’s official course titled "Red Hat OpenShift Administration II: Operating a Production Kubernetes Cluster," focusing on managing OpenShift clusters.

2. What is the EX280 exam?
   EX280 is the Red Hat Certified Specialist in OpenShift Administration exam that tests your practical knowledge of OpenShift 4 in a hands-on environment.

3. Is DO280 a prerequisite for EX280?
   No, but completing DO280 is highly recommended as it aligns closely with the objectives tested in EX280.

4. How long is the EX280 exam?
   The exam duration is 3 hours, during which candidates must complete real-world tasks on a live OpenShift environment.

5. What is the passing score for the EX280 exam?
   Red Hat does not publicly disclose the exact passing score, but it's usually around 70%.

6. How can I prepare for the EX280 exam in 2025?
   Use Red Hat’s official materials, practice in OpenShift labs, and follow expert tips such as those provided in this guide.

7. Is OpenShift based on Kubernetes?
   Yes, OpenShift is a Kubernetes-based platform with additional enterprise features and security enhancements.

8. Which OpenShift version is used in the EX280 exam?
   The exam is based on OpenShift 4.x. Always check the current exam objectives for version updates.

9. What are the key topics covered in the EX280 exam?
   Topics include project creation, user management, pod deployment, templates, operators, persistent storage, routes, and troubleshooting.

10. Is the EX280 exam open-book?
    No, the exam is closed-book. You will not have access to external documentation or the internet.

11. What tools are allowed during the exam?
    Only the terminal, built-in man pages, oc explain, and available in-terminal documentation are allowed.

12. How can I practice OpenShift hands-on?
    Use CodeReady Containers (CRC), a home lab with VMs, or cloud-based OpenShift clusters for practice.

13. Can I retake the EX280 exam if I fail?
    Yes, Red Hat offers one free retake (known as a retake attempt) within the certification bundle.

14. What’s the difference between DO180, DO280, and EX280?

• DO180: Basics of containers and OpenShift

• DO280: Advanced OpenShift admin course

• EX280: Practical exam based on DO280 course content

15. How much does the EX280 exam cost in India?
    The cost varies by region and provider but is typically around ₹25,000 to ₹30,000. Check with authorized Red Hat partners like WebAsha Technologies.

16. Is OpenShift CLI (oc) important for EX280?
    Absolutely. The exam is CLI-based, and mastering oc commands is crucial for success.

17. How can I get exam-like experience before EX280?
    Use mock exams, lab simulations, and training from institutions like WebAsha Technologies to simulate real exam conditions.

18. Do I need Linux knowledge for OpenShift exams?
    Yes, understanding Linux, networking, and containers (Docker/Podman) is essential for the EX280 exam.

19. Is the EX280 certification valid globally?
    Yes, Red Hat certifications are globally recognized and valued by top employers and enterprises.

20. Which is the best training institute for OpenShift DO280 & EX280 in India?
    WebAsha Technologies is one of the top training institutes offering real-lab DO280 training, EX280 mock exams, and Red Hat Certified Instructor-led sessions.

Conclusion

Cracking the Red Hat OpenShift EX280 exam in one attempt is possible if you follow a disciplined, hands-on approach. Focus on understanding OpenShift deeply, practicing in real environments, and using the right resources to enhance your learning.

Whether you're aiming to become a Kubernetes administrator or OpenShift expert, these 10 tips will keep you on the right path to success in 2025 and beyond.