Quick answer: EX280 is a 3-hour, 100% performance-based Red Hat certification exam that tests hands-on OpenShift Container Platform administration skills — no multiple choice. The passing score is 210/300 (70%). TroyTec's EX280 practice exams cover every current objective (RBAC, networking, SCCs, operators, routes, quotas) in PDF, Online Test Engine, and AI-assisted formats, updated to match the latest OpenShift 4.x objectives.
EX280 — officially the Red Hat Certified Specialist in OpenShift Administration exam — validates a candidate's ability to install, configure, and manage a Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform cluster in a live, hands-on environment. Unlike traditional multiple-choice certification exams, EX280 is fully performance-based: you are given a running cluster and a set of real administrative tasks to complete, and you're graded on whether the end-state configuration actually works.
Passing EX280 earns you the Red Hat Certified Specialist in OpenShift Administration credential, and it's one of the required exams on the path to Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA).
Exam Code: EX280
Full Title: Red Hat Certified Specialist in OpenShift Administration exam
Format: Performance-based (live lab tasks, no multiple choice)
Duration: 3 hours
Passing Score: 210/300 (70%)
Delivery: Red Hat Individual Exam (RHIE), remote or Red Hat testing center
Prerequisite (recommended, not mandatory): Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA), exam EX200
Recommended Prep Course: DO280 (Red Hat OpenShift Administration I & II)
Certification Validity: 3 years
Counts Toward: Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA)
Documentation Access: Offline Red Hat product documentation is available during the exam
Exam pricing varies by region, delivery method, and current Red Hat promotions — confirm current fees directly on Red Hat's official EX280 exam page before registering.
Red Hat updates EX280 objectives periodically to track the current OpenShift Container Platform version. Based on the most recent published objectives, candidates should be able to:
Manage OpenShift Container Platform clusters using the oc CLI and web console
Create and manage projects, namespaces, and resource quotas
Configure Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) and manage users, groups, and policies
Control access to cluster resources using ServiceAccounts and Security Context Constraints (SCCs)
Deploy applications from source, manifests, templates, and Helm charts
Configure routes, TLS, and expose applications for external access
Configure and troubleshoot networking components and network policies
Configure pod scheduling, resource limits, and autoscaling
Manage persistent storage and volumes
Install and manage Operators via the Operator Lifecycle Manager (OLM)
Monitor cluster health, review logs, and troubleshoot events and alerts
System and cluster administrators responsible for OpenShift setup and ongoing maintenance
DevOps engineers managing containerized application platforms
Architects who need working knowledge of OpenShift cluster features and functionality
RHCSA holders progressing toward the RHCA credential
Printable, offline-accessible EX280 questions and answers mapped to each current exam objective — ideal for review sessions away from a lab environment.
Timed, browser-based practice tests that simulate the pressure and pacing of the real 3-hour EX280 session, with objective-by-objective scoring so you can see exactly where you're weak.
AI-guided study sessions that adapt to your performance, surface weak objectives (RBAC, SCCs, networking, etc.), and generate targeted follow-up scenarios — closer to the hands-on nature of the real exam than static question banks.
Many candidates search for "EX280 dumps" hoping for leaked real exam content. Because EX280 is performance-based and Red Hat actively monitors for exam-content leaks (candidates can be disqualified and permanently barred for using real leaked material), TroyTec does not sell or distribute actual leaked exam content. What we provide instead are verified, objective-aligned practice questions and lab scenarios built to the same skill areas Red Hat tests — legitimate prep that won't put your certification at risk.
EX280 is one of several specialist exams that count toward Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA). A typical OpenShift-focused RHCA path includes:
EX200 – Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) (recommended prerequisite)
EX280 – Red Hat Certified Specialist in OpenShift Administration (this exam)
EX288 – Red Hat Certified Specialist in OpenShift Application Development
EX380 – Red Hat Certified Specialist in OpenShift Automation and Integration
No. EX280 is 100% performance-based — you complete real administrative tasks on a live OpenShift cluster rather than answering multiple-choice questions.
The EX280 exam runs 3 hours.
You need 210 out of 300 points (70%) to pass EX280.
RHCSA (EX200) is recommended, not mandatory. Red Hat suggests candidates have RHCSA-level skills or equivalent experience before attempting EX280.
Yes. Passing EX280 counts as one of the specialist exams required for the Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA) certification.
The certification is valid for 3 years from the date you pass.
Using leaked real exam content violates Red Hat's certification agreement and can result in disqualification or a permanent ban. TroyTec's practice materials are built from published exam objectives, not leaked content.
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Everything you need to know about the Red Hat Certified Specialist in OpenShift Administration certification
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Updated July 24, 2026
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