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Question 1

Score: 0/0

What language is a Backstage app primarily written in?

Java

TypeScript (with React for the frontend and Node.js for the backend)

Rust

Ruby

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CBA Exam

Questions

Linux Foundation

90 min

Time Limit

Linux Foundation

75%

Passing Score

Linux Foundation MC FAQ

$250

Exam Fee

Linux Foundation

1 retake

Included

CBA product page

2 years

Validity

Linux Foundation

As of April 15, 2026, the Linux Foundation lists CBA as a 60-question, 90-minute remotely proctored multiple-choice exam with a $250 exam-only price and one retake included. The current published domain weights are Backstage Development Workflow (24%), Backstage Infrastructure (22%), Backstage Catalog (22%), and Customizing Backstage (32%). The certification is valid for two years and has no formal prerequisites.

Sample CBA Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your CBA exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What language is a Backstage app primarily written in?

A.Java

B.TypeScript (with React for the frontend and Node.js for the backend)

C.Rust

D.Ruby

Explanation: Backstage is a TypeScript monorepo with React on the frontend and Node.js on the backend. Contributors and plugin authors therefore need TypeScript and React fluency.

2Which command scaffolds a new Backstage app locally when you follow the official getting-started guide?

A.npx @backstage/create-app

B.helm install backstage

C.kubectl apply -f backstage.yaml

D.docker run backstage

Explanation: The official bootstrap command is npx @backstage/create-app which creates a new monorepo directory with the Backstage frontend and backend packages wired together. Other deployment mechanisms come later.

3Which package manager does Backstage primarily use in its documentation?

A.Yarn

B.pip

C.cargo

D.bundler

Explanation: Backstage monorepos typically use Yarn workspaces, though other package managers such as npm can work. The docs favor Yarn for installing dependencies and running dev commands.

4Which dev command starts both the Backstage frontend and backend locally for development?

A.yarn dev

B.yarn prod

C.yarn ship

D.yarn upgrade

Explanation: yarn dev is the convention in a new Backstage app to start both the frontend and backend in watch mode. yarn start exists in some variants, but yarn dev is documented in the current scaffolded monorepo.

5Which language is used to configure a Backstage app at startup?

A.YAML via app-config.yaml files

B.TOML

C.XML

D.INI

Explanation: Backstage configuration lives in YAML files, typically app-config.yaml with optional overlays like app-config.production.yaml. The backend loads and merges these at startup.

6What file holds Backstage environment-specific overrides such as production database settings?

A.app-config.<env>.yaml (e.g., app-config.production.yaml)

B.settings.toml

C..env only

D.config.json

Explanation: Backstage merges multiple app-config files, so app-config.production.yaml layers overrides onto the base app-config.yaml. The CLI accepts --config flags to select which files to load.

7Which tool transpiles TypeScript to JavaScript during a Backstage build?

A.The TypeScript compiler (tsc), invoked via Backstage CLI build scripts

B.go build

C.cargo build

D.mvn compile

Explanation: The Backstage CLI orchestrates TypeScript compilation (via tsc and supporting bundlers) when you run build/dev scripts. This is standard for a TypeScript monorepo.

8Which is TRUE about Backstage plugin package naming conventions?

A.Official plugins are published under the @backstage scope on npm

B.Plugins must not use npm scopes

C.Plugins must be published as Docker images

D.Plugins can only be Python packages

Explanation: Official Backstage plugins live in the @backstage/plugin-* npm scope, while community plugins often use @backstage-community/plugin-*. This makes the plugin ecosystem discoverable on npm.

9What role does Docker typically play in a Backstage deployment?

A.The Backstage CLI can produce a Docker image for the app that is then deployed to a container runtime or Kubernetes

B.Docker is forbidden by Backstage

C.Docker is used only for writing plugins

D.Docker hosts the Software Catalog in place of the backend

Explanation: A typical deployment flow builds a container image for the Backstage backend (serving the bundled frontend) and runs that image on Kubernetes or another platform. The docs ship example Dockerfiles.

10What happens when a contributor modifies a TypeScript source file while 'yarn dev' is running?

A.The Backstage CLI reloads with hot-module replacement or restarts automatically in watch mode

B.Nothing until you redeploy to production

C.The backend deletes the file

D.Kubernetes reschedules the node

Explanation: Backstage's dev scripts run in watch mode, so the frontend uses HMR and the backend restarts on changes. This provides a fast local iteration loop.

About the CBA Exam

The Certified Backstage Associate (CBA) is a foundational certification for developers and platform engineers working with the Backstage developer portal. It validates conceptual knowledge of Backstage development workflow, infrastructure, Software Catalog, and plugin customization in a remotely proctored multiple-choice format.

Assessment

60 multiple-choice questions

Time Limit

90 minutes

Passing Score

75%

Exam Fee

$250 (Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) / Linux Foundation)

CBA Exam Content Outline

32%

Customizing Backstage

Frontend vs. backend plugins, plugin customization, React code modifications, and using Material UI components to tailor the portal.

24%

Backstage Development Workflow

Building and running Backstage projects locally, TypeScript compilation, NPM/Yarn dependency management, and using Docker for container images.

22%

Backstage Infrastructure

Backstage framework architecture, configuration, deploying to production, and the client-server model.

22%

Backstage Catalog

Software Catalog usage, populating entities, annotations, manual and automated location registration, and troubleshooting ingestion.

How to Pass the CBA Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 75%
Assessment: 60 multiple-choice questions
Time limit: 90 minutes
Exam fee: $250

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CBA Study Tips from Top Performers

1Start with Customizing Backstage because plugin architecture is the single largest domain at 32%.

2Understand the difference between frontend plugins, backend plugins, and scaffolder actions at the conceptual level.

3Know the Software Catalog entity model: Component, API, System, Resource, Location, User, Group, Template.

4Review local development workflow: yarn install, yarn dev, TypeScript build, and Docker containerization.

5Learn how app-config.yaml drives configuration across development and production environments.

6Practice recognizing YAML catalog-info.yaml snippets and common annotation keys used by plugins.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the CBA exam?

Linux Foundation's CBA page and multiple-choice instructions describe a 60-question exam delivered online through PSI Bridge. Candidates receive 90 minutes to complete the questions and the certification is valid for two years after passing.

What score do you need to pass CBA?

Linux Foundation multiple-choice exams typically require a 75% passing score. You should aim comfortably above that threshold on timed practice sets across all four Backstage domains before scheduling.

What are the official CBA domain weights?

The CBA curriculum weights Customizing Backstage at 32%, Backstage Development Workflow at 24%, Backstage Infrastructure at 22%, and Backstage Catalog at 22%. Plugin customization is the single largest domain, so React, Material UI, and frontend/backend plugin architecture should be your deepest study focus.

Do I need React experience to pass CBA?

Yes, at least at a reading level. The Customizing Backstage domain (32%) tests frontend/backend plugin structure, React component modification, and Material UI usage. You do not need to build a large app, but you should be able to recognize plugin scaffolding and common React patterns.

How much does the CBA exam cost?

The exam-only CBA price on the Linux Foundation product page is $250 with one retake included. A THRIVE-ONE annual subscription bundle is available for candidates who want broader training access alongside the exam.

How long should I study for CBA?

Most candidates prepare in 3 to 6 weeks with 25 to 40 focused study hours, depending on prior experience with Backstage, TypeScript, and React. Spend extra time on plugin customization and the Software Catalog because together they cover more than half of the exam blueprint.