Run CircleCI Arm Native Workflows on a SUSE Arm GCP VM
Introduction
Get started with CircleCI on Google Axion C4A
Create a Google Axion C4A Arm virtual machine on GCP
Install CircleCI
Create a resource class
Install CircleCI Machine Runner on SUSE Arm
Build and test an Arm64 Node.js app using CircleCI
Next Steps

  Log an issue

  Fork and edit

  Discuss on Discord

Overview

This section explains how to create a resource class in the CircleCI web dashboard for a self-hosted runner.

What is a resource class?

A resource class is a unique identifier that links your self-hosted runner to your CircleCI organization (namespace). It defines the machine type that CircleCI jobs can target, ensuring that only authorized jobs run on your managed infrastructure, which in this case is your SUSE Linux Arm64 VM on Google Cloud C4A (Axion).

Create a resource class for a self-hosted Arm runner

To create a resource class for a self-hosted Arm runner in CircleCI, use the web dashboard and follow these steps:

  • Go to the CircleCI dashboard and sign in, or create a new account if you don’t have one.
  • In the left navigation menu, select Self-Hosted Runners.
  • If prompted, review and accept the Terms of Use by checking Yes, I agree to the terms. This enables runner functionality for your organization.
  • After accepting, select Self-Hosted Runners again to continue setup.
Note

If you don’t see the Self-Hosted Runners option, make sure your account has the required permissions or check that your organization is selected in the dashboard.

Image Alt Text:CircleCI dashboard showing the Self-Hosted Runners section. The main panel displays options to add a new runner and manage existing ones. The left navigation menu highlights Self-Hosted Runners. The environment is a web interface with a neutral, professional tone. Visible text includes Self-Hosted Runners and related setup instructions. alt-textSelf-Hosted Runners

Create a new resource class

On the CircleCI dashboard, select Create Resource Class.

Enter the following information:

  • Namespace: Enter your CircleCI organization or username, for example, circleci.
  • Resource Class Name: Provide a clear, descriptive name for your runner, such as arm64.

After entering the details, select Create Resource Class to generate the resource class.

Image Alt Text:CircleCI dashboard showing the Create Resource Class form. The main panel displays fields for Namespace and Resource Class Name, with labels and input boxes. A button labeled Create Resource Class appears below the form. The left navigation menu highlights Self-Hosted Runners. The environment is a clean, professional web interface designed for clarity and ease of use. Visible text includes Namespace, Resource Class Name, and Create Resource Class. The tone is neutral and instructional. alt-textCreate Resource Class

Image Alt Text:CircleCI dashboard displaying the details of a resource class and namespace. The main panel shows labeled fields for Namespace and Resource Class Name, each with input boxes containing example values. A button labeled Create Resource Class appears below the form. The left navigation menu highlights Self-Hosted Runners. The environment is a clean, professional web interface designed for clarity and accessibility. Visible text includes Namespace, Resource Class Name, and Create Resource Class. The tone is neutral and instructional. alt-textDetails Resource Class & Namespace

Save and copy the token

After creating the resource class, CircleCI automatically generates a Resource Class Token, a secure authentication key used to register your runner. Copy this token immediately and store it in a secure location. You’ll need this token in the next step to connect your SUSE Arm64 runner on the Google Cloud C4A (Axion) VM to CircleCI.

Image Alt Text:CircleCI dashboard displaying the Resource Class Token section. The main panel shows a generated token in a text field labeled Resource Class Token with a Copy button next to it. Instructional text explains that this token is required to register a self-hosted runner. The environment is a clean, professional web interface with a focus on security and clarity. Visible text includes Resource Class Token and instructions to copy and store the token securely. The tone is neutral and informative. alt-textResource class token

What you’ve accomplished and what’s next

Great job! You’ve successfully created a resource class and secured your token. You’re making solid progress. Next, you’ll set up the CircleCI self-hosted runner to connect your SUSE Arm64 VM on Google Cloud.

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