Linux Certification Questions & Answers

1. What Linux certifications exist?
There are currently four well-established Linux certification programs. All of these certifications focus on the system administration role. Some require more advanced expertise while others certify basic skills. Currently there are no developer or end-user certification programs for Linux. The top four programs (in alphabetical order) are run by CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association), LPI (Linux Professional Institute), Novell Corporation, and Red Hat, Inc. CompTIA and LPI are professional/industry associations. CompTIA and LPI certification programs are vendor-neutral, which means they are not tied to any particular Linux distribution. Red Hat is a commercial vendor of the Red Hat distribution of the Linux operating system. The Red Hat program, as you would expect, focuses on the Red Hat distribution of Linux. Novell's Linux certifications focus on the SUSE distribution of Linux. Here's what each program has to offer:

CompTIA: Linux+ (launched September, 2001)
CompTIA, which administers the Linux+ certification, is well-known for its slate of vendor-neutral foundation-level certifications. Linux+ is a basic, entry-level certification for Linux system administrators. It is intended for technicians with six-months experience installing, operating and maintaining Linux operating systems. To achieve Linux+ certification, candidates must pass the 95 question Linux+ exam. The exam covers seven domain areas: Planning and Implementation; Installation; Configuration; Administration; System Maintenance; Troubleshooting; and Identify, Install and Maintain System Hardware. It is not linked to any specific distribution of Linux.

LPI: Linux Professional Institute Certified (LPIC) (launched January, 2000)
LPI is a non-profit organization that advocates and assists in the professional use of Linux, open source, and free software. The vendor-neutral LPIC program is three tiered, with each tier requiring passage of two exams. Level 1 (LPIC1) is for junior level administrators. Individuals must achieve level 1 (LPIC1) certification before attempting level 2 (LPIC2), the intermediate level designation. The top level is level 3 (LPIC3).

Novell: Certified Linux Professional/Engineer (CLP/CLE) (Launched 2003)
Novell is best known for its Certified Novell Administrator and Certified Novell Engineer designations, but it entered the Linux certification marketplace with a 2 level certification program. This program focuses on the SUSE distribution of Linux. The Certified Linux Professional (CLP) designation is intended for entry-level administrators. The Certified Linux Engineer (CLE) title reflects more advanced administrative skills.

Red Hat: Red Hat Certified Technician/Engineer/Security Specialist/Architect (RHCT/RHCE/RHCA/RHCSS) (Launched January, 1999)
Red Hat launched its certification program in January 1999 with the advanced, Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) designation. In November 2002, the entry-level level Red Hat Certified Technician (RHCT) title was added. Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA) launched in 2005, and Red Hat Certified Security Specialist (RHCSS) in 2006. These are the most expensive Linux certifications to earn.

How much will it cost to get certified?
Last time we checked (2007) the exam prices (in $US) for these Linux certifications are:
• Linux+ $232 ($186 for CompTIA members)
• LPIC exams: $100 each
• CLP exam: $195
• CLE exam: $195
• RHCT exam: $349
• RHCE exam: $749
• RHCA exams: 5 exams at $749 each (unless purchased in a bundle)
• RHCSS exams: 3 exams at $749 each (unless purchased in a bundle)
The prices above were accurate as of this FAQ's publication date - check with the vendors for up-to-the-minute pricing. Some exams are available internationally at other prices (using the local currency).

How do I decide which Linux certification to earn?
If you are fairly new to Linux, look at LPIC Level 1 or Linux+. These are strong, basic credentials that will help you expand your Linux expertise and will add credibility to your resume. The exams are also more affordable than those for Red Hat certifications, and because they are available through testing networks, don't require as much travel. The Novell Linux certifications are another good option, but the testing is only through Novell Partners because they requires hands-on practicums.

Is training necessary in order to obtain certification?
Even experienced Linux administrators will probably need to prepare before taking a certification exam. That's because we tend to become experts in what we use every day, and may not be fully versed in the scope of the material covered by a particular exam. A simple review may due the trick for some certification candidates; others will need weeks or months of preparation.

How Long Will it Take to Get Certified?
The time span varies considerably depending on your choice of certification, current experience level, and the learning methods you employ. The biggest portion of your time will go to preparing for exams. For some of the certifications it's possible to compress preparation time into a few weeks - if you're willing and able to put just about everything else aside. It's more common, and more practical, for professionals who are earning certification on their own time, to start with one exam, determine the requirements, self-study, and then take the exam. The process is repeated for the next exam for that certification. (Read more inside ..)