How Can a Linux Certification Help Me?

A great method to demonstrate your worth as a Linux systems administrator is to become certified. Linux knowledge is in high demand, and certification examinations can help you stand out from other job applicants. There are numerous varieties of Linux certificates. Utilize the knowledge you have about the systems used by your firm to guide you to the services that best meet your requirements.

Linux Certification Benefits

Obtaining a Linux systems certification is a calculated move to advance your career. Peer-level interviews are frequently used by hiring businesses to assess a candidate's familiarity with Linux systems. High-level information is required for certification tests, which are also a great method to increase your knowledge base.

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Linux system certified individuals earn, on average, $4,000 more than non-certified individuals. Professionals in Linux systems who hold a Red Hat certification (RHCE) can earn up to $22,000 more a year than those who do not. Linux certifications give job searchers a distinct advantage.

Career opportunities

Many tech careers can benefit from a Linux certification. A couple of professions that value knowledge of Linux systems include:

• Network analysts. Network analysts working with Linux software can use Linux system certifications to increase their knowledge of configuration processes.
• Systems administrators. Systems administrators often use Linux to conduct network analytics and monitor system performance. A Linux system administration certificate can aid them in troubleshooting, data collection, and analysis processes.

Other jobs that could benefit from a Linux certification include IT security specialists and Linux engineers. Most tech professionals who work with network architecture and operation can gain valuable skills from completing Linux certification exams.

Types of Linux certifications

You can pursue several types of Linux certifications depending on your personal goals and prior experience. In addition to certification exams for specific disciplines, Linux has widely applicable general knowledge certifications.

Linux+ CompTIA

The Linux+ CompTIA Certification offers the foundational skills and knowledge you need to work with Linux systems. It is often considered the baseline certification for Linux users. This Linux certification covers the command line, installation, configuration, and basic networking applications. It also offers critical knowledge for Linux systems maintenance.

This general-purpose certification is suitable for someone who has limited knowledge of Linux systems or is new to the field of expertise. Earning this certification is an excellent starting point for those who plan to pursue other Linux certificates in the future. You can use it not only to familiarize yourself with foundational Linux concepts but with the certification exam process as well.

LPI (Linux Professional Institute) Certifications

LPI (Linux Professional Institute) is an organization that offers a multiple-tier Linux certification program. The program includes specialized professional certifications based on knowledge and experience level. There are three categories of LPI certifications you can explore:

1. Essentials. The essentials program is for beginners who want to demonstrate their abilities. It includes two exams:

• Linux Essentials 010 Exam: No prerequisites, 40 questions, 60 minutes. Lifetime validity period.
• Linux Web Development Essentials 030 Exam: No prerequisites, 40 questions, 60 minutes. Lifetime validity period.

2. Linux Professional. The Linux Professional program was designed to evaluate the skills of Linux systems administrators. It includes six performance-based exams:

• LPIC-1: No prerequisites, 60 questions, 90 minutes. Five-year validity period unless retaken or a higher level is achieved.
• LPIC-2: Active LPIC-1 certification required, 60 questions, 90 minutes. Five-year validity period unless retaken or a higher level is achieved.
• LPIC-3, Mixed Environments: Active LPIC-2 certification required, 60 questions, 90 minutes. Five-year validity period.
• LPIC-3, Security: Active LPIC-2 certification required, 60 questions, 90 minutes. Five-year validity period.
• LPIC-3, Virtualization and Containerization: Active LPIC-2 certification required, 60 questions, 90 minutes. Five-year validity period.
• LPIC-3, High Availability and Storage Clusters: Active LPIC-2 certification required, 60 questions, 90 minutes. Five-year validity period.

3. Open Technology. The open technology program was designed to evaluate skills and knowledge of open technology tools. It includes two exams:

• DevOps Tools Engineer: No prerequisites, LPIC-1 certification is strongly recommended. 60 questions, 90 minutes, five-year validity period.
• BSD Specialist: No prerequisites, at least one year of BSD system administration or a relevant certificate from a developer exam is strongly recommended. 60 questions, 90 minutes, five-year validity period.

Red Hat Certified Systems Administrator (RHCSA)

The Red Hat Certified Systems Administrator Exam (RHCSA) is a high-value option for Red Hat software admins. Red Hat has three primary certification levels: Red Hat Systems Administrator, Red Hat Engineer, and Red Hat architect. Each layer increases in specificity and difficulty. The RHCSA exam is a prerequisite for those wishing to earn the Red Hat Certified Engineer Certification (RHCE).

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