Linux Certification Options

There was a time when a college degree alone was the standard measurement in determining a technical professional’s marketability.

However, increasingly, certifications are becoming the requisite distinction on which potential employees are gauged. The growth of Linux, both in the enterprise and the home, has sparked an increase in employer demand for Linux certifications.

This article, the first in a series about Linux certifications, will provide an overview of the four available certification options:

• Linux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC)
• CompTIA Linux+
• Novell Certified Linux Engineer
• Red Hat

Linux varies from the Windows space in that there are several different flavors or distributions of the operating system. Consequently, there are both general, distribution-neutral and vendor-specific Linux certifications.

Let’s start by taking a quick look at the available Linux certifications.

Linux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC)

The Linux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC) is one of two distribution-neutral certifications in the Linux space. LPIC certifies competency in both the basic operating system components and associated administration tools.

There are three certification levels: LPIC-1, LPIC-2 and LPIC-3.

LPIC-1 – Junior Level Linux Professional:

• Exam 101 – System Architecture: This required exam covers the basics. These are essentially the skills that are common across all major Linux distributions.
• Exam 102 – Shells, Scripting and Data Management

LPIC-2 – Advanced Level Linux Professional:

• Exam 201 – Linux Kernel
• Exam 202 – Web Services

LPIC-3 – Senior Level Linux Professional:

• Exam 301 – This is the only exam required for LPIC-3 certification. It covers Concepts, Architecture and Design. Exams 302 and 303 address special topics.
• Exam 302 – Successful candidates earn the specialty designation for mixed environments. The exam covers SMB/CIFS, file sharing and print services in a mixed environment.
• Exam 303 – Successful candidates earn the specialty designation for security. The exam covers Cryptography.

CompTIA Linux+

CompTIA Linux+ is the other distribution-neutral certification. Similarly, this certification covers Linux basics and is targeted toward entry level professionals, with a minimum of six to twelve months of Linux and/or Windows experience.

According to their website, both Oracle and Novell recognize CompTIA Linux+ in their own certification paths.

The 98 question exam covers five domain areas:

• Installation and Configuration
• System Maintenance and Operation
• Application and Services
• Networking
• Security

Novell Certified Linux Engineer

Seasoned network professionals will remember the Novell Certified Network Engineer (CNE) as one of the earliest entrants into the certification arena. Novell has expanded its focus since those early years and is now the company behind SUSE Linux.

The Novell Certified Linux Engineer (CLE) certification is aimed at senior level professionals, and Novell has also introduced certifications aimed at entry-level Linux administrators.

There are four Novell certifications:

• Novell Certified Linux Desktop Administrator (CLDA) – Beginners will likely start with this entry-level Linux desktop certification. Typical candidates will already have some experience with the Windows desktop environment. The certification measures administration skills; things like installing, configuring and managing the Linux desktop.
• Novell Certified Linux Administrator (CLA) – The Novell Certified Linux Administrator (CLA) is the newest Novell certification and demonstrates competency in the day-to-day administration of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server networks.
• Novell Certified Linux Professional (CLP) – A certified CLP has proven skill at administering the SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 platform.
• Novell Certified Linux Engineer (CLE) – The CLE is the highest level Novell certification, affirming engineer-level skills for managers or architects of enterprise networks based on SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10.

Red Hat Certification

With over 75,000 certified Red Hat professionals, this is probably the most recognized Linux certification. Unlike the other certification bodies, Red Hat uses performance based testing – in a live laboratory environment. Memorization alone won’t help you with these exams, where there is no substitute for real hands-on experience.

There are six Red Hat certifications, as well as, six certificate options:

Red Hat Certified Technician (RHCT) – This two hour exam is the entry level certification. Typical candidates are adept with another Operating System and may have already taken other multiple choice type exams.

Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) – This three and a half hour exam focuses on ability to configure networking and security services on the Red Hat OS.

Red Hat Certified Virtualization Administrator (RHVCA) – This half day exam focuses on the ability of system administrators to administer virtual environments (a single server running multiple servers or desktop operating systems).

Red Hat Certificates of Expertise – These are specialized, expert level certificates, available to RHCE’s. Areas of specialization include:

• Security: Network Services
• Directory Services and Authentication
• SELinux Policy Administration
• Deployment, Virtualization, and Systems Management
• Clustering and Storage Management
• System Monitoring and Performance Tuning

Red Hat Certified Security Specialist (RHCSS) – This certification is only open to current RHCE’s and consists of three exams that measure advanced skills in using Red Hat Enterprise Linux, SELinux, and Red Hat Directory Server to manage enterprise security requirements.

Exams include:

• Red Hat Enterprise Security: Network Services
• Enterprise Directory Services and Authentication
• SELinux Policy Administration

The Red Hat Certified Datacenter Specialist (RHDCS) – Open to RHCE’s, this certification ensures the ability to manage solutions in mission-critical datacenter environments.

There are 3 exams:

• Deployment, Virtualization, and Systems Management
• Directory Services and Authentication
• Clustering and Storage Management

The Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA) – This is the most senior level, capstone certification to the Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) and Red Hat Certified Technician (RHCT).

There are five examinations:

• Red Hat Enterprise Security: Network Services Expertise
• Red Hat Enterprise Deployment, Virtualization, and Systems Management
• Red Hat Enterprise Directory Services and Authentication Expertise
• Red Hat Enterprise Clustering and Storage Management Expertise
• Red Hat Enterprise System Monitoring and Performance Tuning Expertise

How to Choose the Right Linux Cert?

So now that you’re aware of the available Linux certification options, how do you know which one is right for you?

In the subsequent articles in this series I will provide you with a more in depth look at each Linux certification option, their requirements and training paths which will help you make the right decision.

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