As a follow up to my article on Linux Certification Options, I decided to outline in detail what each of the Linux certs involve and what steps you need to take to obtain one.
I have already covered both the LPIC certification and the CompTIA Linux+ certification. Up next: Novell.
Novell Certified Linux Engineer
One of the first, and most coveted IT industry certifications was the Novell Certified Network Engineer (CNE).
I can recall huddling around a brand new server with my co-workers and what seemed like fifty diskettes. We sat patiently (well, not really so patiently), as we inserted disk after disk, rejoicing at what would be our first Novell network.
Computers and operating systems have come a long way since then and as a company, Novell has also ridden the wave of change. They are now the company behind SUSE Linux and have established technical certifications based on their distribution.
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.
Novell Linux Certification Overview
There are four Novell Linux certifications available today:
- Novell Certified Linux Desktop Administrator (CLDA)
- Novell Certified Linux Administrator (CLA)
- Novell Certified Linux Professional (CLP)
- Novell Certified Linux Engineer (CLE)
Novell Certification Process
Novell employs both a traditional, multiple choice exam and a practicum — a pass/fail, performance based test where candidates perform tasks on a live Linux server. All exams are scheduled and offered through Novell’s testing partner, Pearson VUE.
Novell’s retake policy is similar to other certification bodies. If you fail on a first attempt, there is no waiting period to take the test a second time. However, there is a 30 day waiting period before you can retake the same test, a third time.
Novell Certification Pricing:
Traditional, multiple choice exams are all $125. Practicum exams are $195.
Novell Certifications
• Novell Certified Linux Desktop Administrator (CLDA)
Linux newbies 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.
There is one learning path, covering SUSE Enterprise Desktop 10. The sixty-six question, traditional exam covers a whopping 55 test objectives, that must be completed within 70 minutes with a minimum passing score of 536. See the Novell website for a full listing of objectives, but be forewarned that they can change at any time, so check back frequently.
Novell Certified Linux Desktop Administrator (CLDA) Training:
Novell offers the following training courses for this exam: The five-day training (course 3086), costs $2,495 for classroom study and a $495 self study option. For more information on training options for all Novell exams visit the Training Offerings page.
• 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.
There are two learning paths, covering both server software versions: SUSE Enterprise Server 11 and 10. For the purposes of this article, we’ll cover the most current version, Server 11.
There are two tests, concentrated on fundamentals and administration. Both are ninety minute, multiple choice exams with sixty-nine questions, spanning fifty-five test objectives. The passing score is 512. In addition to the distribution-neutral Linux topics, candidates will be tested on Novell-specific components, such as, RPM, SUSE installation, YaST and SUSE Linux system monitoring.
Click here for detailed test objectives.
Novell Certified Linux Administrator (CLA) Training:
Novell offers the following training courses for this exam: The three-day fundamental training (course 3101), costs $1,495 for classroom study and $495 for self study. The five-day advanced administration class is $2,495 for classroom and $495 for self-study.
• Novell Certified Linux Professional (CLP)
A certified CLP has proven skills at administering the SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 platform. It tests things like installation and configuration, software & process management, and creating batch scripts.
There is one learning path for the CLP 11. The 180 minute practicum (pass/fail) exam covers forty-nine test objectives. This exam will be hands on, candidates will need to perform tasks that measure aptitude with tools like: NFS, Samba and Xen. See the Novell website for a full listing of objectives.
Novell Certified Linux Professional (CLP) Training:
Novell offers the following training courses for this exam:
- 3101 ($1,495 classroom, $495 self study),
- 3102 ($2,495 classroom, $495 self study),
- and 3103 ($2,495 classroom, $495 self study)
For existing CLP 10 holders, course 3100 — an upgrade refresher, is available as a free download.
• 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.
There are two certification paths, CLE 10 and CLE 9. We’ll focus on CLE 10, which has two sections: Network Services and Security.
Both are 120 minute practicum exams covering forty-nine advanced level test objectives. This exam, also pass/fail, will be hands on; candidates will need to perform tasks encompassing all topics covered in previous certifications and with the addition of tasks like: performance tuning, advanced configuration and virtualization.
Again, the Novell website contains a detailed listing of the exam objectives.
Novell Certified Linux Linux Engineer (CLE) Training:
Novell offers the following training courses for this exam: courses 3074 Network and 3075 Security cover this material and both 5 day ($2,495) and self study ($495) are available.
Existing CLE 9 holders, can get more information on upgrading with course 3076 through this link.
Is Novell Courseware the Only Training Option?
Some of you may be experiencing a bit of sticker shock over the pricing of the Novell training courses. My research suggests that the classroom training options are the most recommended to help you prepare for the exams. Alternative recommendations were difficult to come by, but you may want to check out these two books, both available at Amazon:
In addition, co-workers or others in the technical community may be able to advise on the best training options.
Be sure to join me next week for the final article, as we wrap up the Linux Certification series, with an examination of Red Hat Linux certification options.
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