Red Hat Certification Options

In the last couple of weeks, we’ve been taking a closer look at the available Linux certification options including the LPIC certification, CompTIA’s Linux+ and Novell’s SUSE Linux certifications.

Today we’re covering the final Linux certification option on our list: Red Hat Certification

With over 75,000 certified Red Hat professionals, this is certainly the most recognized Linux certification. Hard estimates aside, this figure would imply that more enterprises have chosen to become Red Hat Linux shops.

Unlike the other certification bodies, Red Hat solely 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 hand-on experience.

Red Hat Certification Overview

There are six Red Hat certifications:

• Red Hat Certified Technician (RHCT)
• Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)
• Red Hat Certified Virtualization Administrator (RHVCA)
• Red Hat Certified Security Specialist (RHCSS)
• The Red Hat Certified Datacenter Specialist (RHDCS)
• The Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA)

As well as, six certificate options, which are more specialized, expert level certificates available to RHCE’s and discussed in more detai below.

Red Hat Certification Process

At this time, there are testing centers across the U.S. and a few in Canada. In order to schedule an exam, you can search for the exams and locations here by selecting the exam only options. You can also search for training with exams at this link.

Red Hat Certified Technician (RHCT)

This $399, two hour exam, is the entry level Red Hat certification. Typical candidates are adept with another operating system and are looking to take the initial step down the Linux certification path. Candidates should be able to install, configure and connect to an existing Red Hat production network.

The  exam is two hours long and you must score 70% or higher to pass. Unlike other exams, where your result is known immediately, you’ll have to wait 3 days for your results to arrive via email.

For those wishing to gauge their current skill level, registered users at the Red Hat website may take an online assessment exam.

Recommended Coursework for the Red Hat Certified Technician (RHCT):

Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)

This $399, 3.5 hour exam focuses on your ability to configure networking and security services on the Red Hat OS. Insiders refer to it as the “crown jewel of Linux certifications.” Adding these letters to your resume will have potential employers taking note.

Depending on your level of experience with Red Hat (beginner to expert), the following table will help you understand the four different study paths.

The pre-assessment questionnaire for the RHCE along with more exam information is available here.

Recommended Coursework for the Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE):

Red Hat Certificates of Expertise

These are specialized, expert level certificates, only available to RHCE’s. The actual exams vary in length from 2 to 8 hours depending on the course. This is a pass/fail test, and will require candidates to wait on the hot seat for their result – usually sent within 5 business days via email.

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

More detailed information on each of the certificates of expertise can be found at this link.

Red Hat Certified Virtualization Administrator (RHCVA)

This $599, half-day exam tests system administrator’s ability to administer virtual environments (a single server running multiple servers or desktop operating systems). A study guide (RHVCA) is available and there is also a class ($2,898 4 day classroom training) to help shore up your skills in this space.

Candidates should be able to install Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization Manager (RHEV-M), along with any dependencies and perform these functions:

• Use RHEV-M to
• Create Data Centers
• Create Clusters
• Manage Hypervisor Hosts
• Configure Storage
• Create Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Microsoft Windows virtual machines
• Create Pools
• Create Templates
• Create RHEV-M users
• Install and configure a Red Hat Virtualization Hypervisor (RHEV-H) to support guests and attach to a RHEV-M
• Import installation media for creating new virtual machines
• Perform management tasks such as collecting logs, creating bookmarks for specific events, etc.

If you’re interested in learning more about the RHCVA, here is where you can find more detailed information.

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.

All of the exams cost $749 and include:

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

Recommended Coursework for the Red Hat Certified Security Specialist (RHCSS):

More details and exam information on the RHCSS is available at this link.

Red Hat Certified Datacenter Specialist (RHDCS)

Open to RHCE’s, this certification ensures its holders can manage solutions in mission-critical datacenter environments.

There are 3 exams which are all $749:

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

Recommended Coursework for the Red Hat Certified Datacenter Specialist (RHDCS):

Complete RHDCS certification and exam information is available on the Red Hat website at this link.

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 exams – all $749:

• 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

Recommended Coursework for the Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA):

The RHCA exam and certification information is available here.

Alternative Red Hat Training

In terms of other recommended training options, these self study books are recommended:

• Red Hat Certified Technician and Engineer Training Guide
• Red Hat RHCE Study Guide

A complete listing of Red Hat sponsored courses is available at their website.

Who Should Pursue Red Hat Certification?

Over the last few weeks, we’ve looked at all the current Linux certification options. Which certification is for you?

The answer is — it depends. Those new to the Linux arena, should probably focus on either the LPIC or CompTIA options, as those are the entry level distribution neutral certifications that will get you to a good start.

The choice between Novell and Red Hat will largely depend on your current or future employment direction. If you’d like to increase your chances for advancement at your current employer, consider certifying in the distribution used in-house. If you have your eye on another opportunity, then a distribution-neutral certification may be the way to go.

I hope you’ve enjoyed our deep dive into the Linux certification arena. Let me know if you have any questions or need help deciding which Linux certification is right for you.

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