Linux certifications assess your skills in setting up and managing Linux systems for business use, with options ranging from vendor-specific to distribution-independent certifications. Various certification providers offer specialized paths tailored to different job roles. IT professionals leverage these certifications to enhance their resumes and validate their expertise, while newcomers to the field find them valuable for starting their IT careers. Experienced system administrators proficient in other operating systems may also seek to expand their knowledge by gaining Linux certifications. This article highlights the best Linux certification options beneficial for IT professionals.
CompTIA Linux+
CompTIA’s latest Linux+ certification teaches you about Linux in a neutral way. It includes using commands, handling storage, working with applications, installation, and networking. Plus, you’ll learn about containers, SELinux security, and GitOps. The certification lasts for three years and has no prerequisites. You only need to pass one exam, and the Linux+ cost is $358. To pass, you need at least 720 out of 900 points, or 80%. You can study at your own pace using materials from vendors or third parties.
Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)
The RHCSA is one of the top Linux certifications for Red Hat Enterprise Linux admins. It teaches important skills like maintenance, installation, config, and networking, all with hands-on practice. Exams are hands-on too, where you complete tasks on virtual machines. No prerequisites are needed, and there’s just one exam, costing $400-500. You need at least 70% to pass. Study at your own pace, using materials from vendors or third parties.
Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS)
The Linux Foundation has various certifications for both general Linux knowledge and specialized skills. They’ve replaced the Linux Foundation Certified Engineer certification with ones that match job roles better. The LFCS is their main certification, covering basics like deployment, networking, and user management. They also offer specialized certs like Kubernetes and cloud admin. No prerequisites are needed, just one exam costs $595. You need at least 67% to pass. Study materials are available from vendors or third parties for self-paced learning.
Linux Professional Institute LPIC-1
The Linux Professional Institute (LPI) offers certifications that focus on daily admin tasks and work across different Linux versions. Among them, the LPIC-1 is one of the best Linux certs, covering system maintenance, architecture, security, and networking. Passing it can lead to more advanced LPI exams. No prerequisites are needed, but you’ll take two exams, each costing $200. To pass, you need at least 500 out of 800 points, or 62.5%. You can study at your own pace using materials from vendors or third parties.
Oracle Linux 8 System Administrator
Oracle’s Linux is based on Red Hat Linux but comes with extra tools and apps. Their certification shows you’re skilled in deploying, maintaining, and monitoring systems. It’s a starting point for advanced Oracle Linux certs covering cloud management and middleware. No prerequisites are needed, and there’s just one exam, costing $245. You need at least 60% to pass. Study materials are available from vendors or third parties for self-paced learning.
SUSE Certified Engineer (SCE)
SCEs have skills like SCAs but are more advanced. They handle scripting, encryption, storage, networking, and config management. The certification focuses on SUSE’s Linux Enterprise Server 15. To qualify, you need the SCA certification. There’s just one exam, costing $195. To pass, aim for at least 70%. Study at your own pace, using materials from vendors or third parties.
Linux Professional Institute LPIC-2
The LPIC-2 expands on LPIC-1 skills, covering advanced topics like networks, system setup, and deployment. It also includes info on managing data centers and automation. To take this cert, you need LPIC-1. There are two exams, costing $200 in total. You’ll need at least 62.5% to pass. Study materials are available for self-paced learning from vendors or third parties.
Linux Professional Institute LPIC-3
LPI offers four specializations for LPIC-3, aimed at enterprise-level Linux admins with specific job roles. Each specialization has one exam, costing $200. You need LPIC-1 and LPIC-2 to qualify. Passing any exam grants you the related LPIC-3 cert. The specializations cover Mixed Environments, Security, Virtualization and Containerization, and High Availability and Storage Clusters. Study materials are available for self-paced learning from vendors or third parties.
Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)
The RHCE goes beyond RHCSA skills, focusing on users, storage, and security. Automation, especially with Ansible, is key. The exam is task-based, testing your abilities with VMs and specific requirements. You need RHCSA to qualify. It’s one exam, costing $400-500, with a passing score of 70%. Study materials are available for self-paced learning from vendors or third parties.
Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA)
To become an RHCA, you need to pass five Red Hat exams. Red Hat offers a variety of certifications, giving admins the flexibility to match their skills with their job needs. RHCA focuses on infrastructure and enterprise apps and is Red Hat’s top credential. No separate exam is needed; the cost and passing score depend on the chosen prerequisite exams. Study materials are available for self-paced learning from vendors or third parties.
SUSE Certified Administrator (SCA)
For those starting with SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) 15, the SCA exam is the first step. It covers basic admin tasks like file systems, command lines, software, networking, and monitoring. No prerequisites are needed, and it’s for beginners. Just one exam, costing $149, with a passing score of 70%. Study materials are available for self-paced learning from vendors or third parties.
Get the Best Linux Certifications to Climb Up the Career Ladder
Ready to take your IT career to the next level? Explore the world of Linux certifications and unlock new opportunities for growth and expertise. Whether you’re just starting or looking to specialize in a particular area, there’s a certification path tailored to your needs. Invest in your future today and become a certified Linux professional!