What is Linux Certification?

Linux certification is a credential that shows a person's skills and knowledge of using and managing the Linux operating system. It also shows proficiency in various fields, such as Networking, Administration, Security and Troubleshooting. Linux certifications are highly recommended and demanded for professionals to employ in the whole IT sector. These certifications and the training programs are desirable for roles such as Linux Administrators, DevOps Engineers, System Administrators, Network Engineers, Python Developers, Data Administrators, and Software Programmers.

Popular Linux Certification Programs

Several Linux certifications exist. These certifications authenticate skills in administration, networking, security, and troubleshooting, which are highly appreciated and recognized in the IT field.

• Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)
• CompTIA Linux+
• Linux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC)
• SUSE Certified Engineer (SSE)

Advantages of Linux Certifications

If you have earned a Linux certification, it can provide numerous advantages, especially for IT professionals. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Linux certifications can increase your job opportunities in Cloud Computing. They can also help you qualify for promotions or advanced positions within your organization.
• Staying current with the latest certifications enables you to take action according to the latest industry technologies. Earning certifications from renowned and recognized organizations such as Red Hat and Linux Foundation can be more beneficial.
• Having a Linux certification describes your profession and showcases your skills and knowledge. You are paid a higher salary than non-certified people.
• Certifications make you closer to getting employment. Earning certificates increases your confidence level in your technical abilities.
• Certification programs provide you with an opportunity to connect with IT professionals. You can transfer or share Linux skills across different roles, industries, and types of IT environments.
• Certifications can help you stay in different IT areas, such as Cloud Computing, DevOps, Cybersecurity, etc. These certifications enable you to stay in fields such as security and networking.
• People who get advanced certification are more efficient and productive and can contribute to the success of the organization. Certified professionals can manage and troubleshoot complex systems. Linux certifications are recognized all over the world. Also can be beneficial if you are looking for a job opportunity abroad.

Linux Certification Path

The Linux certification path includes a series of certifications designed to validate skills and knowledge at different levels of expertise. Basically, there are three types of certification paths which are provided here:

Entry-Level

CompTIA Linux+

Its objective is to validate fundamental Linux skills. It is a great option for beginners and IT professionals who are starting with Linux. The entry level includes basic Linux command line, system architecture, installation and package management, GNU and Unix commands, devices, filesystems, file management, shell scripting, and data management.

Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS)

Its objective is to demonstrate proficiency in the basic to intermediate skills required of a Linux system administrator. It is the best for new Linux administrators. It includes Essential commands, operation of running systems, user and group management, networking, service configuration, and storage management.

Intermediate-Level

Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)

Validate the skills needed for basic system administration of Red Hat Enterprise Linux environments. Linux administrators aim to work with Red Hat systems. Keep an eye on using essential tools, operating running systems, configuring local storage, creating and configuring file systems, and deploying, configuring, and maintaining systems.

Linux Foundation Certified Engineer (LFCE)

Objective: Confirms advanced Linux system administration skills and abilities.

Ideal For: Experienced Linux administrators.

Exam Focus: Advanced system administration tasks, including managing networking, service configuration, storage, and virtual machines.

Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)

Demonstrates the ability to automate Red Hat Enterprise Linux tasks, integrate Red Hat emerging technologies, and apply automation for efficiency.

Ideal For: Advanced Red Hat administrators.

Exam Focus: Automation of Linux system administration tasks, deployment, and management of systems using Ansible.

Advanced-Level

Linux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC-3)

Objective: Validates advanced enterprise-level Linux skills.

Ideal For: Senior Linux professionals.

Exam Focus: Multiple specializations, including mixed environments, security, virtualization, and high availability systems.

Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA)

Objective: The highest level of certification offered by Red Hat, covering advanced and comprehensive knowledge of Red Hat Enterprise Linux and its products.

Ideal For: Senior system administrators, engineers, and architects.

Exam Focus: Requires achieving multiple RHCE and other Red Hat certifications, focusing on specialized topics such as cloud computing, DevOps, or security.

Specializations and Related Certifications

DevOps Engineer Certifications: For those focusing on DevOps tools and practices.

Examples: Docker Certified Associate, Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA).

Cloud Certifications: For those focusing on cloud platforms.

Examples: AWS Certified SysOps Administrator, Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect.

Some of the Top Linux Certifications

To advance your career in Linux system administration or related fields, obtaining a recognized Linux certification can be a great step. Here are some of the top Linux certifications:

1. CompTIA Linux+

This certification program teaches fundamental skills that are currently in demand. It is an employment-based certification that includes tasks such as Linux distributions, command line, networking, maintenance, installation and configuration. Moreover, it provides practical knowledge on configuring, supporting, and controlling servers running the Linux operating system.

This is ideal for early-career system administrators and IT professionals working with Linux.

Topics to be Covered: Installation, configuration, system maintenance, security, scripting, and networking.

Certification Provider: CompTIA

2. LPIC (Linux Professional Institute Certification)

Levels:

LPIC-1: Linux Administrator

This is an entry-level certification for basic Linux system administration. With this certification, you can learn to implement command-line maintenance, installation and configuration of Linux systems and networking. Your administrator credential will be used here to manage system administration in real-world activities. This certification is valid for five years. To get this certification, you must pass the 101 and 102 exams.

Topics to be Covered: System architecture, installation, package management, GNU and Unix commands, devices, filesystems, Shell & Shell Scripting, Desktops and Interfaces, System Administration, System Services, Security, file management, and Networking.

LPIC-2: Linux Engineer

This is an advanced certification for managing small-to medium-sized mixed networks. It enables professionals to gain the required skills while performing small-or medium-sized networking tasks. To get this certification, you will need to have a valid LPIC-1 certification. The validity of the LPIC-2 credential is the same as the LPIC-1 certification.

Topics to be Covered: capacity planning, System Start-up, file system and Devices, kernel management, System maintenance, networking configuration, Advanced Storage Device Administration, File Sharing, Network Management, Web and Email, DNS, System Security, and Troubleshooting.

LPIC-3: Linux Enterprise Professional Certification

This is a senior-level certification focusing on enterprise-level Linux administration. It is also known as the Mixed Environment certification. It represents an advanced proficiency level concerning distribution-neural Linux. Before applying for this credential, you must have an LPIC-2 certification, which has a validity period of 5 years. The topics which will be covered:

• OpenLDAP Configuration and Authentication Backend
• Samba - Basics, Share Basics, User & Group Management
• Samba - Name Services and Domain Integration
• Working with Windows and Linux Clients

Specializations: Security, mixed environments, virtualization, and high availability.

Certification Provider: Linux Professional Institute (LPI)

This credential is called LPIC-3 300. That is because, at this level, two other specialization certifications are offered. You can get any of these three credentials and get certified in those domains according to your specialization. All these specializations have the same prerequisites and validity as the 300.

Those two credentials are the following:

LPIC-3 (303): Linus Enterprise Professional - Security

This certification focuses on security as a domain of Linux administration across enterprises. It includes topics such as cryptography, Operations Security, Applications Security, Access Control, and Network Security.

LPIC-3 (304): Linux Enterprise Professional - Virtualisation

This certification focuses on virtualization and high availability as domains of Linux administration across enterprises, specifically Cluster Storage and Cluster Management.

3. Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)

Overview: Validates basic skills in system administration for Red Hat Enterprise Linux environments.

Topics to be Covered: Installation, configuration, system management, basic networking, and security.

Certification Provider: Red Hat

4. Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)

Overview: Builds upon RHCSA skills, focusing on automation of Linux system administration tasks using Ansible and shell scripting.

Topics to be Covered: System configuration, management, security, services, and automation.

Certification Provider: Red Hat

5. Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA)

This is an advanced certification for those who have earned RHCE and want to specialize in different areas.

Specializations: Cloud, DevOps, Datacenter, Application Development.

Certification Body: Red Hat

6. Oracle Linux Administrator Certification

It focuses on Oracle Linux system administration.

Topics: Installation, configuration, system management, monitoring, and troubleshooting.

Certification Provider: Oracle

7. Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS)

This is for an entry-level certification focusing on fundamental skills needed for system administration. If you want to begin your career as a Linux System Administrator or in a related role, the LFCS certification is an ideal starting point. This certification assesses your skills based on your performance in real-world task simulations and scenarios, which potential employers regard as equivalent to work experience. The exam is conducted online and remains valid for three years after you earn it. No prior experience or knowledge of the subject matter is required to apply for this exam.

Topics to be covered: Necessary Commands, File Systems, System Operations, Installing, Configuring Linux, and Troubleshooting Operations, User and Group Management, System Environments, Configuration, DNS, SSH, HTTP, VM Maintenance, Storage Management, Configuring File Systems, Networking, IP Routing.

Certification Provider: The Linux Foundation

8. Linux Foundation Certified Engineer (LFCE)

This is an advanced certification focusing on Linux engineering skills. If you have 3-5 years of experience working with Linux products and services, the LFCE certification is ideal for you. This certification enables you to attain a higher level of expertise suitable for more advanced job roles. The exam is performance-based and centers on real-world workplace scenarios. The main focuses of this certification are:

Topics to be Covered: Essential Commands, File Systems, Features, Networking, IP Routing, Synchronization, Running System Operations, Booting, Installing, Configuring, Troubleshooting, Configuration, DNS, SSH, HTTP and VM Maintenance, Storage Management, LVM Storage, RAID Devices, Configure File Systems, User and Group Management and System-wide Environments.

Certification Provider: The Linux Foundation

9. SUSE Certified Administrator (SCA)

To validate fundamental skills required to administer SUSE Linux Enterprise Server. Those starting their certification journey with SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) 15 begin with the SCA exam. This exam covers essential topics, including file system management, command line tasks, using Vim, software management, system management, networking, storage, and monitoring. It is designed for new SUSE administrators and has no prerequisites.

Certification Provider: SUSE

10. SUSE Certified Engineer (SCE)

This is an advanced certification for in-depth knowledge of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, similar to the SCA. SCE provides advanced administration accessibility, including scripting, encryption, storage, networking and configuration management. This certification is built on SUSE's own Linux Enterprise Server 15.

Topics to be Covered: Advanced system administration tasks, including networking services, storage management, and security.

Certification Provider: SUSE

Conclusion

Linux certification validates an individual's proficiency in Linux system administration and management. It demonstrates expertise in using Linux systems, covering essential skills such as installation, configuration, security, and troubleshooting. Recognized certifications, like those from CompTIA, Red Hat, and Linux Professional Institute (LPI), enhance career prospects by verifying the holder's competence in a widely-used and in-demand operating system.