1. What Linux certifications exist?

There are currently four well-established Linux certification programs. All of these certifications focus on the system administration role. Some require more advanced expertise while others certify basic skills. Currently there are no developer or end-user certification programs for Linux.

The top four programs (in alphabetical order) are run by CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association), LPI (Linux Professional Institute), Novell Corporation, and Red Hat, Inc. CompTIA and LPI are professional/industry associations. CompTIA and LPI certification programs are vendor-neutral, which means they are not tied to any particular Linux distribution. Red Hat is a commercial vendor of the Red Hat distribution of the Linux operating system. The Red Hat program, as you would expect, focuses on the Red Hat distribution of Linux. Novell's Linux certifications focus on the SUSE distribution of Linux. Here's what each program has to offer:

CompTIA: Linux+

(launched September, 2001)

CompTIA, which administers the Linux+ certification, is well-known for its slate of vendor-neutral foundation-level certifications. Linux+ is a basic, entry-level certification for Linux system administrators. It is intended for technicians with six-months experience installing, operating and maintaining Linux operating systems. To achieve Linux+ certification, candidates must pass the 95 question Linux+ exam. The exam covers seven domain areas: Planning and Implementation; Installation; Configuration; Administration; System Maintenance; Troubleshooting; and Identify, Install and Maintain System Hardware. It is not linked to any specific distribution of Linux.

GoCertify page for Linux+

LPI: Linux Professional Institute Certified (LPIC)

(launched January, 2000)

LPI is a non-profit organization that advocates and assists in the professional use of Linux, open source, and free software. The vendor-neutral LPIC program is three tiered, with each tier requiring passage of two exams. Level 1 (LPIC1) is for junior level administrators. Individuals must achieve level 1 (LPIC1) certification before attempting level 2 (LPIC2), the intermediate level designation. The top level is level 3 (LPIC3).

GoCertify page for all LPI certifications

Novell: Certified Linux Professional/Engineer (CLP/CLE)

(Launched 2003)

Novell is best known for its Certified Novell Administrator and Certified Novell Engineer designations, but it entered the Linux certification marketplace with a 2 level certification program. This program focuses on the SUSE distribution of Linux. The Certified Linux Professional (CLP) designation is intended for entry-level administrators. The Certified Linux Engineer (CLE) title reflects more advanced administrative skills.

GoCertify page for all Novell certifications

Red Hat: Red Hat Certified Technician/Engineer/Security Specialist/Architect (RHCT/RHCE/RHCA/RHCSS)

(Launched January, 1999)

Red Hat launched its certification program in January 1999 with the advanced, Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) designation. In November 2002, the entry-level level Red Hat Certified Technician (RHCT) title was added. Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA) launched in 2005, and Red Hat Certified Security Specialist (RHCSS) in 2006. These are the most expensive Linux certifications to earn.

RHCT is for technicians who set up new Red Hat Linux systems and attach them to networks. To earn it candidates must pass a half day hands-on lab exam at a Red Hat facility.

RHCE is for advanced system administrators who have quite a bit of experience to draw upon. To earn the RHCE certification you must pass a full day hands-on lab exam consisting of three elements: a written test; a server install and network services configuration lab; and a diagnostics and troubleshooting lab. The test is administered at a Red Hat facility. This is the most well-known advanced Linux certification currently available.

RHCA is the designation Red Hat calles its "capstone" certification, and includes planning and designing and managing an open source infrastructure in large, complex environments.

RHCSS is a security specialization that RHCEs can add on.

GoCertify page for all Red Hat certifications

CompTIA, LPI, and Red Hat may have the most prominent Linux certification programs, but there are other options available or in the works.

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