Linux Certification Questions & Answers
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7. Where are the tests administered?
8. What are the tests like?
9. How Long Will it Take to Get Certified?
10. Is financial assistance available for certification training?
11. Where can I find more information on Linux certifications?
7. Where are the tests administered?
LPI and Linux+ tests are administered through the Thompson Prometric, and Pearson VUE testing networks. Both networks are international. This means the tests can be taken worldwide, at a center that is part of either network. Pearson VUE has over 3,400 in 120 countries. Thompson Prometric has a similarly sized network. You can register for exams online or by telephone.
Before taking your first LPI exam, you must register for an LPI id on the LPI Web site.
To register for an LPI or Linux+ exam:
Thompson Prometric Online Registration for LPI and Linux+
Thompson Prometric Phone: Linux+: 800-895-3926 LPI: 800-294-3926
Pearson VUE Online: LPI Linux+
Pearson VUE Phone: LPI
Linux+
Novell's Linux certification exams are available through select Novell Partners.
Red Hat certification exams are administered at Red Hat authorized facilities only, and according to the Red Hat Web site are currently available in about 23 cities in the USA, plus several locations in Canada. The list is located on the Red Hat Web site or call (866) 626-2994 (USA).
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8. What are the tests like?
Computer-administered certification exams, like those for LPI and Linux+ certification, are given at an affiliated test center as described above. On the day of the test you go to the center, present two forms of identification, and sign in. You will be escorted to a quiet room with one or more testing stations. You won't be allowed to bring anything into the room with you but your wits and a wipe off note board. You'll sign onto the computer using your social security number and the test will begin. You may be required to complete an agreement promising not to reveal the contents of the test before you receive any actual questions. The questions themselves are mostly variations of multiple choice formats. Most certification exams last one to two hours. Passing scores vary depending on the exam but generally hover around 65-70%.
Lab exams, like those required to earn certification from Novell and Red Hat, typically last at least a several hours and often a full day. The Red Hat lab exam, for example, includes a one to two hour written exam, a two hour network services configuration lab, and a three hour troubleshooting lab.
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9. How Long Will it Take to Get Certified?
The time span varies considerably depending on your choice of certification, current experience level, and the learning methods you employ. The biggest portion of your time will go to preparing for exams. For some of the certifications it's possible to compress preparation time into a few weeks - if you're willing and able to put just about everything else aside. It's more common, and more practical, for professionals who are earning certification on their own time, to start with one exam, determine the requirements, self-study, and then take the exam. The process is repeated for the next exam for that certification.
Although many of the Linux certifications require just one exam, you may decide that one of the more complex certifications will provide more value to you in the long run. In this case, you can expect a longer study period and multiple exams. But whichever route you choose, you should be able to earn certification in less than a year.
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10. Is financial assistance available for certification training?
It's sometimes possible to obtain direct reimbursements for certification training and/or testing costs from your employer. The money may come from the training budget or from the tuition reimbursement program.
If you're an American, the tax act of 1997 makes it possible to regain some of your training costs through your federal income tax return. If you're using the training to advance in your current profession (rather than to change professions) you'll want to explore Form 2106, Employee Business Expenses, or, if you're self-employed, Schedule C, Profit or Loss from Business.
The 1997 tax act created two credits you may be able to take advantage of as well: the Lifetime Learning Credit and the Hope Scholarship Credit. Credits are dollar for dollar reductions of your tax bill! The following IRS Publications can help you determine if your expenses will qualify:
- Publication 508 Education Expenses
- Publication 970 Tax Benefits for Higher Education
Veterans may be able to use their GI benefits to pay for certification training and testing. You can find the rules and regulations, as well as qualifing certification, on the GI Bill website.
If you don't have the cash on hand to fund your certification efforts, and you don't have an employer that's willing to foot the bill, there are several loan programs that may help you out, among them are:
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11. Where can I find more information on Linux certifications?
GoCertify LPI page
LPI Web site
GoCertify Linux+ page
CompTIA's Linux+ pages
GoCertify Novell Certification page
Novell's main certification page
GoCertify Red Hat Certification Page
Red Hat Web site
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