Linux Foundation launches new certification program

Linux penguin

How does the old saying go? There are two kinds of people in the world — those who use Linux and those who still live in caves and cook meat over a fire. Or maybe we're thinking of the one about how the corporate OS you know is better than the corporate OS you don't, but Linux doesn't jab you with a pitchfork and insist that you suffer the eternal torments of (somewhere down below). Maybe the best way of putting it would be to say that Linux, probably the foremost open source operating system in the world, has some passionate proponents. And now some of those folks are using certification to spread their message.

 

On Wednesday, the nonprofit group Linux Foundation announced that it is launching a new certification program that will cater to both emerging IT careerists, and seasoned Linux professionals. The announcement was made in Chicago at the kickoff of the Linux Foundation's annual LinuxCon North America. The new certification program will operate in conjunction with existing Linux Foundation resources, including the free "Introduction to Linux" Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) announced in May, as well as many other instructional and training materials.

 

Linux Foundation's new certification program will initially offer two credentials, the Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS) and Linux Foundation Certified Engineer (LFCE). The exams will be available online, around the clock, via the Linux Foundation's own secure site. The exams have also been designed to be performance-based, eschewing the typical multiple-choice format, and certification candidates can choose to certify in any (or all) of three popular Linux distributions: CentOS, openSUSE and Ubuntu. Exam design for the two new certifications was based on current feedback from Linux professionals, to ensure that certification candidates are tested on the latest developments in the field.

 

Linux Foundation exective director Jim Zemlin said that the certification program is intended to benefit Linux professionals worldwide, and also to help build a pool of talent to address ongoing demand for additional talented Linux engineers and administrators. "Our new Certification Program will enable employers to easily identify Linux talent when hiring and uncover the best of the best," Zemlin said. "We think Linux professionals worldwide will want to proudly showcase their skills through these certifications, and that these certificates will become a hallmark of quality throughout our industry."

 

To celebrate the launch of the new certification program, Linux Foundation officials distributed 1,000 exam vouchers at the LinuxCon, and the first 500 people to register for the new exams will receive a special introductory rate of $50. (Regular price for both exams is $300.) Additional information about the Linux Foundation certification program is available online.

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GoCertify's mission is to help both students and working professionals get IT certifications. GoCertify was founded in 1998 by Anne Martinez.