The Linux Certification Exam
Linux is open source software and was developed by a collaboration of individuals instead of being created by a particular vendor. Therefore there is no one vendor or body to create a single Linux certification exam. Instead, several organizations have stepped in and created Linux certification programs and exams so that IT professionals could prove that they were proficient with Linux.
The Linux certification exam is offered by Novell, Red Hat, Linux Professional Institute, and the Computing Technology Industry Association. The Linux Professional Institute offers 3 levels of Linux certification from basic to intermediate to advanced. Each of these levels requires two Linux certification exams. Novell currently offers two levels of Linux certification, the Certified Linux Professional, and the Certified Linux Engineer. Red Hat provides four levels of Linux certification: the Red Hat Certified Technician (requires 1 Linux certification exam), the Red Hat Certified Engineer (requires 1 certification exam), the Red Hat Certified Architect (requires 5 Linux certification exams) and the Red Hat Certified Security Specialist (requires 3 exams).
Training courses for the Linux certification exam can be taken in person at local technical and computer schools, or you can do web based self paced study. You will find many training aids such as manuals and CDs/DVDs if you do a search online. You will also be able to take mock certification tests online so you can tell if you are prepared for the official Linux certification exam.
The Linux Professional Institute offers its exams through Prometrics which is a well known testing service. You can log onto the Prometrics website and arrange to take your Linux certification exam whenever you feel you are ready. You will have to go to the testing site in person to take the test. Prometrics operates hundreds of testing sites around the world, so you should easily be able to find one close to you. The cost of the Linux certification exam is $150 per each exam taken. You can take the exam until you pass it but you must pay full price for each attempt. It is important that you take a solid training course so you have complete understanding of Linux, at least the aspects of it upon which you will be tested. It might be worth paying a little more for a quality education instead of paying more later if you have to take the test multiple times. Passing the Linux certification exam and obtaining your certificate will offer proof to your employer or potential future employers that you are truly skilled in Linux. Even though there is no one single vendor to offer certification such as is the case with Microsoft or Cisco, certifications awarded from known and accepted organizations in the IT community are readily accepted world-wide.
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