There are more opportunities available when you follow the Linux certification path with a lot of success stories too. Therefore, if you are an IT professional there are many reasons you should consider getting a Linux certification. If you have an interest in getting certified as a Linux engineer, this article will serve as a guide towards your journey of becoming certified as a Linux engineer.
What are the Linux Certifications?
Before we understand what Linux certification is, it is best to first understand what Linux is for the benefit of those new to the field. Linux is an operating system like Windows and IOS, which is responsible for enabling communication between our system software and hardware. Linux operating system, like other operating systems, also manages other aspects of computer applications, the desktop background, and every other component that make up the computer system. The Linux operating system is present in different kinds of systems like smartphones, laptops, desktops, home electronics and appliances, and even automobiles. Linux certification on the other hand is a way to verify that a person is an expert in more or more areas of the Linux operating system. Some of the areas where you can obtain certification as a Linux professional includes:
Data AdministrationSystem AdministrationDevOps Engineering etc.
The purpose of Linux Certification is to ensure that IT professionals gain the necessary recognition and knowledge they need to remain relevant in the IT industry.
Are Linux Certifications Worth It?
Whether you believe it or not, many managers and recruiters are seeking the services of certified Linux professionals today. Therefore, if you are still asking the question, “Are Linux certifications worth it?” Then you need to face the reality of the IT industry today. With the development and growth of open cloud systems, there is an increase in the demand for IT experts with Linux certification. Also, Linux certification gives IT professionals an edge in the job market, since today’s IT employers are seeking the services of those with Linux expertise. As a certified Linux professional, you also earn more than your colleagues in the industry.
Which Linux Certification is Best for Beginners?
There are many courses available for IT engineers who wish to become Linux-certified. However, if you are new to the field, below are some interesting areas, to begin with:
Red Hat Linux SuSE LinuxCertification in Linux FoundationOracleCompTIA Linux+Linux Professional Institute (LPIC)
How Much Does Linux Certification Cost?
The Linux Foundation is responsible for providing Linux certification. Depending on your choice of certification or field of expertise, Linux certification cost starts from 250USD to 630USD. Linux also offers training courses, which are designed to provide in-depth knowledge to individuals to help them prepare for their certification as Linux experts. Most Linux certifications allow candidates to retake their exams without and additional payment. At the end of your training and certification, you get a Digital Badge and PDF Certificate from Linux Foundation.
How to do Certifications for Linux RedHat?
Before you proceed to install an SSL certificate in RedHat Linux Web Server, below are the initial things you need to take care of before you begin.
Purchase/ renew your SSL certificateGenerate a CSR with SHA-2 algorithmStore the CSR and private key files on your web server Apply for SSL Certification InsuranceSubmit your SSL Certification issuance forms according to CA’s requirements (applicable for Comprehensive and Organization Validation)
The points above serve as a preparatory stage for your installation. Once the following steps are complete, you can proceed with your certification in the following three steps.
Step One: Download and Extract the Zip Folder Containing Certificates
Once the check-out and certification issuance process is complete, your SSL certificate will be sent to your email in a zip file format. Ensure to extract the contents of the folder on your server directory where you usually save your certificate files.
Step Two: Install the necessary Intermediate CA certificates
To install the necessary intermediate CA files, you need to open the files using a text editor. Copy and paste all the encoded data into a new file and save it using any name of your choice and a .crt extension. Once this is done, copy the new file into the following location:
/etc/httpd/conf/ssl.crt/intermediate cert.crtUsing any text editor, open your CNF file through the location: etc/httpd/conf/httpd.confUsing a virtual host tag, create the following directive: SSLCACertificateFile /etc/httpd/conf/ssl.crt/intermediate.crt
Congratulations! You have successfully installed your Intermediate Certificate.
Step Three: Installation of SSL Certificate Files
Like the previous step, open your SSL certificate with a text editor and store it as server-cert.crtStore your new certificate file in the following location /etc/httpd/conf/ssl.crt/server-cert.crtUsing the same method, install your server key file at /etc/httpd/conf/ssl.key/server.key
Once you are done with the following steps, go to your httpd.cnf file using a virtual host tag and include the following directives: SSLCertificateFile /etc/httpd/conf/ssl.crt/server.crt SSLCertificateKeyFile /etc/httpd/conf/ssl.key/server.key SSLCACertificateFile /etc/httpd/conf/ssl.crt/intermediate.crt (Do not include directive, if it is already included.) Save your httpd.cnf file and restart your RedHat web server to complete the installation process.
What Certifications Can You Get From Linux Academy?
There are several certifications you can get from Linux Academy, which is grouped into the following:
System Administration Certifications (5)Cloud and Containers Certifications (9)Blockchain Certifications (4)Web and Application Certifications (4) System Engineering certification (2)DevOps and Site-Reliability Certification (1)
While the above are the most common certifications from Linux Academy, there are many other certifications that you can obtain from Linux Academy. For candidates with the interest in becoming certified Kubernetes Administrators (CKA), there are several opportunities available with the Linux foundation in this area. There are also many foundation certifications available at Linux Academy for both beginners and those that wish to further their knowledge in various areas of Linux.
Why Get Oracle Linux Certifications?
Oracle Linux Certification comes with a state-of-the-art Linux revolution and offers improved performance, reliability, and scalability. Through Oracle Linux Training, candidates acquire the skills to enhance their database that utilizes the Linux Operating System. Oracle Linux Certification Training will also help candidates gain the essential skills and proficiency they need as Oracle System Administrators. They will also obtain the skills they require for the preparation of Linux systems for Oracle applications. Oracle Linux certification also helps candidates to gain the skills they require to optimize Linux Operating systems for enterprise workloads. Most of all, getting certified as a Linux Oracle professional will help to improve your credibility and set you apart from the rest in the Linux environment.
Top Amazing Step-by-Step Guide On How to Get Linux Certifications Online
Currently, Linux is in high demand and a lot of companies are looking forward to hiring a Linux talent. There are many opportunities available in the sector today. Hence, if you wish to take advantage of the available opportunities, the following steps will guide you on how to become a Linux System Administrator.
Step 1: Install the Linux operating system
Unquestionably, this is a vital point that anyone that wants to learn Linux should know. The first step to becoming a proficient Linux user is to install the Linux operating system. The process of installing the Linux system is available as a part of both LFS101x and LFS201 training courses.
Step 2: Take LFS101x
For candidates with no previous experience with Linux, LFS101x is the starting point of their journey to becoming certified Linux professionals. LFS101x serves as an introductory course to Linux. The good thing is that you can take your LFS101x online for free at edX.org. The course takes an in-depth look at the different techniques and tools that Linux System Administrators utilize to meet their daily target. However, it is essential to have a comprehensive knowledge of computer operation. Nonetheless, whether you have limited experience or no experience at all with the Linux operating system, LFS101x is designed to provide candidates with a good hands-on experience of Linux from both command line and graphics viewpoints. The course also allows candidates to gain the necessary experience to use various Linux tools and explore the main Linux distributions. Read this: 10 Best Cybersecurity Certifications In The World | 2022
Step 3: Explore LFS201
Once a candidate completes the LFS101x, the next step is to delve into more complex fields of Linux like Essentials of Linux System Administration LFS201. As an expert Linux System Administration, you will meet more tasking activities. Therefore, taking LFS201 serves as a preparatory course to help you navigate the tasking requirements of Linux. LFS201 involves a lot of exercises and laboratory experiments to help provide the skills candidates require to face real-world Linux activities. For candidates who are opportune to get a live instructor, exploring LFS301 Linux System Administration is also an additional advantage. However, the instructor must be an expert who is willing to take the candidate around the various aspects and topics and help them answer the various questions that LFS301 covers. There are also various Linux foundation courses available online designed to prepare candidates for their certification exams.
Step 4: Practise
Practise makes better for every aspect of knowledge and Linux is not an exception. Once you have gotten a grip of Linux, continue to use it as often as possible. Perform the major tasks several times until you understand how to perform them without the use of reference materials. Learn the dos and don’ts of GUI. Constant practice will ensure that candidates perfect the knowledge and skills to develop their Linux skills to the professional level of system administration.
Step 5: Apply for a certification
A candidate that completes their LFS201 and LFS301 training and acquires hands-on experience is ready to apply for certification as Linux System Administrators. The certification is essential because it is proof of your proficiency to your potential employer. Certification shows that a candidate has the necessary skillset and proficiency to work in the field of Linux. There are many certifications available today in different areas of Linux. All these certifications have different uses. Conversely, the majority of these available certifications have their various specific fields like RedHat, while others are exclusively focused on knowledge and do not contribute directly to Linux skills. For those looking for a flexible opportunity to obtain entry-level certification in Linux, Linux Foundation Certified System Administration is the best option.
Step 6: Join a Linux User Group
One way to stay abreast with the current trends in the industry is through association with other Linux professionals in your area. If there is a local Linux User Group in your area, you might consider signing up with one. Local Linux User groups usually consist of people with different levels of experience and you can find those with your level of skill set whom you can easily bond with. You can also find those with better experience who can help improve your understanding in areas you may have confusion about. There are also online communities available today where you can find support and gain more experience with Linux operating system and working environment.
Step 7: Learn to use the Documentation and Manual
Like many other products, Linux also comes with manual information and help. In case you get stuck at any point, this documentation will help you navigate your way out of the mucky waters. The documents contain information on almost every aspect of Linux. The more you learn to use them throughout your career, the easier your studies become. The earlier you get accustomed to using these tools, the easier learning becomes.
List of The Top Linux Certifications to Get in 2022
While there are many Linux certifications today, there is no single certification that outweighs the others in importance. However, there are top Linux Certifications that are more in demand today than the rest. Certifications generally, no matter the area of specialization gives you a competitive advantage over the crowd. Today, organizations want to hire a staff that is competent in the following attributes:
Ability to manage serversAbility to cron jobsThe competency in applying load balancesThe ability to schedule batchesCompetency in working with a shell script
Below is a list of the best Linux Certifications that will put you ahead in the competition in today’s digital economy.
#1. GCUX-GIAC Certified Unix Security Administrator
GIAC certified Unix Security Administrator is a Linux/Unix Certification that helps to improve the candidate’s knowledge and experience with Linux Application Security and Digital Forensics. A candidate who studies for this certification gain an extensive understanding of how to improve the security of Linux and Unix systems. They also gain the ability to deal with security challenges and the use of various Linux/ Unix tools like AIDE, SSH, and others. People with a passion for Cybersecurity can also apply for this certification. The certification is designed for:
System AdministratorsAuditorsIncident respondersSecurity AnalystLinux/Unix professionalsInformation Security Analysts
GIAC certified Unix Security Administrator Certification needs to be renewed after four years to ensure maintenance of competency in the field of information technology. Certification body: GIAC Price: $1,899 Duration: 2 hours (Exam Duration) Level: intermediate
#2. CompTIA Linux+ Certification
The CompTIA Linux+ Certification helps to validate the experiences of new career IT experts in the Linux system environment. The certification encompasses the foundational skills of Linux and is the only truly job-focused certification from Linux that offers this opportunity. The certification covers the following tasks:
Linux distributionLinux command lineLinux InstallationLinux ConfigurationLinux networking
The certification training provides a hands-on certification in the areas of Linux configuration, server monitoring, and support services on the Linux Operating System. CompTIA Linux+ emphases are on
Storage System security Kernel modulesVisualization Enterprise-level device managementAutomation and gitCommand-line and server utilitiesFirewalls and networkingSELinux and troubleshooting.
Certification body: Linux Price: $338 Duration: 9 to 12 months’ practical experience with the Linux operating system before certification Level: Intermediate
#3: Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS)
The LFCS certification is suitable for candidates that wish to certify their Linux System Administration experience. The certification evaluates candidates from real-world set-ups and on-the-job task model performance. I conduct LFCS certification online. However, potential employers value this certification the same way they value practical experience. LFCS certification has a validity of three years and requires no previous knowledge of the Linux operating system. The Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS) focuses on the following areas:
File systems and featuresVital Linux commandsManagement of users and groupsSystem-wide environmentRunning systems operation, installation, boot and reboot, configuration, and troubleshootingNetworking, synchronization, and IP routingDNS, SSH, HTTP, service configuration, and maintenance of virtual machinesManagement of storage, LVM storage, the configuration of file systems, and RAID devices.
Certification body: Linux Price: $375 (Exams only) $575 for course bundle and exams Duration: Exam duration is 2 hours Level: intermediate
#4 Linux Foundation Certified Engineer (LFCE)
LFCE is for Linux engineers with a minimum of three to five years of hands-on experience with Linux operating systems. The certification shows that the engineer has a higher level of Linux understanding and qualifies to attain a higher position in the field. It is also suitable for Linux engineers looking forward to a better job opportunity. LFCE is a product of the Linux Foundation to help cater to the growing demand for Linux engineers. Linux Foundation Certified Engineer exams is a performance-based on the Linux command-line. The exam involves the simulation of items in real-world job settings. Candidates can choose between CentOS 7 and Ubuntu 18. LFCE certification shows that a candidate can successfully deploy the Linux operating system and configure it at an enterprise scale. It shows competency in the skills required to work as a Linux engineer. Since the exam is performance-based, it shows the candidate can work effectively in a real-world scenario and handle real-world events. The certification is valid for three years before requiring renewal. Retaking the Linux Foundation Certified Engineer certification exam is free. The registration also includes 12 months’ exam eligibility. Linux Foundation Certified Engineer (LFCE) certification covers the following areas of competencies:
Essential CommandsNetworkingOperation of Running SystemsService configurationStorage ManagementSystem design and DeploymentUser and Group management
Certification body: Linux Price: $375 (Exams only) $575 for course bundle and exams Duration: Exam duration is 2 hours Level: Advanced
#5. Certified Hyperledger Fa-bric Developer (CHFD)
Certified Hyperledger Fabric Developer (CHFD) Certification is designed for developers who want to demonstrate their competence in the ability to organize and deploy Fabric applications and smart contracts. It also shows that candidates have the competency to perform end on fabric application life-cycle and smart contract management and application in Node.js. The online proctored exam is performance-based and includes performance-based problems to be taken care of in the command line and Web IDE. CHFD Certification shows that the candidate has the knowledge and competence to design and service customers’ applications and smart contracts using an up-to-date fabric programming structure. Certified Hyperledger Fabric Developer Certification covers the following domain of expertise:
Identity managementMaintenance and testingNetwork configurationSmart contract DevelopmentSmart Contract Invocation
Certification body: Linux Price: $375 (Exams only) $575 for course bundle and exams Duration: Exam duration is 2 hours Level: Intermediate Also, check this: Free Online Courses With Certificates in Denmark | 2022
#6. FinOps Certified Practitioner (FOCP)
FinOps Certified Practitioner covers the essentials of FinOps and outlines the models of the three areas of FinOps lifecycle, which are:
InformOperateOptimize
The certification allows individuals in different areas of cloud, technology, and finance roles to certify their knowledge and improve their professional integrity. FinOps Certified Practitioner is basically for senior experts with the desire to acquire the basic knowledge of FinOps and its business application. It is also ideal for organizations undertaking an open cloud-first strategy. Organizations that are migrating to public cloud systems will also profit from this certification. A Certified FinOps Practitioner is knowledgeable in the principles, and competencies of FinOps and also how to manage and support the FinOps lifecycle to handle cost and cloud application in an organization. Certified FinOps Practitioners are competent in basic concepts like:
API object primitivesApplication lifecycleLoggingNetworkingMaintenanceMonitoringTroubleshootingCapacity to create simple use-cases for consumers
FinOps Certified Practitioner Certification covers the following domains and skills:
Cloud ChallengesMeaning and principles of FinOpsFinOps terminologies and Cloud Bills FinOps AbilitiesFinOps LifecycleFinOps Teams and Motivation
FinOps Certified Practitioner Certification is valid for three years. Registration also includes 12 months’ exam eligibility and free retake of exams where the need arises. Price: $300 (Exams only) |$499 (online Course and Exam) |$890 (Online course, exams, and companion instructor-led courses (virtual) Duration: Exam duration is 1 hour (Multi-choice exam) Level: Beginner
#7. RHCSA (Red Hat Certified System Administrator)
The candidate must be competent in the RHCSA to earn the Red Hat Certified System Administrator Certification. A Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) is competent in the following areas:
The use of Red Hat basic tools in organizing files, command-line interface, directories, and documentationThe ability to develop basic shell scriptsWorking with running systems, which includes that ability to boot into various run levels, begin and stop virtual machines identify processes and control servicesThe use of partitions to configure local storage and logical volumeDesign and organization of file systems and file features like permission, access control list, encryption, and file system on the networkCoordinate and manage groups and usersUnderstanding of how to configure, maintain and deploy systems, includes software installation, software update, and core servicesSecurity management, which includes SELinux configuration and simple firewall applicationManagement of container
RHCSA targets individuals with experience in Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems who wish to validate their skills as experts. It is also suitable for students who have completed Red Hat System Administration I (RH124) and Red Hat System Administration II (RH134), who are seeking to become RHCSA. Other individuals who require this certification include:
Expert Linux System administrators that need to certify their skill based on a mandate (DOD 8570 instruction) or by their establishmentIT experts who wish to become Certified Red Hat Engineers (RHCE)A noncurrent RHCE that wishes to recertifyDevOps experts that want to validate their proficiency with the elements of container tools
RHCE certificate is valid for three years. Price: $400 (Exams only) Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes (training cost between $200-$300) Level: advanced
#8. Oracle Linux 6 Certified Implementation Specialist Certification
Oracle Linux 6 Certified Implementation Specialist Certification is for those who work in the area of design, configuration, and implementation of Linux 6 solutions. Nonetheless, the certification is available for anyone with an interest and practical experience in Linux. Applicants should also have prior knowledge of Linux 6 implementation. Oracle Linux 6 Certified Implementation Specialist Certification follows the Oracle Linux System Administrator career path. The validity period of the certificate is 5 years. Price: ₹10,475 (Exams only) Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes Level: Intermediate
#9. Linux Professional Institute Certification Program
Linux Professional Institute Certification Program follows the Linux Certified Professional career path and has three levels of certification under this category. They are:
LPIC-1: Linux AdministratorLPIC-2: Linux EngineerLPIC-3: Linux Enterprise Professional
There are prerequisites to these certifications, which are:
LPIC-1: Fundamental Linux knowledge is a requirementLPIC-2: An active LPIC-1 certification is a prerequisiteLPIC-3: candidate must have an Active LPIC-2 certification and must complete one of the 300 series professional Linux exams
Certification languages include English, German, Chinese, Japanese and Portuguese. The validity period of the certification is 5 years. Price: $ 200 for each (Exams only) Level: Beginner
#10. OpenJS Node.js Services Developer (JSNSD)
Node.js Developers with a minimum of two years of hands-on experience developing RESTful servers and services can utilize OpenJS Node.js Services Developer (JSNSD) Certification. The certification shows that the candidate is competent in the area of Microservices, and the development of RESTful Node.js Servers while emphasizing security practices. The certification also involves the ability to work in a real-world environment. Employers are more comfortable hiring someone with JSNSD certification because they are versatile in skills in the area of JavaScript and other similar technologies. JSNSD certification requires that candidates pass a performance-based test. OpenJS Node.js Services Developer Certification encompasses the following domain and skills:
Servers and ServicesSecurity
Registration for the certification grants the candidate 12 months’ exam eligibility and the opportunity for a free retake. OpenJS Node.js Services Developer Certification is valid for three years. Price: $375 (Exams only) and $575 for the full bundle Duration: 2 hours Level: Intermediate The benefits of Linux certification include:
Show your expertise in a well-defined Linux related environmentHelps you develop and follow a career pathHelp potential employers to understand your value
Yes. It is essential to renew your Linux certification before they become inactive. Candidates that fail to renew their certificates before it expires will have to retake the examination to get recertified. The price of certification varies according to your region and the specific certification of your choice. Exam duration for Linux certification varies according to the type of certification. Linux certification exams are proctored online using streaming videos, audio, and screen sharing. Proctors monitor candidates’ desktops through screen sharing feed. Candidates can check if their system meets the required specifications for the exam using the PSI Online System Security Check.
Conclusion
Linux certification has continued to gain certification globally with many organizations constantly seeking the services of certified Linux professionals to fill in specific areas of their organization. The best way you can show your proficiency and stand out in today’s competitive working environment. As an IT professional, getting a Linux certification will help you to a career, stand a better chance of landing a better career, and earn bigger as a Linux expert.
References
AboutSSL. (n.d.). Retrieved from How to Install SSL Certificate in RedHat Linux Server – 3 Easy Steps: https://aboutssl.org/how-to-install-ssl-certificate-on-red-hat-linux/Brent, M. (2021, August 27). Best Linux Certifications: RHCE, LPI, CompTIA, Linux Foundation. Retrieved from Guru99: https://www.guru99.com/best-linux-certifications.htmlCertification Catalog. (n.d.). Retrieved from The Linux Foundation: https://training.linuxfoundation.org/certification-catalog/Chanda, B. (2021, March 4). 5 Best Linux Certifications in 2021. Retrieved from hackr.io: https://hackr.io/blog/best-linux-certificationsFoundation, L. (2017, July 26). 7 Steps to Start Your Linux SysAdmin Career. Retrieved from The Linux Foundation: https://www.linuxfoundation.org/blog/7-steps-to-start-your-linux-sysadmin-career/CompTIA Linux+. (n.d.). Retrieved from Comptia: https://www.comptia.org/certifications/linuxCybersecurity Certifications. (n.d.). Retrieved from GIAC Certifications: https://www.giac.org/certifications/focus-areasOracle Linux Certification Paths. (n.d.). Retrieved from Oracle University: https://education.oracle.com/oracle-certification-path/pFamily_358Rajan, V. (2019, August 1). How to Prepare for Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) Exam? Retrieved from Whizlab: https://www.whizlabs.com/blog/red-hat-certified-system-administrator-exam-preparation/RED HAT CERTIFICATION. (n.d.). Retrieved from Red Hat: https://www.redhat.com/en/services/certification/rhcsaTeam, I. E. (2021, April 5). 8 Linux Certifications for the IT Professional. Retrieved from Indeed: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/linux-certifications
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