Best Linux Certifications for 2018

Since the emergence of Linux in the computing industry, it has ceaselessly topped among the list of operating systems. Until today, employers show detailed attention to individuals who are qualified with the knowledge and skills through different Linux certifications.

To help you compete with other IT professionals in the industry, you can have the choice of becoming a Linux certification holder. Here is a narrowed-down list of the best Linux certifications to have your back in 2018. Time to hit two birds with one stone!

CompTIA Linux+

One of the best certification paths a career system administrator can track is CompTIA Linux+. This creates a proof of your expertise on the Linux systems. Promoting yourself on various employers is easier since CompTIA Linux+ is associated with many companies. Among those that have placed their trust in this certification are DELL, General Dynamics, AETNA, and others. Plus, it’s not like most vendor-specific certifications as it allows more flexibility in Linux system troubleshooting. It encompasses multiple distributions and verifies your competence in various administrative tasks. Through this certification, you’ll be able to learn and enhance your skills on Linux installation, package management, shells, scripting, user interfaces, GNU & UNIX Commands, System Architecture, networking fundamentals, among others.

Two exams, namely LX0-103 and LX0-104 must need to be passed to acquire this certification. Upon exam, candidates must already have an expansive know-how on system configuration, scripting basics, network settings and services, system security and the command line interface. Within 90 minutes, you must be able to answer 60 questions in a multiple choice, multiple response, and fill-in-the-blank type exams. CompTIA CertMaster Practice best prepares you for the exam through its eLearning tool which assesses your know-how and knowledge gaps. Among the job roles you can fill once you pass a CompTIA Linux+ certification are the positions Web Administrator, Linux Administrator, Systems Administrator, Technical Support Specialist and Network Administrator.

GIAC Certified UNIX Security Administrator

An individual possessing this certification shows that he or she is skilled in securing and auditing UNIX and Linux systems. Also, this proves that you are qualified and adept in the installation, configuration and in the total monitor of Linux as well as UNIX systems.

There isn’t any specific training needed to acquire GIAC certification. However, you can access many resources to prepare for the 2-hour exam. The exam will cover topics on apache, stack smashing, boot services, DNSSec, chroot, Se Linux, Sudo, Unix logging, forensic preparation and incident handling, OS installation options, and patching techniques, among others. You must be able to show your knowledge and ability on these areas through the exam. It has a minimum passing score of 68% in a total of 75 questions.

Oracle Linux OCA & OCP

Oracle Linux certifications bring you a solid base in the Oracle Linux Operating System. It’s among the top ways to further expand your Oracle and overall technical skills. By availing of this certification, you will learn how to effectively implement and administer the Oracle Linux Operating System as well as operate its technology and products. Individuals can choose from a variety of associate and professional level Linux-based certifications.

There will be two exams that you need to complete for this certification. It will assess your knowledge on Oracle and on GNU/Linux Oses. For OCA and OCP, the cost of the exams is both at $245. Basically, it is comprised of six levels which are as follows: OJA, OCA, OCP, OCM, OCE, and OCS. Online and in-class training is offered by Oracle to prepare for the exam.

LPIC-1: Linux Administrator

Many open source professionals have seen the advantages that came along with being an LPI certification holder. It’s a vendor-neutral Linux and open source certification body that has provided career opportunities for certified professionals across the globe. LPI’s first-ever certification in the multi-level Linux professional certification program is the LPIC-1 that verifies an individual’s competence in executing maintenance tasks. An LPIC-1 certified professional shows that he or she is skilled in the Linux system and knows his or her way around a Linux workstation. Aside from that, it also certifies an individual’s knowledge, skills, and ability in configuring basic networking as well as in working at the Linux command line.

As a candidate, you must pass LPIC-Exam 101-400 and 102-400 to successfully obtain the certification. For LPIC 101 exam, it covers on topics about Linux installation and package management; system architecture, GNU, and Unix Commands, along with Linux filesystems, devices, and filesystem hierarchy standard. LPIC102 exam, on the other hand, encompasses topics such as the basics of networking, security, administrative tasks, shells, scripting and data management, essential system service, and interfaces and desktops.

RHCSA (Red Hat Certified System Administrator)

Getting certified in among the world’s top provider of open source, enterprise IT solutions gives you an edge in the global market. An RHCSA certification makes you a skillful and proven candidate, who is equipped with the real-world skills and knowledge in a Red Hat Enterprise Linux environment. This will prove your credibility in performing the essential system administration skills and in using the necessary tools for handling files, command-line environments, directories, and others. You must master how to create and configure file systems as well as local storage and maintain systems, manage users, security and operate running systems.

In earning this certification, you must be able to pass the EX200 or the RHCSA exam. This will assess your understanding of the different areas of system administration across environment and deployment scenarios. Since it’s a performance-based exam, you will most likely not be presented with multiple-choice questions. Instead, your practical skills will be honed and evaluated through various real-world IT scenarios. The RHCSA Rapid Track Course (RH199) is a recommended training by Red Hat to help prepare candidates in passing the exam.

Conclusion

Becoming a Linux certified serves as a great pathway for IT professionals and aspiring candidates. These certifications ensure that you are first on the line of proven and skilled individuals who can keep track of the progressing technology and practices of IT. So, are you ready to take on the Linux certification journey?