Top 11 Linux System Administrator Certifications

Certifications are important for Linux system administrators in the job market because they demonstrate a candidate’s knowledge and experience with the operating system. Having a certification can help to set a candidate apart from other applicants and give them an edge when applying for positions. Additionally, certifications can be used as evidence of skills that employers may wish to verify during the hiring process. Certifications can also provide Linux system administrators with opportunities for professional development and career advancement, as employers often prefer certified candidates over non-certified ones.

This article reviews some of the best certifications for Linux System Administrators and explains how they can help advance a system administrator's career.

What are Linux System Administrator Certifications?

Linux System Administrator Certification is an industry-recognized certification program that verifies an individual’s knowledge and skills in managing and administering Linux systems. It covers topics such as setting up, configuring, securing, and troubleshooting Linux systems. It also includes knowledge of networking concepts and technologies, system performance, storage management, monitoring tools, scripting languages, virtualization technologies, and other related topics.

The certification can help individuals demonstrate their proficiency in Linux administration to employers or clients. It can provide evidence of technical expertise when applying for jobs or promotions within the IT field. The certification can also help increase one’s salary potential as it demonstrates a commitment to learning new skills and staying up-to-date with the latest developments in the field. Additionally, having a certification may give employers confidence that an individual has the necessary skills to effectively manage their Linux systems.

Pro Tip: To become a certified Linux System Administrator, it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and have a strong understanding of core concepts such as networking, system administration, scripting languages, and security. Additionally, having hands-on experience using Linux systems is essential in order to demonstrate proficiency in the field.

Related: What does a Linux System Administrator do?

Top 11 Linux System Administrator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Linux System Administrators today.

1. CompTIA Linux+

CompTIA Linux+ is a certification program from the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA). It is designed to validate an individual’s skills and knowledge in administering, configuring, troubleshooting, and managing Linux systems. It is an internationally recognized certification that can help individuals demonstrate their expertise in the field of Linux system administration.

It typically takes about 40-60 hours of study to prepare for the CompTIA Linux+ exam. The exam itself consists of two parts: LX0-103 and LX0-104. The LX0-103 covers topics such as basic commands, system architecture, security, networking, and troubleshooting; while the LX0-104 covers more advanced topics such as automation, scripting, storage management, virtualization, and cloud computing.

To get CompTIA Linux+, individuals must first register for the exam through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. The cost of the exam varies depending on where it is taken but generally ranges from $200-$300 USD. After passing both exams with a score of at least 750 out of 900 points combined, individuals will receive their CompTIA Linux+ certification.

2. Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)

Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) is a certification program offered by Red Hat, Inc., the world’s leading provider of open source solutions. The RHCSA certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and skills in managing and configuring Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. It is the first step in obtaining higher-level certifications such as Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE).

To get the RHCSA certification, you must pass an exam administered by Red Hat. The exam consists of two parts: a hands-on lab portion and a multiple-choice question portion. The lab portion requires you to perform tasks such as installing, configuring, and troubleshooting Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. The multiple-choice questions cover topics such as system administration, networking, storage management, security, system performance tuning, and automation.

The exam typically takes about 3 hours to complete. To prepare for the exam, you can take online courses or attend instructor-led training classes offered by Red Hat or its partners.

The cost of taking the RHCSA exam depends on your location and which version of the exam you are taking (e.g., RHEL 7 or 8). Generally speaking, it costs around $400 USD to take the exam.

3. Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)

Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) is a certification program offered by Red Hat, Inc. It is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of IT professionals in the areas of system administration on Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. The certification requires passing a hands-on exam that tests an individual’s ability to configure local storage, network services, security, package management and more.

The RHCE exam takes approximately 4 hours to complete and covers topics such as system installation, configuration, troubleshooting, security and networking. To become certified, individuals must have at least one year of experience working with Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems and demonstrate their skill level through the hands-on exam.

In order to get RHCE certified, you must first register for a training course or self-study materials from Red Hat or an authorized training partner. Once you have completed your training you can then take the RHCE exam at any authorized testing center.

The cost of becoming RHCE certified varies depending on which type of course you choose to take. Generally speaking, courses range from $1,000 - $3,500 USD depending on the type of course chosen. Additionally there is a fee for taking the actual RHCE exam which ranges from $400 - $600 USD depending on location.

4. LPI Linux Essentials Professional Development Certificate (PDC)

The Linux Professional Institute (LPI) Linux Essentials Professional Development Certificate (PDC) is a certification program designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their knowledge of the Linux operating system. It is an entry-level certification that validates the skills and knowledge required to work effectively with Linux systems.

The LPI Linux Essentials PDC requires candidates to pass an online exam, which consists of multiple-choice questions and performance-based items. The exam covers topics such as basic command line operations, file permissions, system administration, networking, scripting, and security. Candidates must have at least six months of experience working with Linux before taking the exam.

To get the LPI Linux Essentials PDC, candidates must register for the exam through the LPI website or through a participating training center. The cost of the exam is $150 USD. Once registered, candidates can take the exam at any time within one year of registration. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and results are available immediately after completion.

Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates will receive a digital certificate from LPI and will be listed in their database as having achieved this certification.

5. SUSE Certified Linux Administrator (CLA)

SUSE Certified Linux Administrator (CLA) is a certification program offered by SUSE, a leader in open source software. It is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of system administrators who are responsible for managing SUSE Linux Enterprise Server systems.

The CLA exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions that must be completed in 90 minutes or less. The exam covers topics such as installation and configuration, system management, networking, security, and troubleshooting. To pass the exam, candidates must score at least 70%.

Candidates can take the CLA exam online through Pearson VUE or onsite at a SUSE training center. The cost of the exam varies depending on the location and type of test taken. Online exams typically cost around $200 USD while onsite exams usually cost around $400 USD.

In order to become certified, candidates must successfully complete the CLA exam and meet any other requirements specified by SUSE. Generally speaking, it takes about two weeks to get your results after taking the exam.

6. Oracle Linux 5 and 6 System Administration Certification

Oracle Linux 5 and 6 System Administration Certification is a certification program that validates the skills and knowledge of system administrators who manage Oracle Linux 5 and 6 systems. The certification is designed to demonstrate that system administrators have the necessary skills to effectively configure, deploy, maintain, and troubleshoot Oracle Linux 5 and 6 systems.

The duration of the certification depends on the individual’s experience with Oracle Linux 5 and 6. It typically takes between four to six months for an experienced system administrator to complete the requirements for this certification.

To obtain this certification, individuals must pass two exams: 1Z0-100: Oracle Linux 5 and 6 System Administration Exam, and 1Z0-101: Oracle Linux 5 and 6 Advanced System Administration Exam. To be eligible to take these exams, individuals must first register with Pearson VUE (the exam provider) or Prometric (the other exam provider). Once registered, individuals can purchase vouchers for each exam from either Pearson VUE or Prometric.

The cost of each exam varies depending on the country in which it is taken. In most countries, each exam costs around $200 USD.

7. Novell Certified Linux Professional (CLP)

Novell Certified Linux Professional (CLP) is a certification from Novell that verifies an individual’s knowledge and skills in the areas of Linux system administration. The CLP certification is designed to demonstrate competency in installing, configuring, and administering Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise Server.

The CLP exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. To become certified, you must pass both the Core and Administration exams with a score of 70% or higher.

You can prepare for the CLP exams by taking courses offered by Novell or through third-party providers. You can also study using self-paced learning materials such as books, practice tests, and online resources.

The cost of the CLP exam varies depending on where you take it. The exam fee is usually around $200 USD per exam.

8. Ubuntu Certified Professional

Ubuntu Certified Professional (UCP) is a certification offered by Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, to demonstrate proficiency in the use of Ubuntu. It is designed for system administrators and other professionals who need to demonstrate their knowledge of Ubuntu systems.

The UCP exam consists of two parts: an online assessment and a practical exam. The online assessment tests your knowledge of basic Ubuntu concepts, such as installation, configuration, maintenance and troubleshooting. The practical exam requires you to complete tasks on an actual Ubuntu system.

It typically takes around two hours to take the UCP exam. To get certified, you must pass both parts of the exam with a score of at least 70%.

The cost for the UCP certification varies depending on where you take it; however, it generally costs between $200 and $400 USD.

9. Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate: Linux on Azure (MCSA:Linux on Azure)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate: Linux on Azure (MCSA:Linux on Azure) is a certification program that demonstrates a professional’s ability to deploy and manage applications on the Microsoft Azure cloud platform using Linux. This certification validates an individual’s ability to develop, implement, and maintain solutions that use the Linux operating system.

It typically takes around 2-3 months to get MCSA:Linux on Azure certified, depending on your experience and background. To get this certification, you must pass two exams: Exam AZ-400: Designing and Implementing Microsoft DevOps Solutions and Exam AZ-103: Microsoft Azure Administrator. Both exams can be taken online or at a testing center near you.

The cost of getting MCSA:Linux on Azure certified varies depending on which exam you choose to take first. Exam AZ-400 costs $165 USD while Exam AZ-103 costs $99 USD. The total cost for both exams is $264 USD.

10. Citrix Certified Professional - Virtualization (CCP-V)

Citrix Certified Professional - Virtualization (CCP-V) is a certification program offered by Citrix Systems. It certifies that an individual has the knowledge and skills to design, deploy, configure, manage, and troubleshoot virtualized environments using Citrix products. The certification covers topics such as XenServer, XenApp, XenDesktop, NetScaler Gateway, and Citrix Cloud Platform.

To earn the CCP-V certification, you must pass two exams: 1Y0-311: Citrix XenApp and XenDesktop 7.15 Advanced Administration and 1Y0-402: Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops 7 Advanced Solutions. These exams can be taken at authorized testing centers or online through Pearson VUE.

The cost for each exam is $200 USD. The total cost for both exams is $400 USD. The exams take approximately 2 hours to complete.

In order to maintain the CCP-V certification status, individuals must recertify every three years by passing one of the two exams or taking an approved course in order to demonstrate their continued proficiency in virtualization technologies.

11. VMware Certified Professional – Data Center Virtualization (VCP-DCV)

VMware Certified Professional – Data Center Virtualization (VCP-DCV) is a certification program for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in virtualizing data centers using VMware products. This certification validates the ability to deploy, configure, and manage VMware vSphere environments.

To obtain the VCP-DCV certification, an individual must have at least six months of experience with VMware vSphere and have completed a course of study or training on the product. After completing the required training, an individual must pass two exams: the VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization (VCP6-DCV) exam and the VMware Certified Associate 6 – Data Center Virtualization (VCA6-DCV) exam.

The VCP6-DCV exam typically takes about 2 hours to complete and costs $250 USD. The VCA6-DCV exam typically takes about 1 hour to complete and costs $120 USD. Once both exams are passed, an individual will be awarded the VCP-DCV certification.

Do You Really Need a Linux System Administrator Certificate?

Linux system administration is a highly specialized field that requires a great deal of knowledge and experience in order to be successful. As such, having a Linux system administrator certificate can be an invaluable asset for those looking to advance their career. The certificate provides employers with evidence that the individual has acquired the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage and maintain Linux systems.

A Linux system administrator certificate can also provide individuals with an edge over other applicants when it comes to job interviews. Employers often look favorably upon applicants who have taken the time to acquire additional qualifications, so having a certification can make your resume stand out from the crowd. Additionally, employers may prefer to hire someone with a certification as they may view this person as being more knowledgeable and experienced than someone without one.

Furthermore, having a certificate can open up many opportunities for career progression within the IT sector. Many companies prefer to hire certified professionals because they are seen as more reliable and knowledgeable than those without certifications. This means that individuals with certifications may be able to access better salaries and more senior roles in the industry.

In conclusion, having a Linux system administrator certificate is certainly beneficial for those looking to advance their career in this field. It provides employers with evidence of expertise and experience in managing Linux systems, which makes them more desirable candidates for job interviews. Additionally, possessing such a qualification can open up many opportunities for career progression within the IT sector. Therefore, obtaining a Linux system administrator certificate is definitely worth considering if you want to progress your career in this area of expertise.

Related: Linux System Administrator Resume Examples

FAQs About Linux System Administrator Certifications

Q1. What certifications are available for Linux System Administrators?

A1. There are a few different certifications available, including Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA), CompTIA Linux+ and LPIC-1.

Q2. How long does it take to become a certified Linux System Administrator?

A2. It depends on the certification program you choose, but typically it takes about 6 months to complete the necessary courses and exams for a certification.

Q3. What is the cost of becoming a certified Linux System Administrator?

A3. The cost of certifications varies depending on which one you choose, but generally they range from $200 to $400 USD.

Q4. Is there any experience required before taking an exam for a Linux System Administrator Certification?

A4. Yes, most certification programs require that you have some prior experience in working with Linux systems before taking their exams. This could include hands-on experience or taking related courses in order to gain the necessary knowledge for the exams.

Q5. Are there any benefits to having a Linux System Administrator Certification?

A5. Yes, having a certification can be beneficial in demonstrating your skills and abilities to potential employers as well as giving you more confidence when working with Linux systems in general.