Top 11 Server Administrator Certifications

Certifications are important for server administrators in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge in specific areas. Certification also indicates to employers that the server administrator is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest technologies, has passed rigorous tests, and is capable of handling complex tasks. Certifications provide a way for employers to easily verify an individual’s qualifications and establish trust between them and their employees. They also serve as a way for server administrators to differentiate themselves from other applicants who may not have certifications.

The article reviews the top certifications for Server Administrators and explains how they can enhance a server administrator's career prospects.

What are Server Administrator Certifications?

Server Administrator Certification is a type of professional certification that demonstrates an individual's competency in the design, installation, configuration, and maintenance of server systems. It also covers the fundamentals of networking, security protocols, system administration, and troubleshooting. This certification can help IT professionals demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in the field of server administration to employers or clients. It can also provide them with a competitive edge when applying for jobs or promotions. Additionally, it gives them access to industry-recognized credentials which can help increase their earning potential and open up new career opportunities.

Pro Tip: When researching server administrator certifications, make sure to look for programs that are accredited by a reputable organization. This will ensure that the certification you receive is recognized by employers and other industry professionals. Additionally, check to see if the program provides hands-on experience with servers and networking technology, as this will give you an edge when applying for jobs.

Related: What does a Server Administrator do?

Top 11 Server Administrator Certifications

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

1. CompTIA Server+

CompTIA Server+ is an industry-recognized certification that validates the technical knowledge and skills of IT professionals who work with server hardware, software, storage, and networking. It is designed to provide a broad range of foundational skills in server technology, including installation, configuration, troubleshooting, security, disaster recovery and more.

The CompTIA Server+ exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions and takes about 90 minutes to complete. To earn the certification you must pass the exam with a score of 750 or higher on a scale of 100-900.

To get CompTIA Server+, you must first purchase an exam voucher from CompTIA's website or from an authorized training provider. You can then register for the exam at any Pearson VUE testing center. The cost of the exam voucher varies depending on where it is purchased but typically ranges between $250 and $300 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your CompTIA Server+ certification which is valid for three years. To maintain your certification you must either retake the exam every three years or earn continuing education credits (CEUs) through approved activities such as attending conferences or taking courses related to server technologies.

2. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Server Infrastructure

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Server Infrastructure is a certification that validates an individual's expertise in planning, deploying, managing, and maintaining IT infrastructures based on the Windows Server platform. It is designed for experienced IT professionals who want to demonstrate their ability to build comprehensive server infrastructure solutions.

To get the MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification, you must pass one of two exams: 70-413 Designing and Implementing a Server Infrastructure or 70-414 Implementing an Advanced Server Infrastructure. Both exams cover topics such as Active Directory, Windows Storage and File Systems, Network Services, Hyper-V Virtualization, and System Center 2012 Configuration Manager.

It typically takes around three months to prepare for the MCSE: Server Infrastructure exam. You can use online resources such as Microsoft Learning’s official training courses or self-study materials from other vendors like CBT Nuggets to prepare for the exam. Additionally, attending instructor-led classes at a local college or university can help you gain the necessary knowledge and skills required to pass the exam.

The cost of the MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification varies depending on your chosen method of preparation. The cost of taking an instructor-led class at a local college or university is usually around $1,500 - $2,000 per course. Online courses from Microsoft Learning can range from $100 - $200 per month depending on which subscription plan you choose. Self-study materials from other vendors such as CBT Nuggets range from $99 - $599 depending on which package you purchase.

Finally, the cost of taking each exam is around $150 USD for each attempt.

3. Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)

Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) is a certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of experienced system administrators who are responsible for Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. The RHCSA certification is the foundation for all other Red Hat certifications, including the Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE).

The RHCSA exam typically takes two hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice and performance-based questions. To become certified, candidates must pass an online proctored or onsite exam.

In order to prepare for the RHCSA exam, candidates should have experience with installing, configuring, and managing Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. It is also recommended that they have taken a course in system administration or have equivalent experience.

The cost of the RHCSA exam varies depending on where it is taken and which version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux is being tested. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $400 - $600 USD.

4. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Data Center

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Data Center is an entry-level certification from Cisco that validates the skills and knowledge required to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot data center technologies. This certification covers topics such as storage networking, unified computing, network virtualization, automation and orchestration, and data center security.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the CCNA Data Center certification program. To get this certification you need to pass two exams: a qualifying exam (200-150 DCICN or 200-155 DCICT) and a core exam (210-260 DCII or 210-265 DCVAI). The cost of the exams vary depending on your location but usually range between $300-$400 USD each.

5. VMware Certified Professional (VCP6-DCV)

VMware Certified Professional (VCP6-DCV) is a certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of IT professionals who install, deploy, manage and support VMware vSphere 6.x environments. The VCP6-DCV certification is offered by VMware, a leader in virtualization technology.

The VCP6-DCV certification requires candidates to pass two exams: the VMware Certified Professional 6 - Data Center Virtualization (VCP6-DCV) Exam and the VMware Certified Professional 6 - Data Center Virtualization Delta (VCP6-DCV Delta) Exam. The VCP6-DCV exam covers topics such as installation and configuration of vSphere components, management of physical resources, networking, storage, security, availability and scalability features. The VCP6-DCV Delta exam focuses on advanced topics such as troubleshooting vSphere components, performance optimization and automation.

It typically takes about three months to prepare for the VCP6-DCV certification exams. Candidates should have at least six months of experience working with vSphere 6.x environments before attempting the exams. To get started on your journey to becoming a certified professional, you must first attend an authorized training course from an approved VMware training provider or take an online self-paced course from a recognized provider like Pluralsight or CBT Nuggets.

The cost of the VCP6-DCV certification varies depending on which training option you choose but generally ranges between $1,500-$3,000 USD including both exams.

6. Oracle Solaris 11 System Administrator Certification

Oracle Solaris 11 System Administrator Certification is a professional certification that validates an individual’s skills and knowledge in the installation, configuration, and management of Oracle Solaris 11 systems. This certification demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the Oracle Solaris 11 operating system, including its features, components, and commands.

It typically takes about four to six months to prepare for the Oracle Solaris 11 System Administrator Certification exam. Candidates should have a thorough understanding of the topics covered in the exam such as network configuration, storage administration, user management, security, and system maintenance.

To obtain the Oracle Solaris 11 System Administrator Certification, candidates must pass one required exam: 1Z0-822: Oracle Solaris 11 System Administration. The exam is available from Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers worldwide. The cost of taking this exam varies depending on location but generally ranges from $200-$250 USD.

7. Linux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC-1)

Linux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC-1) is a certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to manage, configure, and troubleshoot Linux systems. It is designed for those who want to demonstrate their expertise in working with Linux operating systems. LPIC-1 is an entry-level certification, which means it is suitable for anyone who wants to learn the basics of Linux system administration.

The LPIC-1 certification requires passing two exams: 101 and 102. The exams cover topics such as installation and configuration of Linux systems, basic system maintenance tasks, network configuration, security measures, server services, and more. Each exam consists of multiple choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete.

To get LPIC-1 certified, you must first register for the exams at the LPI website. Once you have registered for the exams, you will need to find an authorized testing center near you. Once you have taken both exams and passed them successfully, your results will be sent directly to LPI who will issue your certificate.

The cost of the LPIC-1 certification depends on where you take the test and how many tests you take at once. Generally speaking, each exam costs around $200 USD but some centers may offer discounts or promotions so it’s always worth checking before registering for your tests.

8. Citrix Certified Professional – Virtualization (CCP-V)

Citrix Certified Professional – Virtualization (CCP-V) is a certification program designed to validate an individual’s knowledge and skills in the areas of virtualization, networking, and storage. The program is offered by Citrix Systems, Inc., a leading provider of virtualization solutions.

To become a CCP-V certified professional, individuals must first pass the Citrix Certified Professional – Virtualization exam. This exam is designed to test an individual’s understanding of the following topics:

• Virtualization concepts and technologies
• Networking technologies and protocols
• Storage technologies and protocols
• Security technologies and protocols
• System administration best practices
• Performance monitoring
• Troubleshooting techniques

The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. It costs $200 USD to take the exam. To prepare for the exam, individuals can purchase study materials from Citrix or attend instructor-led training courses. The courses are available online or through authorized training centers.

Once an individual has passed the CCP-V exam, they will be awarded with a certificate that is valid for three years from the date of issue. To maintain their certification status, individuals must take continuing education classes or retake the CCP-V exam every three years.

9. IBM Certified System Administrator – AIX 7 Administration

IBM Certified System Administrator – AIX 7 Administration is a certification that demonstrates an individual's expertise in installing, configuring, and managing IBM's AIX 7 operating system. It is designed for IT professionals who have experience with AIX 7 and want to validate their skills.

The certification consists of one exam, C9010-022: IBM AIX 7 Administration. The exam contains 65 multiple choice questions and must be completed within 90 minutes.

To get the certification, you must pass the C9010-022 exam with a score of at least 70%. You can register for the exam online or by phone. Once registered, you will receive an email confirmation with instructions on how to schedule your exam.

The cost of the exam varies based on your location but typically ranges from $200-$250 USD.

10. HP ASE – Server Solutions Architect V2

HP ASE – Server Solutions Architect V2 is an advanced certification program for technical professionals who design, implement, and manage HP server solutions. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the latest technologies and best practices for designing, deploying, and managing HP server solutions. The certification is designed to help IT professionals build their skills in areas such as virtualization, storage management, networking, security, and more.

The certification exam takes approximately two hours to complete. It consists of multiple choice questions that cover topics such as system architecture and components, server administration tasks, storage management concepts, virtualization technologies, security strategies and best practices. Candidates must have a minimum of three years’ experience working with HP servers in order to qualify for the exam.

To get the HP ASE – Server Solutions Architect V2 certification you must first register with Pearson VUE and pay the associated fee (which varies depending on your country). Once registered you can schedule your exam at any one of the Pearson VUE test centers around the world. After passing the exam you will receive an official certificate from HP which will be valid for three years.

The cost of the HP ASE – Server Solutions Architect V2 certification depends on where you are taking the exam but typically ranges from $200-$300 USD.

11. Amazon Web Services Certified SysOps Administrator - Associate

Amazon Web Services Certified SysOps Administrator - Associate is a certification from Amazon Web Services (AWS) that validates an individual’s ability to deploy, manage, and operate scalable and highly available systems on the AWS platform. It is designed for system administrators who have experience in managing distributed systems and applications on the AWS platform.

It typically takes about two months to prepare for the exam if you are already familiar with AWS services. The amount of time needed to prepare will vary depending on your existing knowledge of AWS services and concepts.

To get the certification, you must pass the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate Exam. This exam consists of multiple-choice questions that measure your knowledge of deploying, managing, and operating systems on the AWS platform. The exam costs $150 USD.

You can find more information about the exam and how to register for it at https://aws.amazon.com/certification/certified-sysops-admin-associate/.

Do You Really Need a Server Administrator Certificate?

The answer to this question is ultimately up to you. A server administrator certificate can be a great way to demonstrate your technical knowledge and skillset in the field of server administration. It can also help you stand out from the competition when applying for jobs or trying to land a promotion within your current organization.

Having a server administrator certificate also shows potential employers that you are serious about your work and demonstrate an ability to learn new technologies quickly and apply them in real-world scenarios. It also shows that you are willing to invest time and money into improving your professional credentials, which can be seen as a sign of dedication and commitment.

However, it’s important to note that having a server administrator certificate isn’t necessarily essential for all IT professionals. Depending on the type of job you’re applying for, having one may not be necessary at all. For instance, if you already have extensive experience working with servers, then having a certificate may not be necessary for landing the job. The same goes for those who already have other types of IT certifications, such as an MCSE or CCNA. In these cases, employers may place more emphasis on your work experience than any type of certification that you may have obtained.

Ultimately, whether or not obtaining a server administrator certificate is right for you will depend on your particular situation and goals. If it fits into your career plans then it could definitely be beneficial; however, if it doesn’t make sense for where you are currently in your career then it might not be worth pursuing at this time.

Related: Server Administrator Resume Examples

FAQs About Server Administrator Certifications

1. What are the benefits of becoming a certified Server Administrator?

A: Becoming a certified Server Administrator provides several advantages, including increased job opportunities, higher salaries and better career prospects. It also gives you the chance to prove your technical knowledge and expertise in server administration to employers.

2. How do I become a certified Server Administrator?

A: To become a certified Server Administrator, you must pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as Microsoft or Red Hat. You may also need to complete a training program or attend a course in order to meet the certification requirements.

3. What is the difference between Windows and Linux certifications?

A: Windows and Linux certifications serve different purposes and cover different topics. Windows certifications focus on installation, configuration, management, troubleshooting and maintenance of Windows-based systems while Linux certifications cover topics such as system architecture, system administration, security and networking for Linux-based systems.

4. Is it difficult to get a Server Administrator Certification?

A: The difficulty level will depend on your current experience and knowledge base with server administration technologies. Generally speaking though, most people should be able to complete their certification requirements within 6 months if they dedicate enough time and effort into studying for the exams.

5. Are there any prerequisites for taking the Server Administrator Certification exam?

A: Yes, depending on the certification you are pursuing there may be certain prerequisites that must be met before taking the exam such as having prior experience or completing certain courses or training programs related to server administration technologies.