Top 10 UNIX Administrator Certifications

Certifications are an important part of any job market, especially for Unix administrators. Certifications demonstrate a certain level of knowledge and expertise in the field and can be used to distinguish yourself from other applicants. They also provide potential employers with proof that you have studied and understand the concepts associated with administering a Unix system. The certifications also help to build credibility and trust with employers, showing that you are qualified and knowledgeable about the platform. This can help open up more opportunities for advancement or specialized positions within an organization.

This article reviews the top certifications for UNIX Administrators and explains how they can help to enhance an unix administrator's career.

What are UNIX Administrator Certifications?

Unix Administrator Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and skills in administering Unix-based operating systems. This certification is designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their technical proficiency in the administration of Unix-based systems, as well as provide employers with assurance that certified individuals possess the necessary skills for successful system administration.

The certification covers areas such as installation, configuration, security, maintenance, troubleshooting and support of Unix-based systems. It also includes topics such as networking services, hardware and software management, scripting, system monitoring and automation. The certification requires an individual to pass a series of exams which assess their knowledge of these topics.

By obtaining this certification, IT professionals are able to demonstrate their expertise in handling the complexities of Unix-based systems. This can be beneficial for both employers and employees alike; employers can trust that certified individuals have the necessary skills for successful system administration while employees can increase their value within the workplace by showing employers that they are knowledgeable and highly skilled in this area. Additionally, earning this certification may lead to increased career opportunities and salary potential due to its recognition as a valuable qualification within the industry.

Pro Tip: Before taking a Unix Administrator certification exam, it is important to ensure that you have a thorough understanding of the various aspects of Unix administration such as system configuration, network setup, security and user management. Additionally, make sure to review the certification objectives prior to taking the exam in order to ensure that you are well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

Related: What does a UNIX Administrator do?

Top 10 UNIX Administrator Certifications

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

1. 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 for IT professionals who have experience in managing and deploying Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. It validates their skills and knowledge in system administration, installation, configuration, troubleshooting, security and automation.

It typically takes about three months to prepare for the RHCSA exam. This includes studying the official course material from Red Hat as well as hands-on practice with Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems.

To get certified, you must pass the RHCSA exam which consists of multiple choice questions. The exam can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center or online through an approved proctoring service.

The cost of the RHCSA exam varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $400-$500 USD.

2. CompTIA Linux+

CompTIA Linux+ is an entry-level certification designed to validate the skills and knowledge of IT professionals who use Linux in their day-to-day operations. The certification covers topics such as installation, configuration, troubleshooting, security, networking, system administration and scripting. It is a vendor-neutral certification that is recognized by many employers.

The CompTIA Linux+ exam consists of two parts: LX0-103 and LX0-104. Each part has a maximum time limit of 90 minutes and contains up to 90 multiple choice questions. Both exams must be completed in order to receive the certification.

To get CompTIA Linux+, you must first register for the exams at the CompTIA website. Once registered, you can take the exams at any Pearson VUE testing center or online through proctored exams. You will need to pay a fee for each exam when registering; the fees vary depending on your location but typically range from $200-$300 USD per exam.

The time it takes to get CompTIA Linux+ varies depending on individual study habits and experience level with Linux systems; however, most candidates are able to complete both exams within 3 months if they dedicate enough time to studying for them.

Overall, getting CompTIA Linux+ is an affordable way to demonstrate your proficiency with Linux systems and can help open doors in the IT industry.

3. Oracle Linux Certified Administrator (OCA)

Oracle Linux Certified Administrator (OCA) is a certification program offered by Oracle that verifies an individual's knowledge and skills in administering Oracle Linux. It is designed to demonstrate the individual's ability to perform essential system administration tasks, such as installing, configuring, and managing Oracle Linux.

The OCA certification requires passing two exams: 1Z0-100 (Oracle Linux 5 and 6 System Administration) and 1Z0-101 (Oracle Linux 7 System Administration). The exams are multiple choice and can be taken at any Pearson VUE or Prometric testing center.

It typically takes about 3-4 months of preparation to pass both exams. This includes studying for the exam, taking practice tests, and attending training courses if desired.

The cost of the OCA certification varies depending on the country you are in. In the US, it costs $245 USD per exam plus applicable taxes.

4. IBM Certified System Administrator - AIX V7

IBM Certified System Administrator - AIX V7 is a certification program for system administrators who have experience with the IBM AIX operating system. This certification demonstrates that the individual has the skills and knowledge necessary to install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot IBM AIX 7.1 systems.

To become certified, individuals must pass two exams: C4040-251 - Power Systems with POWER8 Scale-out Technical Sales Skills v2 and C4040-252 - Power Systems with POWER8 Enterprise Technical Sales Skills v2. Both exams are offered by Prometric or Pearson VUE testing centers. The cost of each exam is $200 USD.

The time it takes to get certified depends on the individual’s study habits and familiarity with the material covered in the exams. It is recommended that individuals spend at least 3 months studying for each exam before attempting them.

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

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Server Infrastructure is a certification that validates an individual’s ability to design, deploy, and maintain the infrastructure of a Windows Server 2012 environment. It is designed for IT professionals who are looking to demonstrate their expertise in server administration and engineering.

It typically takes around six months to earn an MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification. This includes studying for and passing the four required exams: 70-410, 70-411, 70-412 and 70-413. The cost of each exam varies depending on the country you are taking it in but typically ranges from $100-$200 per exam.

In order to get certified, you must first have a valid Microsoft Certification ID (MCID). You can obtain this by registering for an account at the Microsoft Learning website. Once you have your MCID, you can register for any of the four exams necessary to become certified as an MCSE: Server Infrastructure expert. After successfully completing all four exams, your results will be reported to Microsoft and you will receive your official certification.

The total cost of obtaining an MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification depends on several factors such as where you take the exams and which study materials you use. Generally speaking, it should cost between $400-$600 USD in total to become certified in this field.

6. VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization (VCP6-DCV)

VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization (VCP6-DCV) is a certification program for IT professionals that demonstrates their expertise in VMware vSphere 6.x, the industry-leading virtualization platform. It validates the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively install, configure, manage and troubleshoot a vSphere 6.x environment.

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 (VCP6-DCV) Delta Exam. The VCP6-DCV exam covers topics such as installation and configuration of vCenter Server components, resource management, storage solutions, networking concepts, security features, troubleshooting and more. The VCP6-DCV Delta exam focuses on new features introduced in vSphere 6.x such as long distance vMotion, enhanced data protection capabilities and more.

It typically takes about 3 months for an individual to become certified in VCP6-DCV depending on their experience level with VMware technologies. Candidates must first attend a VMware authorized training course or complete a set of online courses before attempting the certification exams. After completing the training requirements candidates can register for the exams through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers at a cost of $250 USD per exam.

7. Novell Certified Linux Professional 11 (CLP 11)

Novell Certified Linux Professional 11 (CLP 11) is a certification program from Novell that validates an individual’s expertise in using the Linux operating system. The CLP 11 certification requires passing two exams: one on the fundamentals of Linux and another on installation and configuration of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server.

The CLP 11 certification exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions. It is designed to assess an individual’s knowledge of basic concepts, such as Linux commands, file permissions, user accounts, and network configuration.

To obtain the CLP 11 certification, individuals must first pass both exams with a minimum score of 70%. They then need to submit their application form along with proof of passing both exams and payment for the certification fee.

The cost for obtaining the CLP 11 certification varies depending on where you take the exam. Generally speaking, it costs around $200 USD for both exams plus any applicable taxes or fees.

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

Citrix Certified Professional – Virtualization (CCP-V) is a certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of IT professionals in virtualization technologies. The certification covers topics such as Citrix XenServer, Citrix XenApp, and Citrix Provisioning Services. It also includes an understanding of how to deploy, configure, manage, and troubleshoot virtualized environments.

The CCP-V certification requires passing two exams: 1Y0-203: Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops 7 Administration; and 1Y0-402: Deploying Citrix XenApp/XenDesktop 7.15 Solutions. Both exams are administered by Pearson VUE and must be taken at an authorized testing center.

The cost for the CCP-V certification depends on the country you are taking the exam in, but typically ranges from $200-$300 USD per exam. The time required to get certified varies depending on your experience level with virtualization technologies; however, most individuals can complete the requirements within three months or less.

9. Solaris 10 System Administration Certification

Solaris 10 System Administration Certification is a certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of system administrators who manage Solaris 10 systems. It is offered by Oracle, and it is an industry-recognized credential that can help individuals demonstrate their expertise in the field.

The certification consists of two exams: Exam 1Z0-877 (Oracle Solaris 10 System Administrator I) and Exam 1Z0-878 (Oracle Solaris 10 System Administrator II). The exams are administered through Pearson VUE testing centers.

To get certified, you must pass both exams with a score of at least 65%. Each exam takes approximately 2 hours to complete, and you must answer at least 70% of the questions correctly in order to pass. You may take as many attempts as necessary to pass the exams.

The cost for each exam is $245 USD, so the total cost for both exams is $490 USD.

10. HP-UX System and Network Administration Certification

HP-UX System and Network Administration Certification is a certification program offered by HP to validate the skills of system and network administrators who use HP-UX systems. It is designed to demonstrate that an individual has the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to effectively administer HP-UX systems.

The certification consists of two exams: HP-UX 11i System Administration (HPUX11iSA) and HP-UX 11i Network Administration (HPUX11iNA). The HPUX11iSA exam covers topics such as installation, configuration, system management, security, troubleshooting, and performance tuning. The HPUX11iNA exam covers topics such as network design, implementation, administration, security, troubleshooting, and performance tuning.

It usually takes around 6 months to prepare for the exams. To get certified you need to pass both the exams within 18 months from each other.

The cost for taking each exam is $200 USD.

Do You Really Need a UNIX Administrator Certificate?

Whether or not you need a UNIX administrator certificate depends on your career goals and the type of job you want to pursue. A UNIX administrator certificate can demonstrate to employers that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to work in a UNIX environment, which may give you an advantage over other applicants who do not have the same credentials. Additionally, having a UNIX administrator certificate can help you stand out from other job seekers and make your resume more attractive to potential employers.

However, if your primary goal is to become a software developer or programmer, then a UNIX administrator certificate may not be as important as having experience with programming languages such as Java or C++. In this case, it is more important to be able to demonstrate proficiency in those programming languages than having a UNIX administrator certification.

Overall, whether or not you need a UNIX administrator certificate largely depends on the type of job you are looking for and what skillset is required for that position. If it is necessary for the role, then obtaining a certification could be beneficial in helping you stand out from other candidates. Otherwise, it may be best to focus on gaining experience in other areas that will help make you an attractive job candidate for the roles that interest you most.

Related: UNIX Administrator Resume Examples

FAQs About UNIX Administrator Certifications

1. What is a UNIX Administrator Certification?

Answer: A UNIX Administrator Certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual’s proficiency in administering and maintaining a UNIX based operating system. It typically involves passing an examination to prove knowledge and skills related to the installation, configuration, and management of UNIX systems.

2. How do I become certified as a UNIX administrator?

Answer: To become certified as a UNIX administrator, you will need to complete the appropriate training courses and then pass the certification exam offered by either Red Hat or Oracle. You can find these courses online or at local universities or community colleges.

3. What types of jobs are available for certified UNIX administrators?

Answer: Certified UNIX administrators can find jobs in many industries such as government, education, healthcare, finance, telecommunications, and more. These professionals may be responsible for installing and configuring software applications on servers, monitoring system performance and security measures, resolving technical issues related to networks and hardware components, providing technical support to end users, etc.

4. How much does it cost to get certified as a UNIX administrator?

Answer: The cost to get certified depends on the type of certification you are looking for and which vendor you choose (Red Hat or Oracle). Generally speaking, the cost can range from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars depending on the certification level you are seeking.

5. How long does it take to become certified as a UNIX administrator?

Answer: This depends on your experience with using UNIX operating systems as well as how much time you are willing to dedicate to studying for the exams. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from two weeks up to several months depending on your prior knowledge and preparation for the exams.