Linux Certifications
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Corporate Acceptance
But others praise the Linux certifications from Novell and Red Hat, saying they will be crucial in bringing additional respect to the Linux world, especially within major companies. And all tend to agree that Linux certification is here to stay -- like it or not.
"While not as important as Cisco -- I doubt anyone hires someone to work on their Cisco equipment unless they have some kind of Cisco certification -- I think it's becoming as important as a Microsoft certification or, in the past, Novell's," says Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols, who writes frequently about Linux as editor of eWEEK.com's Linux & Open Source Center. "That's because Linux is rapidly entering companies' server rooms, and IT directors want some kind of assurance that the staffers they're hiring know more about Linux than simply that they run Lindows [now known as Linspire] at home and read Slashdot religiously."
Major Linux Certifications
LPIC-1 and LPIC-2: The LPI program currently offers two certifications, with a third, for senior-level personnel, under development:
- LPIC-1: Designed for junior-level administrators, the LPIC-1 targets IT professionals who maintain, install and configure Linux systems.
- LPIC-2: The LPIC-2 certification is for IT pros who administer small- to medium-sized sites and plan and implement mixed networks.
Linux+: The Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), a global trade organization for the IT industry, offers Linux+, a vendor-neutral certification developed with the aim of certifying knowledge in basic installation, operation, security and troubleshooting for Linux.
CLP and CLE: Novell is supporting its Linux products with two certifications:
- Certified Linux Professional (CLP): This credential is geared toward would-be Linux administrators, certifying skills in installing Linux servers, managing users and groups and troubleshooting networks.
- Certified Linux Engineer (CLE): This is a more advanced certification than the CLP, focusing on heterogeneous networks and providing business solutions with Linux.
RHCE, RHCT and RHCA: Linux vendor Red Hat offers three certifications:
- Red Hat Certified Technician (RHCT): The credential is geared toward IT workers capable of installing and configuring Linux systems as well as working with a corporate network.
- Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE): The RHCE, generally a senior administrator, should be able to configure network services and security.
- Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA): The credential builds on RHCE skills, with an emphasis on systems management, storage management, performance tuning, and advanced network services and security.
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