Last updated: February 18, 2024
Best Linux Certifications in 2024: The Ultimate Guide
Explore industry-leading programs to enhance your skills and stay ahead in the ever-evolving realm of Linux system administration.
Introduction to Linux certifications
Linux certifications validate an individual's skills and expertise in the Linux operating system. As Linux continues to dominate various sectors of the IT industry, the demand for professionals with Linux proficiency has surged. Obtaining a Linux certification enhances one's knowledge and opens up numerous career opportunities in systems administration, network engineering, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
Importance of Linux certifications in the IT industry
Learning Linux and obtaining a recognized certification can significantly boost a candidate's resume in today's competitive job market.
Employers often prioritize candidates with relevant certifications as they demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and skill development.
Editor's Choice
Linux Foundation Certified IT Associate Certification
Runner Up
Linux Foundation Certified System (LFCS) Administrator Certification
Honorable Mention
Red Hat Certified System Administrator
FTC Disclosure: devLatino may receive compensation from the companies whose courses and products we showcase with no added cost to you. We only partner with the very best and most reputable companies. devLatino is independently owned, and the opinions expressed here are our own.
Best Linux Certifications
Linux Foundation Certified IT Associate (LFCA) Certification
Editors Choice: The Linux Foundation Certified IT Associate (LFCA) certification is a gateway to IT excellence, particularly for individuals new to IT. LFCA equips you with foundational knowledge and skills crucial for IT administration and engineering success.
One of LFCA’s primary focuses is on cloud computing, a pivotal aspect of today’s digital landscape. By providing essential cloud computing fundamentals, LFCA ensures you become a valuable asset in the competitive IT job market.
LFCA covers critical IT concepts, including:
- operating systems,
- software installation and management,
- hardware fundamentals,
- basic programming,
- networking, and
- best security practices.
LFCA demonstrates your proficiency in various domains, including:
- Linux fundamentals,
- system administration,
- cloud computing,
- security,
- DevOps, and
- supporting applications and developers.
Mastery of these domains is essential for excelling in IT roles.
The LFCA exam is an online, proctored, multiple-choice test that evaluates your understanding of fundamental IT concepts. Importantly, this exam has no prerequisites, making it accessible to anyone eager to kickstart their IT career.
Overall, LFCA is your pathway to entering the world of IT administration and engineering with confidence.
Experience Level: Beginner
Highlights:
- The certificate is valid for two years if achieved by April 1, 2024.
- One retake is allowed.
PROS
- LFCA serves as a gateway to IT excellence, offering foundational knowledge and skills essential for newcomers to the IT field.
- Dive into key concepts such as performance, availability, serverless computing, and cost management.
- Showcase proficiency across multiple domains essential for success in IT administration and engineering roles
CONS
- While LFCA covers fundamental IT concepts comprehensively, it may lack specialization in specific areas, potentially leaving candidates without deep expertise in specialized domains.
- The expiration policy change, effective April 1, 2024, means certifications achieved after this date will expire within 24 months, which could pose a challenge for individuals seeking long-term career validation.
Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS) certification
The Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS) certification offers a pathway to enhanced career opportunities in the IT industry. LFCS equips individuals with the necessary skills to navigate Linux-based systems efficiently in traditional on-premises environments or cutting-edge cloud infrastructures.
By obtaining the LFCS certification, candidates can confidently:
- deploy applications,
- manage network configurations,
- troubleshoot system issues, and
- support cloud-native deployments.
Certified professionals enhance their credibility and marketability and gain access to exclusive career advancement prospects.
With LFCS certification, individuals can unlock the power of Linux, validate their expertise, and propel their careers to new heights in the dynamic IT landscape.
Experience Level: Intermediate
Highlights:
- The certificate is valid for two years if achieved by April 1, 2024.
- One retake is allowed.
- PDF Certificate and Digital Badge
Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)
Embarking on the journey to become a Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA®) is an exciting opportunity to validate and showcase your core system administration skills in Red Hat Enterprise Linux environments.
Through the rigorous RHCSA Exam (EX200), you can prove your expertise in essential tasks for handling files, directories, command-line environments, and documentation.
As an RHCSA, you’ll be equipped to operate running systems, configure local storage, deploy and maintain systems, manage users and groups, and ensure basic security measures like firewall and SELinux configuration.
Moreover, for IT professionals aspiring to become a Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE®), the RHCSA certification is a vital stepping stone.
The RHCSA certification journey culminates with the performance-based EX200 exam, which evaluates your knowledge and skills across various system administration areas applicable to multiple environments and deployment scenarios. By successfully passing this exam, you validate your expertise and set yourself apart as a skilled and competent Red Hat Certified System Administrator ready to take on the challenges of today’s dynamic IT landscape.
CompTIA Linux+ Certification
CompTIA Linux+ certification is an excellent choice for individuals aspiring to kickstart their careers as systems administrators supporting Linux systems. This certification validates essential competencies for early-career professionals, proving your ability to secure enterprise systems, power cloud environments, and maintain smooth system operations.
Pros:
- Comprehensive coverage of the latest skills demanded by hiring managers. From system management and security best practices to scripting, containers, automation, and troubleshooting techniques.
- Provides a well-rounded understanding of all major distributions of Linux.
CompTIA Linux+ prepares you to excel in various roles, including:
- penetration tester
- cybersecurity engineer
- data architect
- solution architect
- Linux engineer
- network administrator
- web administrator
- server administrator
Moreover, CompTIA offers a range of exam preparation resources, including eLearning with CertMaster Learn, interactive labs with CertMaster Labs, exam prep with CertMaster Practice, and study guides tailored for CompTIA Linux+.
The Continuing Education (CE) program also ensures that your certification remains current. With CompTIA Linux+ certification, you gain valuable skills and knowledge and position yourself as a sought-after IT and security expert in today’s dynamic and competitive job market.
Linux Professional Institute (LPI) LPIC-1 certification
The Linux Professional Institute (LPI) LPIC-1 certification is the foundational stepping stone in the multi-level professional certification program. LPIC-1 certification showcases a candidate’s ability to perform essential maintenance tasks, install and configure Linux systems, and establish basic networking configurations.
Pros:
- Certification is meticulously crafted to reflect current industry demands, ensuring candidates possess the necessary proficiency to excel in Linux-based environments.
- Demonstrates a candidate’s understanding of Linux system architecture, command-line operations, file management, system security, and maintenance tasks.
- With over 200,000 certification holders worldwide, LPI certification holds significant value in the IT industry, offering career advancement opportunities and recognition as a skilled Linux professional.
LPIC-1 certification requires passing the 101 and 102 exams, each covering specific topics essential for Linux system administration. From system architecture and installation to shell scripting, administrative tasks, networking fundamentals, and security, LPIC-1 exams comprehensively assess a candidate’s knowledge and skills across various domains.
FTC Disclosure: devLatino may receive compensation from the companies whose courses and products we showcase with no added cost to you. We only partner with the very best and most reputable companies. devLatino is independently owned, and the opinions expressed here are our own.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Before selecting a Linux certification, assessing your skill level, career goals, and budget is essential. Consider your areas of interest within the Linux ecosystem and research the job market to identify which certifications are in demand. Additionally, explore study resources and practice exams to gauge the preparation required for each certification exam.
Earning a Linux certification offers numerous benefits, including:
- Increased job opportunities and higher earning potential
- Validation of skills and expertise in Linux administration
- Recognition by employers and peers in the IT industry
- Access to exclusive networking events and career advancement opportunities
The cost of Linux certifications varies depending on the provider and level of certification. Expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars for exam fees and study materials.
Prerequisites vary depending on the certification. Some certifications may require basic knowledge of Linux systems, while others are designed for more experienced professionals. Check the specific requirements for each certification before registering for an exam.
Conclusion
Obtaining a Linux certification is a valuable investment in your IT career. Choosing the proper accreditation and dedicating yourself to study and preparation can enhance your skills, expand your job prospects, and take your career to new heights.
Our #1 Linux Certifications Recommendation