Explore the Linux Certification Path in 2023: Beginner to Professional
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With many operating systems available, Linux is one of the most-used operating systems in the world – appearing in all of the gadgets. While not extensively used on desktop computers, Linux remains a very popular operating system for web servers. Many firms offer Linux certifications since Linux is gaining acceptance by global platforms these days. These Linux exam certification certifications are becoming increasingly popular among IT professionals, allowing them to show their expertise and recognition. While many vendors are proving Linux certification, we will explore the certifications provided by LINUX itself and discover the Linux certification path. The Linux Foundation provides beginner and intermediate-level certifications while the Linux Professional provides professional-level certifications.
The Linux Foundation Certification Path for Beginners
The Linux Foundation provides vendor-neutral certification and demonstrates that you have a breadth of knowledge and skills. The Linux Foundation certification path will lead you to get opportunities in the following domains:
- Systems & Infrastructure
- Network & Security
- Software Development
List of Linux Foundation Certifications and Levels
Linux Foundation System & Infrastructure Certifications | Level |
LFCA- Linux Foundation Certified IT Associate | Beginner |
KCNA- Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate | Beginner |
LFCT- Linux Foundation Certified Cloud Technician | Beginner |
PCA- Prometheus Certified Associate | Beginner |
CKAD- Certified Kubernetes App Developer | Intermediate |
CKA- Certified Kubernetes Administrator | Intermediate |
LFCS- Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator | Intermediate |
Linux Foundation Network & Security Certifications | Level |
FCOP- FinOps Certified Practitioner | Beginner |
CKS- Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist | Intermediate |
Linux Foundation Software Development Certifications | Level |
CTAD- Certified TARS Application Developer | Beginner |
CKAD- Certified Kubernetes App Developer | Intermediate |
JSNAD- OpenJS Node.js Application Developer | Intermediate |
JSNSD- OpenJS Node.js Services Developer | Intermediate |
Start with Linux Foundation Certified IT Associate - LFCA
To confirm candidates’ readiness for an entry-level IT position, LFCA will administer tests on candidates’ knowledge of fundamental IT concepts, including operating systems, software application installation and management, hardware installation, use of the command line and basic programming, basic networking functions, security standards, and other related topics. It is perfect for people beginning their IT profession as administrators/engineers. If you’re just starting, you must get this certification. It is one of the most acquired certifications in the Linux certification path.
Prerequisites: No defined prerequisites
Cost: $299
Linux System & Infrastructure Certifications - Beginner Level
LFCT- Linux Foundation Certified Cloud Technician
The Linux Foundation Certified Cloud Technician (LFCT) exam validates a candidate’s command-line skills for configuring, managing, and troubleshooting Linux systems and containers across platforms and distributions.
Prerequisites: No prerequisites
Cost: $395
KCNA- Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate
The Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate (KCNA) exam validate a user’s fundamental knowledge and skills in Kubernetes and the Cloud-native ecosystem as a whole. This certification is excellent for students learning about cloud native technologies or applicants interested in working with them.
Prerequisites: No prerequisites
Cost: $250
PCA- Prometheus Certified Associate
The Prometheus Certified Associate (PCA) exam validates an engineer’s understanding of observability and proficiency with Prometheus, open-source systems monitoring and alerting toolkit. Ideal applicants will have experienced Prometheus-specific training, Cloud Engineer boot camps, and Kubernetes certifications such as KCNA, CKA, or CKAD.
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this exam
Cost: $250
Intermediate Level
CKA- Certified Kubernetes Administrator
The Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) program ensures that CKAs have the necessary skills, knowledge, and competency to carry out the responsibilities of a Kubernetes administrator. This certification is intended for Kubernetes administrators, cloud administrators, and other IT professionals responsible for managing Kubernetes instances.
Prerequisites: No prerequisites
Cost: $395
Go through: CKA Exam Dumps
LFCS- Linux Foundation Certified Administrator
The Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS) exam is designed for candidates who want to demonstrate their competence to install, configure, and manage Linux-based systems, whether on-premises or in the cloud. LFCS is appropriate for candidates who are just starting in Linux system administration or open source. Candidates must have experienced Linux system administration training.
Prerequisites: No such prerequisites
Cost: $395
Linux Network & Security Certifications- Beginner Level
FOCP- FinOps Certified Practitioner
FinOps, also known as “Cloud Financial Operations,” adds financial accountability to the cloud’s variable spend model, allowing distributed teams to make business decisions based on speed, cost, and quality. The certification covers FinOps fundamentals as well as an overview of essential ideas in each of the three FinOps lifecycle sections: Inform, Optimize, and Operate.
Prerequisites: Refer to FOCP certification
Cost: $300
Intermediate Level
CKS- Certified Kubernetes Security
The Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) program ensures that a CKS possesses the skills, knowledge, and competence to secure container-based applications and Kubernetes platforms during building, deployment, and runtime.
Prerequisites: This exam requires current (non-expired) CKA certification.
Cost: $395
Linux Software Development Certifications- Beginner Level
CTAD- Certified TARS Application Developer
The Certified TARS Application Developer (CTAD) exam validates knowledge of important topics in microservices and TARS Framework components/functions. The Certified TARS Application Developer (CTAD) certification is excellent for users who want to demonstrate early expertise and aptitude in microservices.
Prerequisites: No such prerequisites
Cost: $250
Intermediate Level
CKAD- Certified Kubernetes Application Developer
The Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD) exam validates candidates’ ability to design, build, and deploy cloud-native Kubernetes applications. This certification is intended for Kubernetes engineers, cloud engineers, and other IT professionals who are responsible for developing, installing, and configuring Kubernetes-based cloud-native applications.
Prerequisites: No such prerequisites
Cost: $395
Click here: To prepare for CKAD Exam
JSNSD- OpenJS Node.js Services Developer
The OpenJS Node.js Services Developer (JSNSD) certification assesses and certifies applicants’ abilities to create RESTful Node.js Servers and Services (or Microservices), with a focus on security practices. JSNSD is designed for Node.js developers who have at least two years of experience building RESTful servers and services with Node.
Prerequisites: No such prerequisites
Cost: $395
JSNAD- OpenJS Node.js Application Developer
The OpenJS Node.js Application Developer (JSNAD) certification assesses and confirms applicants’ ability to construct web-based apps using Node.js.
Prerequisites: No such prerequisites
Cost: $395
Linux Certification Path to Become Professional
Linux Professional Institute provides certification in three levels: essential, professional, and open technology. These certifications will enhance your expertise in the Linux operating system and provide you with a roadmap to becoming a professional.
Linux Essential Certifications
The Essentials certificates were designed for applicants just starting in open source or wanting to show off their skills.
Linux Essentials | Linux Security Essentials | Linux Web Development Essentials |
The Linux Professional Institute Linux Essentials exam assesses a candidate’s ability to utilize a basic command-line editor and demonstrate a comprehension of the Linux operating system’s processes, programs and components. | IT security is critical for individuals and organizations in today’s digital world. The Security Essentials test includes fundamental knowledge in all areas of IT security. | Modern software applications are frequently developed for the Web. The Web Development Essentials program from the Linux Professional Institute (LPI) helps you get started in software development. |
Prerequisites: None | None | None |
Cost: $120 | $120 | $120 |
Linux Professional
The professional-level certifications are intended to evaluate the deeper understanding and skills of Linux systems administrators. While the tests can be taken in any order, lower-level certificates must be obtained before higher-level certifications can be awarded.
LPIC-1: The Linux Professional Institute LPIC-1 exam assesses the ability to do command-line maintenance activities, install and configure a computer running Linux, and configure basic networking.
Prerequisites: None
Cost: $200 for each exam
LPIC-2: The Linux Professional Institute’s LPIC-2 exams assess your ability to manage varied small to medium-sized networks.
Prerequisites: LPIC-1 certification
Cost: $200 for each exam
LPIC-3: Mixed Environment: The Linux Professional Institute LPIC-3 Mixed Environments exam assesses the ability to integrate Linux services in a mixed business environment.
LPIC-3: Security: The Linux Professional Institute LPIC-3 Security exam assesses the competence to secure and harden Linux-based servers, services, and networks throughout an organization.
LPIC-3: Virtualization and Containerization: LPIC-3- Linux Professional Institute Virtualization and Containerization certification cover enterprise-wide Linux system administration with a focus on virtualization and containerization.
LPIC-3: High Availability and Storage Clusters: The Linux Professional Institute LPIC-3 High Availability and Storage Clusters course covers enterprise-wide Linux system administration with a focus on high-availability systems and storage.
LPIC-3 Prerequisites: LPIC-2 certification
Cost: $200 for each exam
Linux Open Technology Certifications
The Open Technology professional certificates are intended to assess knowledge and skills in open technology technologies such as DevOps and BSD Specialist.
DevOps Tool Engineer | BSD Specialist |
A certified DevOps Tools Engineer should be familiar with DevOps-related domains such as software engineering and architecture, container and machine deployment, configuration management, and monitoring. | This exam assesses administration skills for FreeBSD, NetBSD, and OpenBSD systems. Covering all three major BSD systems ensures that the certification holder is at ease working in any BSD-based work environment. |
Prerequisites: No such prerequisites. But it is recommended to take LPIC-1 certification. | No prerequisites. But it is strongly recommended that the candidate should have one plus year in administrating BSD systems. |
Cost: $200 | $200 |
Other Linux certifications you can earn to become a professional in 2023
Below are some Linux certifications provided by other vendors that you should consider to gain expertise and deeper knowledge.
Certifications | Level | Cost |
CompTIA Linux+ | Intermediate | $358 |
Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) | Intermediate | $500 |
Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) | Advanced | $500 |
Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA) | Professional | At least pass 5 of the exam in the described exams |
Oracle Linux 8 System Administration | Professional | $245 |
Which Linux Certification should you get? 3 Things to Consider
No doubt, Linux is one of the most used operating systems, and having a certification in it is definitely desirable, but how do you know which certification is right for you? Before getting any Linux certification you must consider these things.
- Matches your Knowledge Level
Always go for a certification that matches your current knowledge. For instance, if you’re just starting your career in the Linux operating system, you should have a minor understanding so it is best to choose the entry-level certifications or follow our Linux certification path for beginners. Candidates with prior expertise with the Linux operating system should pursue certification that best describes their knowledge and abilities.
- Your Current Job Role Demand for a Certification
While to fill the technology gap, employers are seeking candidates with a certification in a particular domain. Choose a certification that aligns with your current job roles and will improve your skills and understanding of the domain. With our above list of Linux certification and roadmap, you can check which certification best suit your job role.
- Helps you in Career Advancement and Building a Strong Resume
Make sure that the certification you’re choosing must help you in career advancement and open various opportunities for lucrative job roles. Select and opt for a certification that will uplift your resume and make you stand out from others.
FAQ’s
Here is the best Linux certification you can get in 2023:
- LPIC 3 – Linux Enterprise Professional Certification
- LFCS (Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator)
- LFCE (Linux Foundation Certified Engineer)
- RHCSA (Red Hat Certified System Administrator)
- RHCE (Red Hat Certified Engineer)
- RHCA (Red Hat Certified Architect)
- CompTIA Linux+
LPIC-1 is the first certification in the Linux Professional Institute’s (LPI) multi-level Linux professional certification program. For gaining LPIC-2, you must take the LPIC-1 certification.
The CompTIA Linux+ certification exam lasts 90 minutes. It costs USD 358 and requires a passing score of 720 (on a scale of 100 to 900).
- Linux Foundation Certified IT Associate
- Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator
- LPIC- 1
- Red Hat Certified System Administrator
- CompTIA Linux+
If you want to get Linux certification in a particular domain, read out the blog.
The salary is dependent on many factors such as your previous experience, which certification you’re getting, your level of certification and your current job role. However, according to an estimation, the average salary Linux certified can get is from $69,000 to $101,500 based on certification.