What Can I Do With a Linux Certification?

Getting certified is an excellent way to showcase your value as a Linux systems administrator. There is a clear demand for Linux skills, and certification exams can help set you apart from other job candidates. Many different types of Linux certifications exist. Use the information you have about your company's systems to direct you to the offerings that best match your needs.

Considering getting certified in Linux to advance your career? Master key concepts to prepare for the exam while earning credentials for your study with Pearson's CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 Specialization. In as little as two months, you can gain exam-level proficiency with Linux while you practice real-life administrative tasks.

Are Linux certifications worth it?

Getting certified in Linux systems is a strategic way to elevate yourself within the professional world. Hiring companies often use peer-level interviews to evaluate a candidate's expertise in Linux systems. Certification exams require a high level of knowledge and are a valuable way to expand your existing knowledge.

Linux certification and salary

Some employers look for Linux certifications to ensure that job candidates will be able to perform the role efficiently. In advanced or senior-level roles, a Linux certification or Red Hat certification (RHCE) may even be required. Higher-level roles typically earn more than entry-level or mid-level roles that only sometimes require certifications. Therefore, earning more with a Linux certification is possible because your certification status qualifies you for higher-ranking positions.

Who can benefit from a Linux certification?

Many tech careers can benefit from a Linux certification. A couple of professions that value knowledge of Linux systems include:

• Network analysts. Network analysts working with Linux software can use Linux system certifications to increase their knowledge of configuration processes.

• Systems administrators. Systems administrators often use Linux to conduct network analytics and monitor system performance. A Linux system administration certificate can aid them in troubleshooting, data collection, and analysis processes.

Other jobs that could benefit from a Linux certification include IT security specialists and Linux engineers. Most tech professionals who work with network architecture and operation can gain valuable skills from completing Linux certification exams.

Types of Linux certifications

Depending on your personal goals, learning path, and prior experience, you can pursue several types of Linux certifications. In addition to certification exams for specific disciplines, Linux has widely applicable general knowledge certifications.

Linux+ CompTIA

The Linux+ CompTIA Certification offers the foundational skills and knowledge you need to work with Linux systems. It is often considered the baseline certification for Linux users. This Linux certification covers the command line, installation, configuration, and basic networking applications. It also offers critical knowledge for Linux systems maintenance.

This general-purpose certification is suitable for someone who has limited knowledge of Linux systems or is new to the field of expertise. Earning this certification is an excellent starting point for those who plan to pursue other Linux certificates in the future. You can use it not only to familiarize yourself with foundational Linux concepts but with the certification exam process as well.

Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS)

The LFCS certification demonstrates your competency in the core knowledge and critical skills needed to succeed as a system administrator. You don’t have to complete any prerequisites to take this exam. It is an intermediate-level, vendor-neutral certification appropriate for professionals who want to demonstrate their system administration skills with Linux to potential employers.

If you are planning to take the Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS) exam, you must possess fundamental IT skills and foundational expertise regarding cloud computing. You can use the Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS) Specialization to prepare in as little as eight weeks.

LPI (Linux Professional Institute) Certifications

LPI (Linux Professional Institute) is an organization that offers a multiple-tier Linux certification program. The program includes specialized professional certifications based on knowledge and experience level. There are three categories of LPI certifications you can explore:

1. Essentials. The Essentials program is a junior-level Linux certification for beginners who want to demonstrate their abilities. It includes two exams:

• Linux Essentials 010 Exam: No prerequisites; 40 questions, 60 minutes. Lifetime validity period.

• Linux Web Development Essentials 030 Exam: No prerequisites; 40 questions, 60 minutes. Lifetime validity period.

2. Linux Professional. The Linux Professional program was designed to evaluate the skills of Linux systems administrators. It includes six performance-based exams:

• LPIC-1: No prerequisites; 60 questions, 90 minutes. Five-year validity period unless retaken or a higher level is achieved.

• LPIC-2: Active LPIC-1 certification required; 60 questions, 90 minutes. Five-year validity period unless retaken or a higher level is achieved.

• LPIC-3, Mixed Environments: Active LPIC-2 certification required; 60 questions, 90 minutes. Five-year validity period.

• LPIC-3, Security: Active LPIC-2 certification required; 60 questions, 90 minutes. Five-year validity period.

• LPIC-3, Virtualization and Containerization: Active LPIC-2 certification required; 60 questions, 90 minutes. Five-year validity period.

• LPIC-3, High Availability and Storage Clusters: Active LPIC-2 certification required; 60 questions, 90 minutes. Five-year validity period.

3. Open Technology. The Open Technology program was designed to evaluate skills and knowledge of open technology tools. It includes two exams:

• DevOps Tools Engineer: No prerequisites; LPIC-1 certification strongly recommended; 60 questions, 90 minutes. Five-year validity period.

• BSD Specialist: No prerequisites; at least one year of BSD system administration or a relevant certificate from a developer exam strongly recommended; 60 questions, 90 minutes. Five-year validity period.

Red Hat Certified Systems Administrator (RHCSA)

The Red Hat Certified Systems Administrator Exam (RHCSA) is a high-value option for Red Hat software admins. Red Hat has three primary certification levels: Red Hat Systems Administrator, Red Hat Engineer, and Red Hat Architect. Each layer increases in specificity and difficulty. The RHCSA exam is a prerequisite for those wishing to earn the Red Hat Certified Engineer Certification (RHCE).

Other opportunities to strengthen Linux skills

Linux Security Specialization

The Linux Security Basics and Beyond Specialization is an online course series focused on building practical security skills for working with Linux systems. Unlike certifications such as CompTIA Linux+, this program does not provide a certification but is intended to strengthen your ability to secure Linux environments.

This four-course series covers core topics such as securing SSH, configuring firewalls, managing file system permissions, and protecting Linux servers from common threats. Learners gain hands-on experience with distributions like Debian, Ubuntu, and CentOS. It also includes instruction on patch management, authentication controls, and system hardening practices.

Designed for intermediate users, the specialization is a good fit for those who already understand basic Linux usage and want to expand their skills in security-focused administration. The program is self-paced and takes approximately four weeks to complete at three hours per week.

How to Get a Linux Certification

To earn a Linux certification, you must pass the corresponding certification exam. Preparing for these exams can involve a range of study methods, including targeted boot camps, structured certification courses, and self-paced learning materials.

Boot Camps

Linux boot camps are intensive, goal-focused training programs that provide curated resources tailored to specific certifications. These typically include video lectures, guided labs, practice questions, and study guides that emphasize the key topics covered on the exam. Most boot camps are self-paced and accessible online, making them a flexible option for working professionals.

What sets boot camps apart is their emphasis on exam-readiness. They often include simulated test environments and walkthroughs of real-world scenarios to reinforce both theoretical understanding and practical skills. This can be especially useful for learners who already have some Linux experience but need structured guidance to focus on what’s tested.

Certification Courses

Certification courses go beyond boot camp-style review by offering a deeper dive into the subject matter. These are often led by instructors or built into a modular format that progresses from fundamental to advanced concepts. Most courses include:

• Step-by-step lessons on core Linux topics

• Interactive labs and command-line exercises

• Quizzes and checkpoint assessments

• Real-time feedback or instructor support (in some cases)

Courses are particularly beneficial for learners who are new to Linux or want to build a strong foundational understanding before attempting the certification exam. Some programs may also offer a certificate of completion, though it's important to note this is not the same as the official Linux certification you earn by passing the exam.

Learn more about Linux certification content with Coursera

If you're not yet ready to start prepping for an exam, consider enrolling in Hands-on Introduction to Linux Commands and Shell Scripting to increase your familiarity and comfort working with Linux. In as little as one week, you can earn a shareable certificate for your study.