How Linux Works
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Linux Certification

Unless you’ve been living on another planet of late then you’ll be aware that Linux, which has been around for over a decade now, has been making some steady in-roads into the world of corporate and private O.S.’s. Indeed, it has been reported that the number of Linux operating licenses being issued has grown recently by around 25% yearly – much more than any other OS. As such, and with perhaps an eye to the future, there have been a number of vendors positioning themselves of late to offer up Linux certification tracks to would-be Linux professionals. And choosing the right Linux certification to take is just the start of the journey.

Why get a Linux certification?

According to recent press releases the number of job advertisements that stipulate some knowledge of Linux has risen by nearly 200% over the last year in some places. While it could be argued that 200% of a small number is still a small number, it is becoming increasingly clear that the number of applicants choosing Linux certification hasn’t risen in step with the demand - however small that demand has been. Part of the reason for this anomaly is that employers, in general, haven’t put much faith in Linux certifications and therefore there has been little demand for them. Additionally, many of the jobs advertised where Linux skills are required are for more senior and technical roles such as programmers and developers – skills that far outweigh the level that are tested on some Linux certification tracks. All that appears to be changing however, with Linux becoming ever more mainstream and people with Linux skills becoming more in demand.

Will Linux certification help?

While actual work experience with Linux will always count for so much more than any piece of paper, gaining Linux certification certainly won’t do your credentials any harm. There is an ever-growing list of big-name companies switching to, or incorporating, Linux and the demand for skilled Linux workers in the future looks healthy indeed.

At the very least a recognised Linux certification will demonstrate to your employers, both future and present, that you are at least serious about your career with Linux. Right now the demand for Linux certification from employers is not that great but who knows what the next few years will bring? You could be setting yourself up nicely for the future if you arm yourself with a Linux certification or two today.

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