How Linux Works
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Which Linux certification to choose from?

If you’ve spent any time at all looking into Linux certifications you’ll know that there are a number of different options that you can choose from and, given the amount of time and money that you’ll need to invest into gaining your Linux certification, you’ll want to be sure that you make the right choice of Linux certification track to begin with. Probably the only way in which you can determine which Linux certification is right for you is to work backwards and start with the reason you want to get certified in Linux in the first place. If your main motivation is to secure a job working with Linux you should spend some time researching the possibilities of employment once you gain your Linux certification (and not just the immediate possibilities, but future trends within the industry also). For those new to Linux then the entry-level, vendor-neutral certifications offered by CompTIA and LPI will be better suited. If you are already working with Linux then one of the proprietary Linux certifications (Red Hat, Novell) might be better suited to you.

Given that there are numerous distributions of Linux available, and that Linux is ‘open source’, one very predictable problem of Linux certifications is that there is no central governing body that can set the certification standards and ensure that the candidates meet those standards. What this means for potential Linux certified wanabees is that you have quite a degree of freedom to choose which Linux certification track is right for you, but you equally need to be sure that the certification track you choose will meet your end needs. As with any other certification track that you take, Linux certifications can be taken by way of instructor led courses or you can undertake a regime of self-study on your own. Don’t get too bogged down on deciding which distribution is better or is more likely to result in a job at the end of the day. While there are obvious differences between the various Linux distributions a degree of competency in one flavour will set you up nicely to transition to the others if need be at a later stage.

As of the time of writing, there are four main contenders for Linux certification:

LPI
Red Hat
Novell
CompTIA

Which one you choose to take will depend on your circumstances, your experience, and where you want to go in your career. Click on the links above for more information and free study guides, practice exams and more.