LPI Linux Certification in a Nutshell

(you can get a cheaper copy of this through Amazon's second-hand store)

LPI Linux Certification (LPIC)

Most feedback suggests that the LPI certification track is reasonably fair in its demands of a candidates Linux knowledge. While not too hard it does demand a reasonable amount of in-depth knowledge and thus, equally, shouldn’t be taken too lightly. This in itself is a good thing, as easy-to-come-by certifications do no good for candidates, employers or the industry as a whole.

One major plus in favour of LPI certification is that it is vendor neutral. If you’re new to Linux then this will enable you to get started in your Linux certifications before deciding to specialise in a more proprietary certification later on. Another good factor in favour of the LPI Linux certification track is that there is the natural progression through the various ranks – Junior, Intermediate, and Senior (although at the time of writing the ‘Senior’ track was not available). Recommended reading for the LPI certification is 'LPI Linux Certification in a Nutshell' (save yourself some money and go for a second-hand version of this book from Amazon's Marketplace)

The LPI Linux certification track:

LPIC1 Junior Level Administration –

To obtain the LPI Linux Junior Level certification you need to pass two exams, 101 and 102. There are no pre-requisites required for these exams meaning you can take them without any prior qualifications or certifications. The scope of the LPI Junior certification means that successful candidates who pass the exam will have sufficient knowledge with Linux to operate reasonably with the command line, be able to carry out simple administration tasks such as user and object setup and control, backups and system monitoring and workstation configuration. For an overview of the exam objectives for the LPI Junior Linux certification, click here for the 101, and here for the 102.

LPIC2 Intermediate Level Administration –

Like the Junior level, the LPI Linux certification Intermediate level requires that the candidate pass two exams, the 201 and 202. While these exams can be done before the Junior level exams, the 101 and the 102, you will not receive the LPIC Intermediate qualification until you have successfully passed the Junior level examinations.

Applicants who successfully pass these two exams should be able to adequately administer a small to medium sized network comprising of mixed platform workstations and servers, Internet gateways, firewalls, proxies etc., and have an all-round awareness of automation techniques and peripherals.

For details about the objectives for the 201 exam, click here, and for the 202 exam, click here

LPIC3 Senior Level Administration –

At the time of writing, this level of the LPI Linux certification track was still under development and no specific information was available for these exams.

When available, to gain LPIC3 certification you need to already have the LPIC2 certification (which, in turn, means that you need to have LPIC1…), and, like the other Linux certification levels, means that you need to pass any two of the exams at this level.

More information about this exam and it’s availability can be found on the official LPI website.