Novell CLE Certification
Certified Linux Engineer
The Novell Certified Linux Engineer (CLE) certification is the third and final certification in Novell's Linux Certification Path. Candidates must hold both the Certified Linux Administrator (CLA) and the Certified Linux Professional (CLP) certifications before applying to take the CLE. Candidates must show "engineer level" knowledge of the Linux operating system including Network Services and Security. The CLE will rigorously test the candidate's skill sets in both Linux and Novell systems.
Exam details and overview
There are separate CLE exams for SUSE versions 9 and 10, so the candidate should take the courses and exams for the SUSE version for which they hold CLA and CLP credentials. Novell recommendeds that candidates take the 5 day SUSE Linux Enterprise Server Network Services and the 5 day SUSE Linux Enterprise Server Security Course, either by self study or through a classroom, before applying to take the CLE exam, although neither is mandatory. The CLE credential requires passing one exam of which there are two versions:
The exam is a 120 minute pass/fail practical exam ('Practicum' in Novell-speak). The Practicum is a rigorous hands-on, non-written exam which presents test items as real world scenarios which are designed to test the candidates experience level. A scenario will comprise numerous objectives which the candidate is expected to be able to complete in a live (virtual) environement. The CLE covers topics such as:
- Configuring a mail server
- monitoring network traffic
- cryptography
- general firewall design
- etc.
Candidates who are already CLE 9 certified can upgrade their credential by passing the following exam:
Cost
The cost to take the exam is US$195 although, for non-US residents, the cost may vary depending on location and currency fluctuations. Periodically, Novell will offer discounts on price of the exam (keep an eye on the official site) and there are discount vouchers available for some Novell exams from independant third-party suppliers.
The tests are administered by Pearson VUE testing centers which have locations worldwide.
Retake Policy
There is no waiting period required before taking the CLE exam a second time if the candidate fails the first exam. If the candidate fails the second exam, they must wait a period of 30 days before their third and any subsequent attempts to pass the same exam. If a candidate passes an exam they must wait a minimum of twelve months before retaking the same exam.
Continuing Certification Registration
Novell certifications have no date of expiration, however the applicant signs an agreement before taking the CLE exam which states that they will take any Continuing Certification Registration (CCR) exams that are periodically required by Novell. Once the candidate has received their CLE certification, it is their responsibility to keep up-to-date with what CCRs are required. If the candidate does not complete the CCRs, their CLE certification may be revoked and the candidate may no longer claim to be Novell certified.
