Novell CLP Certification
Certified Linux Professional
The Certified Linux Professional (CLP) certification is the second tier in Novell's Linux Certification track aimed at candidates who wish to demonstrate their skills in advanced Linux administration. Candidates must first hold the Certified Linux Administrator (CLA) certification before applying for the CLP exam, which itself is a prerequisite for the higher-level CLE credential.
Exam details and overview
Novell will offer two versions of the CLP exam, each one tied to the respective current version of SUSE Linux although, at the time of writing, the SUSE 11 exam was not yet available. To earn the CLP credential, the candidate must pass one of the following exams:
- Novell CLP 10 - 050-697, or
- Novell CLP 11 - 050-721 (not yet available)
The exam is a 120 minute pass/fail practical exam. Candidates will be given a number of practical, hands-on tasks to complete in order to pass the exam. There are no written questions. The CLP exam covers topics such as:
Because of the hands-on nature of the CLP exam, candidates who have little or no previous experience with Linux may be better off starting with an entry-level Linux certification such as the Linux+.
Cost
The cost of the CLP is typically US$195, although this may vary depending on the country of the candidate. Periodically, Novell may offer discounts on price of the exam so keep an eye on the official Novell website or e-mail them directly to enquire if there might be an upcoming promotional offer. There are also discount exam vouchers available from independant third-party suppliers that also include free CLP training material.
Tests are administered by Pearson VUE testing centers which have locations worldwide, although not all centers provide for the CLP exam. Check with your local center well before you intend to take the exam.
Retake Policy
There is no waiting period required before taking the CLP 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 CLP 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 CLP certification, it is their responsibility to keep up-to-date with what CCRs are required. If the candidate does not complete the CCRs, their CLP certification may be revoked and the candidate may no longer claim to be Novell certified.
