Novell Linux Certification

One of the newest variations of Linux certification on the block is from Novell. Having recently acquired SuSE Linux, Novell now offers a serious Linux certification track with the introduction of its CLP and CLE certifications.

The Novell CLP, or Certified Linux Professional, is the entry-level Linux certification that offers an introductory or lead-in certification for those wishing to progress to the more advanced CLE, or Certified Linux Engineer. It is not a pre-requisite of the CLE to have the CLP certification first. In other words, you can study for, and take, the CLE exam directly and earn that qualification without having to go for the CLP first.

As the entry-level Linux certification, a Novell CLP should have the ability to install and set-up servers, manage users, groups and network objects, maintain and troubleshoot the network and carry out basic administration tasks. The more advanced Novell CLE is expected to additionally understand advanced Linux administration and have a good working knowledge of the Novell services that run on Linux.

There is only one exam to pass with the CLE, the 050-685; Novell Nterprise Linux Services Exam (I wonder how much money they paid for someone to think up ‘Nterprise’?) but that exam is a scenario-based exam where you will be expected to troubleshoot and solve real-life problems and are given two hours to do so (click here for a list of objectives) The same goes for the CLP, where only one exam, the 050-689: Novell CLP Exam, needs to be passed.

The exams themselves are practical in nature, meaning you will be presented with hands-on tasks to do. In the case of the CLP, you might be required, for example, to install a SuSE Linux server in an already existing network. A typical scenario for the CLE exam might be to install and configure Nterprise services on an existing SuSE Linux server. In each exam you will be presented with a list of objectives that you will need to complete in the given time.

Even though Novell is now aligned with SuSE Linux, there is no requirement to be specifically trained in SuSE Linux to be able to take the exam. Novell services run on a number of different Linux distributions, so the exam itself is more general in it’s scope but you need to be aware that the scenarios in the exam will be using the SuSE Linux platform. A recommended book to use in conjunction with your lab work is Novell's SuSE Linux Certified Study Guide (comes with a CD also), but make sure you check out Amazon's MarketPlace to see if there are any cheap second-hand copies of this book for sale - you'll save a lot of money that way)

With the weight of Novell behind it, the CLP and CLE Linux certifications might well be a worthwhile investment in your Linux future particularly if you intend to work with Novell systems.

(There will be a free study resources page for the Novell Linux certification here on CC shortly so bookmark and check back later)

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