Most networking professionals are probably familiar with certification programs for various operating systems and technologies. With more enterprises using Linux, several companies have started to offer Linux certification and training.
One of the most popular programs is run by - not surprisingly - the top Linux company, Red Hat. The leading Linux distributor offers training and certification of its product for network professionals in a program similar to system-specific certifications such as Certified Novell Engineer and Microsoft Certified Software Engineer.
Red Hat's Certified Engineer (RHCE) program is a five-day course that consists of four one-day labs followed by a certification test taken on the fifth day. Prerequisites for the course include knowledge of basic Intel- and Intel clone-based hardware architecture, familiarity with basic Unix file structure and shell programming, TCP/IP networking skills and network administration experience. The test can also be taken on its own, without the four days of labs.
Unlike the widely accessible Microsoft or Novell certification programs, RHCE courses and tests are only available at Red Hat training facilities in Durham, N.C., Portland, Ore., San Francisco and Santa Clara. The course costs $2,498; the test can be taken alone for $749.
Red Hat certification can be valuable for companies investing heavily in Red Hat Linux as an alternative network operating system, or for IT professionals looking for a certification feather in their caps. However, the program has been criticized by some for its poor accessibility and high cost. The single-distribution focus of the training has also been at issue with some Linux users looking for certification options.
For Linux certification and training that isn't tied to any specific distribution, the Linux Professional Institute (LPI) has less expensive certification test offerings.
LPI offers basic, advanced and expert levels of Linux certification. The beginning level certifies users beyond a basic help desk or power-user level of knowledge. Prerequisites for this course are equal to the Red Hat program. The second level requires more in-depth study for people looking for a system administrator's level of certification. The third level is for certification in more advanced and specialized areas, such as database server administration or kernel and device driver development. Each level involves two tests, which cost $100 each to take. Currently, only the requirements for the first level of the LPI program have been finalized; requirements for the second and third levels could change in the near future. LPI's tests are administered through Virtual University Enterprises' 1,700 test centers worldwide. Among LPI's backers are Caldera, SuSE, Linuxcare, IBM and TurboLinux.
Another option for distribution-neutral Linux certification is the Sair GNU and Linux Certification program. Similar to the LPI model, the program offers three levels of certification: Linux Certified Administrator (LCA) for basic administrative-level certification; Linux Certified Engineer (LCE) for advanced system managers; and Master Linux Certified Engineer (MLCE) for senior systems managers. Four tests are required for each level of certification, with LCA, LCE and MLCE programs currently available. Certification tests cost $99 each and can be taken at 2,000 Sylvan Prometric testing centers worldwide.
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Phil Hochmuth is a Network World Senior Writer and a former systems integrator. You can reach him at phochmut@nww.com.
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