Title: Linux Certification: Why Get Certified
Course: CIS 208: Linux/UNIX III: Intermediate System Administration, Networking, and Security ~ For IGNITE Review > Section: Learning Modules

Earning a certification shows prospective and current employers that you have the skills and knowledge needed to work with Linux. It also shows you want to continue learning so you can do better in your career. Linux certification is backed by a couple of well-known global Information Technology (IT) associations that have the respect of the industry. CompTIA's Linux+ is the most widely known Linux certification. The Linux Professional Institute (LPI) also has several Linux certifications.

CompTIA Linux+

The most widely known certification is CompTIA's Linux+. Interestingly, this certification is actually created by LPI. There are two individual tests required for the Linux+ certification.

The first exam, LX0-101, is more basic and covers things like the following:

- Hardware devices
- Linux file systems and file system hierarchy standard (FHS)
- Installation and package management of software
- GNU and Unix commands used in terminal sessions

The second exam, LX0-102, goes into Linux in more depth. The exam covers the following:

- Shells, scripting and data management
- User interfaces and desktops
- Administrative tasks
- Essential system services
- Networking Fundamentals
- Security

For more details on this certification visit CompTIA Get IT Certified.

Linux Professional Institute (LPI)

Another organization called the Linux Professional Institute or LPI produced four different certifications. The first certification is the Linux Essentials, which proves you understand the basics of Linux as a user. Next, the Professional Certifications are available that cover a junior, advanced, and senior level of Linux. These certifications prove your ability to work with Linux and at a specific level.

Introductory Certification

- Linux Essentials – Basics of Linux

Professional Certifications

- LPIC-1 – Junior Level Linux Certification
- LPIC-2 – Advanced Level Linux Certification
- LPIC-3 – Senior Level Linux Certification

For more information on these certifications, check out Linux Professional Institute: Linux Certifications Overview.