Fact checked by In this article, we share the 9 best Linux certifications in 2024.
Whether you’re looking to land a job in DevOps or want to further your career by enhancing your resume, we’ve included Linux certification options for juniors and experienced pros alike.
As we round out the end of 2024, Linux continues to be essential for systems admin, DevOps, ethical hacking, and more. One of the best ways to stand out in these sectors is to earn a Linux certification.
While they can be challenging to earn, a Linux certification can validate your skills and show future employers that you know a lot more than basic Linux commands.
And with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting a median annual salary of nearly $100,000 for systems admins, earning a Linux certification can be a highly lucrative career decision.
So, if you’re ready, let’s dive into the best Linux certifications to help you take your career to the next level.
Are Linux Certifications Worth It?
Linux certifications can be highly valuable, particularly for IT professionals in cloud computing, DevOps, system administration, and cybersecurity.
In fact, employers often seek candidates with specific certifications as they indicate a proven skill set and commitment to professional development. It also doesn't hurt to combine these with complementary qualifications, like DevOps certifications.
For those new to the field, certifications like the Linux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC) or CompTIA Linux+ provide foundational knowledge. More experienced professionals may pursue advanced certifications, such as the Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE), to showcase their expertise in complex Linux systems.
We've covered each of these below, so read on to learn more!
Overall, I think you need to bear in mind that practical experience is also valuable alongside certifications, and real-world experience often holds more weight in the tech industry.
That said, try to think of Linux certifications as a supplement to hands-on experience, not a replacement. But when they are combined with practical skills, they can open doors to higher-level positions and salary increases.
The 9 Best Linux Certifications In 2024
1. Oracle Certified Professional Oracle Linux 8 System Administrator
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The Oracle Certified Professional Oracle Linux 8 System Administrator certification tests for understanding how to deploy, configure and administer an Oracle Linux 8 production server environment.
It provides a solid foundation for learning how to work with Oracle Linux and installing, configuring and monitoring a running system. You’ll learn how to use all the new features of Oracle Linux and the latest versions.
2. CompTIA Linux+
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The CompTIA Linux+ certification covers the latest foundational skills and is a job-focused Linux certification, which is ideal if you're prepping for Linux interviews.
You’ll learn about tasks performed in Linux distributions, Linux Command line, maintenance, installation, configuration, and networking. The hands-on experience includes configuring, supporting, and monitoring servers that run the Linux Operating System.
3. LPIC 1 – Linux Administrator
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The LPIC 1 – Linux Administrator certification teaches a candidate to perform command-line maintenance tasks, install and configure a Linux system, and basic networking. It validates a candidate’s ability to manage real-world system administration.
If you're fresh off a Linux course, this is a great choice, as this Linux certification does not require any prerequisites and is valid for 5 years.
Note that you are required to pass both the 101 and 102 exams to qualify for the certification. This is arguably the best Linux certification for beginners.
4. LPIC 2 – Linux Engineer
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The LPIC 2 – Linux Engineer certification is the second of LPI’s multilevel professional certifications.
It enables the candidate to administer small to medium-sized networks. To qualify for this certification, the candidate must have an active LPIC -1 Certification.
However, the LPIC-1 and LPIC-2 exams can be taken in any order, so be sure to have your Linux cheat sheet ready to prepare.
The validity of this certification is 5 years.
5. LPIC 3 – 300 – Linux Enterprise Professional Certification
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The LPIC 3 – 300 – Linux Enterprise Professional Certification is an enterprise-level professional certification program that represents the highest level of proficiency in distribution-neural Linux. It requires a candidate to have an active LPIC – 2 certification.
Apart from LPIC – 3 300, there are two more specialization certifications at this level. Passing any one of the three grants the certification for that specialty. Its prerequisites and validity periods are the same as those for LPIC 3.
6. LFCS (Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator)
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The LFCS (Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator) certification is ideal for beginners in Linux System Administration. It evaluates candidates based on on-the-job task simulations and real-world scenarios, including typical shell scripting questions.
It equates to hands-on experience for prospective employers. This certification is conducted online and has a validity of 3 years. This certification needs no prior knowledge of the subject matter.
7. RHCSA (Red Hat Certified System Administrator)
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The RHCSA (Red Hat Certified System Administrator) certification enables you to perform the core system administration tasks in Red Hat Linux Environments.
This is a core exam, which is used as a foundation for other Red Hat certifications. This is a great choice if you want to pursue Red Hat system administration.
8. RHCE (Red Hat Certified Engineer)
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The RHCE (Red Hat Certified Engineer) certification requires the RHCSA certification for this first. An RHCE can automate Red Hat Enterprise Linux tasks, integrate and automate emerging Red Hat technologies.
The new RHCE certification, based on Linux 8, focuses on Linux System Administration Task Automation using Ansible and Shell Scripting. This certification needs renewal every 3 years.
9. RHCA (Red Hat Certified Architect)
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The RHCA (Red Hat Certified Architect) certification teaches you to adapt to a variety of requirements. It involves the RHCE, RHCEMD (Red Hat Certified Enterprise Microservices Developer), or RHCJD (Red Hat Certified JBoss Developer) certifications.
Two RHCA certifications can be acquired. These are RHCA – Infrastructure and RHCA – Enterprise Applications. Candidates can choose to follow any or both of the learning paths.
How To Choose The Best Linux Certification In 2024?
If you’re unsure which Linux certification to choose, consider the following criteria.
- Qualifications & Skills: Do you need a degree or professional qualifications? Do you have the necessary technical and scientific skills?
- Cost: Will the investment be worthwhile at this stage in your career?
- Renewal Period: For how long is the certification valid? Will you need to renew regularly? Will you need to re-sit the exam to extend your status?
- Reviews: Do others say that the certification has improved their career or their ability to apply for jobs?
Note that all certification prices are accurate as of December 2024.
Wrapping Up
So there you go, the 9 best Linux certifications in 2024, including a range of Linux certification options for juniors and experienced professionals alike.
Whether you’re just starting out or leading a division, each Linux certification we’ve shared can show your current or future employer that an industry-recognized body has validated your Linux skills.
Whichever Linux certification you choose, we wish you the best of luck with your exam and career!
Interested in learning how to use Linux for systems admin? Check out:
Linux Administration: The Complete Linux Bootcamp for 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why Get A Linux Certification?
Linux certifications prove that you have the skills to carry out a set of tasks, and employers will look to it for a sense of your competency. Using Linux in a professional context requires a certain amount of skill, and getting a certification can both teach you that skill and show employers that you are equipped to handle a job.
2. Which Linux Certification Is Best?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as the certification you choose will depend on what career path you want to take. Beginners should take foundational courses, followed by specializations or more advanced courses. The certifications in this list provide a comprehensive range of certifications focusing on various niches, so you should get a good overview of the options.
3. Are Linux Certifications Worth It?
If you have a Linux certification, you always have excellent career opportunities. Organizations are more interested in hiring resources who are capable of managing servers, scheduling batches, cron jobs, applying load balances, and working entirely on shell scripts. Certifications keep you ahead of the crowd and increase your competitive advantage.
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