Fact checked by Here I cover the 9 best Linux certifications in 2024.
As a long-time Linux user, I know that Linux continues to be essential for systems admin, DevOps, ethical hacking, and more.
And one of the best ways to stand out in these sectors is to earn a Linux certification.
Sure, they can be challenging to earn, but a Linux certification can validate your skills and show future employers that you know a lot more than the basics.
So, if you’re ready, let’s dive into the best Linux certifications.
The 9 Best Linux Certifications In 2024
1. Oracle Certified Professional Oracle Linux 8 System Administrator
Key Information
Number of questions: 60
Exam time: 90 minutes
Passing score: 60%
Languages: English
Cost: $245 (As of Oct. 2024)
The Oracle Certified Linux System Administrator certification validates your expertise in deploying, configuring, and administering Oracle Linux 8 in production environments.
Earning this demonstrates your comprehensive knowledge of Oracle Linux, covering installation, configuration, and system monitoring.
This certification also prepares Linux system administrators to fully leverage Oracle Linux's advanced features, including new capabilities introduced in Oracle Linux 8.
I think this is ideal for IT professionals who want to showcase their ability to manage Oracle Linux servers effectively in enterprise environments, with a focus on performance, scalability, and security.
The certification also highlights fluency in the latest Oracle Linux technologies, making it valuable for those working in environments where Oracle Linux is widely used, particularly for databases and enterprise applications.
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2. CompTIA Linux+
Key Information 
Number of questions: 90
Exam time: 90 minutes
Passing score: 80%
Languages: English, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish
Cost: $369 (exam only) (As of Oct. 2024)
The CompTIA Linux+ certification is a job-focused credential that demonstrates essential Linux administration skills, critical for managing, securing, and automating enterprise systems, which is ideal if you're prepping for Linux interviews.
It covers system management, security, scripting, and troubleshooting, ensuring that professionals can configure software, manage storage, set up permissions, and automate processes using infrastructure-as-code and containers like Docker.
Unlike distribution-specific certifications, CompTIA Linux+ provides a broad foundation across all major distributions of the Linux operating system, making it versatile in the job market.
The exam includes performance-based and multiple-choice questions that validate real-world problem-solving skills. Ideal for professionals with 12 months of Linux server experience, the certification is designed to meet the evolving demands of cloud-powered IT environments.
3. LPIC 1 – Linux Administrator
Key Information 
Number of questions: Two exams, 60 each
Exam time: 90 minutes per exam
Passing score: 62.5%
Languages: English, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish
Cost: $200 (As of Oct. 2024)
LPIC-1 is the first certification in the multi-level Linux certification program from the Linux Professional Institute (LPI) and it validates your ability to perform essential Linux administration tasks, including working on the command line, installing and configuring Linux systems, and setting up basic networking.
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.
The certification reflects current industry standards and ties its objectives to real-world system administration skills, determined through job task analysis during exam development.
To earn the LPIC-1 certification, you will need to demonstrate an understanding of Linux system architecture, install and maintain a Linux workstation (including X11) and set it up as a network client.
You must also be proficient at the Linux command line, manage files, permissions, and system security, and perform basic maintenance tasks such as helping users, adding users, performing backups, and handling system shutdowns and reboots.
4. LPIC 2 – Linux Engineer
Key Information 
Number of questions: Two exams, 60 each
Exam time: 90 minutes per exam
Passing score: 62.5%
Languages: English, German, Japanese, Portuguese
Cost: $200 (As of Oct. 2024)
LPIC-2 is the second level of certification in the Linux Professional Institute (LPI) certification program, validating your ability to administer small to medium-sized mixed networks.
The current version of the certification consist of two 90-minute sessions, each containing 60 multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions, so be sure to spend some time going over a Linux cheat sheet.
To be eligible, you will already need to hold an active LPIC-1 certification.
LPIC-2 certified professionals are expected to perform advanced system administration tasks, including managing the Linux kernel, system startup, and maintenance. They must also handle advanced block storage, file systems, networking, and security, including firewall and VPN setup.
Additionally, LPIC-2 certification demonstrates the ability to install and configure core network services, such as DHCP, DNS, SSH, web servers, file servers, and email delivery. Certified professionals are also expected to supervise assistants and provide advice on automation and IT purchases.
5. LPIC 3 – 300 – Linux Enterprise Professional Certification
Key Information 
Number of questions: 60
Exam time: 90 minutes
Passing score: 62.5%
Languages: English, Japanese
Cost: $200 (As of Oct. 2024)
The LPIC-3 certification is the highest-level certification in the Linux Professional Institute (LPI) program, aimed at enterprise-level Linux professionals.
It is a distribution-neutral certification and represents advanced expertise in Linux administration. There are four LPIC-3 specialty certifications, and passing any one of the four exams grants the LPIC-3 certification for that specialty.
One of the available specialties is LPIC-3 Mixed Environments, which focuses on administering Linux systems in enterprise-wide mixed environments.
To obtain the LPIC-3 certification, you must already hold an active LPIC-2 certification. The major topics for the Mixed Environments certification include Samba basics, Samba and Active Directory domains, Samba share and client configuration, as well as Linux identity management and file sharing.
6. LFCS (Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator)
Key Information 
Number of questions: Performance-based exam
Exam time: 120 minutes
Passing score: 66%
Languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, and German
Cost: $395 (exam only) or $595 (course and exam) (As of Oct. 2024)
The Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS) exam is designed for candidates who want to demonstrate their ability to install, configure, and operate Linux-based systems, whether on-premises or in the cloud.
The exam is performance-based, simulating real-world tasks and scenarios that sysadmins face on the job.
It is not tied to any specific Linux distribution and is thus vendor-neutral, so candidates no longer need to choose a platform during preparation. The certification shows that certified administrators can proficiently operate Linux-based systems, deploy and manage applications, understand key Linux networking concepts, and support cloud-native deployments.
Additionally, learners can access an exam simulator, provided by Killer.sh, which offers two attempts to experience the exam environment with 20-25 questions. Although the simulation uses the same questions for all users, it provides valuable practice for the actual exam.
7. RHCSA (Red Hat Certified System Administrator)
Key Information 
Number of questions: Performance-based exam
Exam time: 3 hours
Passing score: 70%
Languages: English
Cost: $500 (As of Oct. 2024)
A Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) is an IT professional skilled in core system administration tasks within Red Hat Enterprise Linux environments.
The certification is awarded after passing the RHCSA Exam (EX200), which tests a wide range of abilities. RHCSAs can effectively manage files, directories, and command-line environments using essential tools, and they can also create simple shell scripts.
Additionally, you need to be able to operate systems by managing services, booting into different run levels, and handling virtual machines. You should also be proficient in configuring local storage using partitions and logical volumes, as well as creating and managing file systems, including setting permissions, encryption, and access control.
RHCSAs are also responsible for deploying, configuring, and maintaining systems, which includes software installation and updates. Furthermore, you will need to know how to manage users, groups, and handle security tasks such as basic firewall and SELinux configuration. You wil also be capable of performing basic container management tasks.
8. RHCE (Red Hat Certified Engineer)
Key Information 
Number of questions: Performance-based exam
Exam time: 4 hours
Passing score: N.A
Languages: English
Cost: $500 (As of Oct. 2024)
The Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) certification builds upon Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) skills, focusing on automation in multi-system environments.
This certification emphasizes the importance of automating the deployment, management, and support of complex systems, making it highly relevant in a DevOps environment. With expertise in automation tools like Ansible, RHCEs demonstrate a deep understanding of how automation integrates with other Red Hat technologies.
Both current and prospective RHCEs or RHCSAs can follow various tracks to complete or renew their RHCE certification.
The exam itelf is a hands-on, practical assessment that tests your ability to use Red Hat Ansible Engine to perform real-world system administration tasks.
You will be provided with multiple systems to install and configure Ansible Engine, followed by creating and using Ansible Playbooks to configure systems for specific roles and behaviors.
9. RHCA (Red Hat Certified Architect)
Key Information 
Requires the user to pass 5 certification exams depending on the route taken
The Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA) is the highest level of certification within Red Hat’s programs. It is available to anyone who has achieved either the Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE), Red Hat Certified Enterprise Microservices Developer (RHCEMD), or Red Hat Certified Cloud-native Developer (RHCCD) credentials.
To become an RHCA, you must also complete five additional certifications, chosen from system administration or developer paths, and keep them current.
Red Hat offers two distinct RHCA certifications: one in Infrastructure and the other in Enterprise Applications. Candidates can pursue either path or both.
Although Red Hat provides recommended combinations of certifications, candidates can earn any combination based on their individual or organizational needs, as these recommendations are flexible and subject to change with emerging technologies. However, specific combinations do not confer a different certification beyond RHCA itself.
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.
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.
How To Choose The Best Linux Certification
If you’re not sure which Linux certification to pursue, here are some key factors that I think you should consider:
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Qualifications & Skills: Assess whether you need formal qualifications like a degree or specific technical skills to succeed in the certification. Consider your current expertise and whether the certification aligns with your professional goals.
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Cost vs. Value: Evaluate whether the certification is a smart investment at this stage of your career. Will it open doors to higher-paying roles, or is it essential for your next career step?
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Validity & Renewal: Check how long the certification is valid. Are there ongoing requirements to maintain it, such as renewals or re-exams? Consider how easily you can keep the certification up-to-date.
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Industry Reputation: Look at reviews from other professionals. Has the certification helped them advance their careers or improved their job prospects? Choose a certification that has a proven track record of success in your field.
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 I’ve shared can show your current or future employer that an industry-recognized body has validated your Linux skills.
Whichever Linux certification you choose, 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 show employers that you are equipped to handle a job.
2. Which Linux Certification Is Best?
The best certification depends on what career path you want to take. 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 people who are verifiably capable of managing servers, scheduling batches, cron jobs, applying load balances, and working entirely on shell scripts.
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