What is a Linux Certification and Is It Worth It?

A Linux Certification demonstrates skill in using a Linux operating system. A lot of organizations in the world of IT with open-source communities offer Linux certifications to prepare IT professionals with knowledge relevant to a real-world environment.

Getting certified is a strategic way to elevate yourself within the professional world. As IT systems and workloads get more complex, the underlying architecture and operating system must be reliable, scalable, and performance-driven. There is a clear demand for Linux skills, and certification exams can help set you apart from other job candidates. Many different types of Linux certifications exist. We have prepared six common certificates for you to choose from.

1. CompTIA Linux+
2. GIAC Certified UNIX Security Administrator (GCUX)
3. Linux Foundation Certified Engineer (LFCE)
4. Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS)
5. Linux Professional Institute LPIC-1 or LPIC-3
6. Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)

What Are The Advantages?

Professional certifications can be determined by performance-based exams, practical exams, or a combination of these. These methods are designed to test your capabilities with the tasks that Linux administrators should be able to perform. Linux certifications provide a clear advantage for job seekers. There are numerous career opportunities that a Linux Certified Professional can choose from. 

• System Administrators – these people often use Linux to conduct network analytics and monitor system performance. There is a specific certification that can aid them in troubleshooting, data collection, and analysis processes.

• Network Analysts – Network analysts working with Linux software can use Linux system certifications to increase their knowledge of configuration processes.

Aside from these jobs, there are also other jobs that could benefit from a Linux certification including IT security specialists and Linux engineers. Most tech professionals who work with network architecture and operation can gain valuable skills from completing Linux certification exams.

Is Getting a Linux Certificate Worth It?

Obviously, there’s a high demand for Linux skills. Think about it, Android and iPhones run Linux operating systems. Thousands upon thousands of servers run on Linux. You probably use Linux in several other ways already. It’s everywhere! That’s how massive it is hence the demand for Linux professionals. Aside from the recognition, the salary grade for Linux Professionals is particularly rewarding. Think of taking the certification not only as an investment but as a great career progression for you.

Bottom Line

Linux is a staple of modern enterprise and cloud computing. Long gone are the days when early adopters risked their jobs when they chose to implement a Linux system — rather than opt for an established UNIX or Microsoft Windows server. It’s not just in data centers that you’ll find Linux. Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud both use Linux extensively to run their platforms and support a wide variety of Linux machine instances. Linux is also a preferred platform by cybersecurity professionals for penetration testing and ethical hacking.

With this broad emphasis on Linux, it’s not surprising that Linux certifications are a common pursuit for many IT professionals. Thankfully, there are organizations like https://yellowtail.tech/ that offers programs for such certifications to get you started.