The Linux Professional Institute (LPI), a non-profit organization based in Toronto Canada, aims to increase Linux, open source, and free software usage. The organization’s mission is furthered by the provision of Linux certifications that are vendor-neutral to IT professionals around world. LPI Certification Overview
It is very simple to get the LPI certification. It consists of three certifications that complement each other:LPIC-1 — Linux Administrator — This entry-level accreditation recognizes individuals who are able to install and configure Linux workstations, maintain the system using the command line, and set up a primary network.
LPIC-2 — Linux Engineer — Mid-level certification for professionals who manage small- to medium-sized mixed network infrastructures
LPIC-3 — Linux Enterprise Professional — This is the Senior-level certification that recognizes Linux professionals who plan and conceptualize, design, implement, troubleshoot, and maintain Linux installations in enterprise environments.
Each LPIC certification requires you to pass one or more multiple-choice exams. Each exam costs 188 USD and is administered by Pearson VUE. All LPI Certifications are valid five years.
LPI also offers two additional credentials. The Linux Essentials certification is a good starting point for those who are just beginning to learn Linux. This certification can be used as a foundation for the more advanced LPIC certifications. The LPI DevOps Tools Engineer credential allows those who are interested in DevOps topics, tools, and techniques the opportunity to develop and refine their skills in Linux-based environments. These certs are covered in sections LPIC-1, -2 and -3 below.
The LPIC-1: Linux Administrator is a junior-level Linux certification. You will need to pass two exams 101-500 or 102-500. There are no prerequisites. The LPIC-1: 101 to 500 Linux Administrator exam covers system architecture, essential package management, GNU commands, devices, file systems, and Unix commands. The LPIC-1: 102 to 500 Linux Administrator exam tests your ability to customize the shell environment, write and run scripts, maintain databases, and run SQL commands. You will also need to be able to configure the desktop and user interfaces, perform administrative tasks, manage system services, create networks, and secure Linux systems.
CompTIA and LPI offer a 2-in-1 Linux certification program. This allows candidates to obtain LPIC-1 certification once they have completed CompTIA Linux+ Powered By LPI. This program used to include the SUSE Certified Linux Administrator (CLA), a 3-in-1 offer, but the third leg of the tripod was discontinued in 2016. Register at the LPI website to obtain an LPI ID. Next, you will need to take the CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI exams. After passing, you will be notified by LPI of your LPIC-1 certification. LPI will soon notify you of your LPIC-1 certificate.
The LPIC-2: 201-450 Linux Engineer. This advanced-level Linux Certification requires a current LPIC-1 certificate. You must pass the exams 201-450 or 202-450 to obtain the LPIC-2. The LPIC-2 exam 201-450 examines capacity planning, managing Linux kernel, configuring system startup and bootloaders, as well as configuring and managing files and devices. Advanced storage device administration, network configuration, and system maintenance will all be covered. The LPIC-2 exam: 202-450 Linux Engineer focuses primarily on networking-related topics such as Domain Name Server, file sharing, network clients management, file sharing, router configuration, and e-mail services. The 202-450 Syllabus also covers topics such as secure shell (SSH), port-testing and configuring OpenVPN.
The LPIC-3: Linux Enterprise Professional certification is the highest level of the LPI program and is considered an expert level. You should have experience in managing Linux in enterprise environments, including installing, integrating, networking, and troubleshooting Linux. You must first earn your LPIC-3 credential by passing the 300-series exam: Mixed Environment (review 300). This exam focuses solely on OpenLD.
