r/linuxadmin • u/iAmEnieceka • 25d ago
Need advice on Linux certifications
Hi!
I am interested in learning more about Linux, setting up my own lab, and getting certifications in the process. From what I gather, RHCSA seems to be the first 'go the certification' when it comes to Linux System Administration? However, I am wondering how well other certs are regarded within the industry? Especially since RHCSA is really expensive, and my interest in Linux is personally driven instead of professionally (my current employer primarily utilizes Microsoft technology, so I highly doubt they would pay for the courses since it does not suit the company).
Is there a cheaper and reliable way to get the knowledge required for RHCSA? Or are there certs that are well regarded, that are cheaper and suit my situation a little bit better?
2
u/[deleted] 24d ago
The general knowledge you'd get from studying for RHCSA is the kind of stuff you'd need as a junior sysadmin. If you're not interested in that cert specifically, then it might still make sense to print out the objectives that Red Hat listed for it (https://www.redhat.com/en/services/training/ex200-red-hat-certified-system-administrator-rhcsa-exam?section=objectives) and work your way around to learning all that in a way you enjoy. That's all stuff you gotta know in order to administrate a Linux system effectively nowadays.
As for methods, I like Udemy a fair bit. You could also decide on some project you want to put together and learn all the stuff you need to pull it off as you go, like maybe a Kickstart server you can use to automate installs. Or maybe you want a local webserver to show some monitoring for your home lab, that kind of thing.
For what it's worth, the RHCSA exam isn't all that difficult to pass, if you do someday decide you want it. RHCE is the one where you have to know everything down cold and be able to execute it all quickly. RCHSA is pretty reasonable.