How Much Do Linux Certifications Cost?
Because Linux is such a versatile operating system, more organizations are relying on it to manage their complex enterprise networks. However, there are many Linux flavors to choose from for these environments.
To make sure IT pros have the expertise — and a way to validate their Linux skills— several organizations offer Linux-related certifications. If you're interested in advancing your career or want to learn open-source technology, earning Linux certification is worth exploring. It can also boost your career options because the demand for IT pros with Linux skills has soared.
This article will help you to make an informed decision about which Linux certifications to pursue, how much they cost, and if they're worth pursuing.
How Much Does Linux+ Cost?
If you're unsure where to start or what distribution of Linux you will be working with, we recommend starting with CompTIA's Linux+ (XK0-004) certification. This exam is designed for IT professionals who will use Linux to manage a variety of devices and applications, with a focus on enterprise Linux for cloud, mobile, cybersecurity, and web administration.
The price of the Linux+ exam is $369.
The sticker price, however, doesn't accurately reflect the entire cost. CompTIA recommends both A+ and Network+ as prerequisites, along with 12 months of Linux admin experience. To factor in the costs of these other tests, we can add $559 to the cost of the Linux+ exam.
Thankfully, all CompTIA exams are available through Pearson VUE, making them accessible across all 50 states and saving us on travel costs. Still, you'll need to pay for gas, a celebratory lunch afterward, and maybe a cup of coffee. Total this all up, and let's say you spend $50 on exam day. You'll also need to study before taking the exam. So, you'll have to factor in the costs of a Linux+ online training course and possibly a textbook.
How Much Do Linux LPI Exams Cost?
The Linux Professionals Institute offers a series of exams, spanning Linux Essentials to DevOps Tools Engineer to a three-tier administrator certification (LPIC) program. These certifications are another strong option for professionals seeking a wide breadth of Linux credentials.
Linux Essentials costs $120. All other LPI exams cost $200.
Of course, you'll need to work your way from the bottom up. Becoming LPIC-3 certified will be much costlier because it means you'll have to pass LPIC-1 and 2. That said, you'll also command a higher salary.
Pearson VUE also proctors LPI exams, so we can use our previous $50 estimate for exam day costs. Then there's online training for LPI Linux Essentials, LPIC-1, etc., as well as their corresponding textbooks. We'll add on the same number as above.
This brings us to about $380 for Linux Essentials and $460 for each exam after that. Compared to CompTIA's Linux+, LPI certification may be more cost-effective.
How Much Do Red Hat Certifications Cost?
Red Hat's Linux distribution is one of the most popular enterprise-grade kernels, so demonstrating knowledge in this specific domain can make a huge difference in your job prospects.
Their certification offerings include, in ascending order:
all alongside a bevy of specialist certifications.
All Red Hat exams cost $500.
Professionals begin with RHCSA before moving on to RHCE. Becoming RHCA certified requires both previous certifications as well as five specialist exams. This makes the cost of an RHCA $2,000 after passing RHCE. These senior-level certifications are some of the most popular in the industry, making those who hold them stand out.
Red Hat has many testing centers around the world and across the country, so most professionals shouldn't have to spend too much money on travel costs.
How Much Does Oracle Linux Advanced System Admin Certification Cost?
Our last Linux-related certification comes from Oracle, the distributor of Oracle Linux's Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel. This cert exam prepares professionals for using Oracle systems on enterprise networks, including deploying, configuring, and administration in a production service environment.
While other certifications are more intro-level, this one is about using the most advanced features of Oracle Linux, including new features released with Oracle Linux 8.
Oracle used to proctor their exams through Pearson, but they now deliver training and exams on their website. To study and take the exam, you'll need to purchase an Oracle Technology Learning Subscription, which costs $4,995. This includes a year of access to training and up to three certification exam attempts.
So, you can expect to pay around $5,000 for this cert—but keep in mind this is a more advanced certification.
Final Thoughts
All these certifications are a great place to start if you want to work with Linux on enterprise networks. Remember, certifications are an investment in your future. The value of becoming certified can outweigh the costs.
These certs don't just prove that you know how to run Linux systems at scale; they demonstrate your commitment to improving yourself and working on your career. At the end of the day, that's what hiring managers are really after.
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