The lowdown on Linux skills and certification - Skills

Rethink IT, Nov, 2003 by David Foote

What does it mean for IT professionals now that the Linux operating system is finding its way into a growing number of corporate settings?

Linux continues to gain market share, which means there are an increasing number of systems that need people who can install, administer, and tune it. For systems administrators, that means they have another operating system to learn as their companies capitalize on Linux savings by retraining staffers and perhaps creating new jobs. In addition to understanding networking basics such as TCP/IP, administrators must know the idiosyncrasies of the commercial Linux distributions their companies run (such as the Red Hat) and develop skills in networking services associated with Linux, including the GNU Object Model Environment, Apache Web server, Samba file sharing and others.

On the applications side, programmers and developers may be called on to port Unix-based applications to Linux systems or to write new ones. But they won't need to learn new languages: they can develop applications for Linux in C, C or Java.

And that's the key to Linux. The operating system will undoubtedly revolutionize the cost of back-end servers as it enables companies to fairly quickly retrain existing personnel, building on basic programming, networking, administrative and business shills that many professionals already have. Workers don't need to understand business policies and practices any more or less with Linux than with other systems; they still need to meet the needs of the user, and Linux gives you a lot of tools to accomplish that.

Framingham, Massachusetts-based IDC expects spending on Linux operating environments to increase at a 28% compound annual growth rate to $280m by 2006. With an open, accessible code base and no license fees, Linux's bottom-line appeal is obvious. Perhaps less obvious, however, is whether IT professionals should certify their expertise in this operating system and, if so, which certification they should pursue.

If you're already a Linux guru, certification can provide the official evidence that will convince potential employers of your expertise. If you're a Linux newbie, the process of earning certification can bring you up to speed. A good reason to consider Linux certification is the portability of the associated skills. Linux shares a lot of functionality and features with Unix: although they are distinct operating systems, expertise in one provides skills in the other, giving you double bang for your training and credentialing efforts.

And Linux certifications are becoming worthy of significant compensation, according to Foote Partners latest quarterly IT compensation research. Certificants are earning between 4% and 10% in premium bonus pay for their intermediate-level Linux certification, and 3% to 7% of base pay for entry-level certification. (see Figure 1)

WHAT LINUX CERTIFICATIONS EXIST?

There are currently three well-established Linux certification programs, and several less prominent options. All these certifications focus on the system administration role. Some require more advanced expertise while others certify basic skills. Currently there are no developer or end-user certification programs for Linux.

CompTIA, of Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, offers Linux , a vendor-neutral certification for Linux beginners--entry level systems administrators with six months' experience installing, operating and maintaining Linux on desktops or networks. To achieve Linux certification, candidates must pass the 95 question exam that is not linked to any specific distribution of Linux.

The Linux Professional Institute, a nonprofit organization in Brampton, Ontario, offers two vendor-neutral certification options: LPIC-1 certifies knowledge of fundamental system administration characteristics common across all varieties of Linux. LPIC-2 covers advanced system administration activities, including differences among Linux distributions. The top level, LPIC-3, is not available yet. Two years of Linux experience is recommended, and LPIC1 certification is required. For both levels, applicants must pass two exams to earn certification.

Red Hat, currently the largest commercial purveyor of Linux, offers perhaps the most well-known vendor-driven Linux certification program with two levels: Red Hat Certified Technician/Engineer (RHCT/RHCE). RHCT is for technicians who set up new Red Hat Linux systems and attach them to networks. To earn it candidates must pass a haft day hands-on lab exam at a Red Hat facility. RHCE is for advanced system administrators who can set up and manage Red Hat Linux servers running production network services and security. RHCE certificants must pass a full day hands-on lab exam consisting of three elements: a written test; a server install and network services configuration lab; and a diagnostics and troubleshooting lab. This is the most advanced Linux certification currently available. (See table 2.)

GET SMART ... GET TRAINED

Even experienced Linux administrators will likely need to prepare before taking a certification exam. For example, if you're coming from a well-trained Unix shop, you will still need training on functions such as partitioning before managing IBM's z/VM mainframe operating system. Anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks should be enough to get you ping on Linux. While self-study is a popular and successful alternative, classroom training call provide the fast track to certification readiness. A quality instructor-led class that provides hands-on practice can be well worth the expense.