CompTIA Linux+ Certification Training

The Linux+ certification is a vendor-neutral CompTIA accreditation for candidates who possess at least six-to-twelve months of experience with Linux administration. The full name of the cert is “CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI.” The name refers to the Linux Professional Institute, a non-profit industry organization that CompTIA partnered with in 2010 to create the latest version of the Linux+ program.

This partnership offers an additional benefit to those who earn the Linux+ certification, as Linux+ holders can have their exam results forwarded to LPI, and be awarded its LPIC-1 junior-level certification. Earning this designation gives candidates the opportunity to pursue more advanced LPI certifications. This added benefit and the overall industry recognition of the Linux+ certification has made it one of the most popular Linux-based professional credentials.

Linux+ training

The popularity of the Linux+ certification has driven the creation of numerous training options for students to choose from, based on their budgets and the type of learning experience they find most effective.

Self-study

The most affordable and widely available training option for Linux+ is the use of self-study instruction manuals. This can be the best option for candidates who already have administrator access to an appropriate Linux-based training network, and are comfortable teaching themselves new concepts referencing printed materials. This training method also offers the most flexibility when it comes to scheduling, as the student chooses when and where they do the training.

Linux+ training books are available from a number of different vendors, and can be purchased online and from major bookstores that carry IT certification manuals. Some of these training manuals also include sample exam questions, which can help candidates to get a feel for the type of content they’ll encounter on the Linux+ exams.

Online Linux+ courses

For students who prefer a more dynamic training experience, there is self-paced video courseware. This option employs the use of video lessons captured on DVDs, or offered via online streaming video. Self-paced video courseware offers a more engaging experience than printed materials alone, and offers the same scheduling flexibility. Some vendors offer Linux+ training kit bundles, which include both books and video lessons.

Traditional Linux+ instruction

Finally, there is instructor-led training. This option is the costliest, but may be the solution for students who require direct interaction with an instructor and other classmates in order to learn effectively. Instructor-led training generally comes in two flavors: virtual classroom courses offered via the Internet, and traditional classroom courses held at a college or technical school.

Virtual classroom courses are delivered using Web browser plugins or custom client software, where there are several students connected simultaneously to a “classroom” led by an online instructor. Classes are held at set times just as they would in a traditional school environment, so candidates must be able to follow the required schedule. Virtual classroom courses are a good option for students who don’t live near an appropriate training institute, as they can take the classes from any Internet-connected location.

Traditional classroom courses are the most expensive training option for Linux+, but offer a premium experience that commonly includes a live instructor, access to software and hardware labs and interaction with other students learning the same material.

Whichever training option a Linux+ student selects, they should expect to encounter the following subjects:

  • Linux installation and configuration
  • Using Unix commands
  • Linux file systems and hardware settings
  • Creating administration scripts
  • Linux desktop options
  • Linux networking and security fundamentals

Linux+ certification exams

While there are no official prerequisites for the Linux+ certification, CompTIA recommends that students should have the following qualifications:

  • CompTIA A+ certified
  • CompTIA Network+ certified
  • Twelve months of Linux administration experience

Candidates must pass two different Linux+ exams in order to earn certification. The Linux+ exams can be booked and taken at any official CompTIA partner test center.

LX0-101

Linux+ exam LX0-101 covers the following high-level knowledge domains:

  • System Architecture
  • Installation and Package Management
  • GNU and Unix Commands
  • Devices and Filesystems

LX0-102

Linux+ exam LX0-102 covers these high-level knowledge domains:

  • Shells, Scripting, and Data Management
  • User Interfaces and Desktops
  • Administrative Tasks
  • Essential System Services
  • Networking Fundamentals
  • Security

Both Linux+ exams share a similar structure: each is comprised of 60 multiple-choice questions, and candidates have 90 minutes to complete the exam. The passing grade is 500 (on a scale of 200-800). Both exams are available in English, German, Portuguese, Traditional Chinese and Spanish.

Linux+ in the workplace

Linux+ is valid for three years from the date it is awarded by CompTIA. To renew, candidates must earn a number of CompTIA Continuing Education Units (CEUs) before the three-year certified period ends. CEUs can be attained by earning additional certifications or taking part in specific industry activities. Additional information concerning the CompTIA Continuing Education Program can be found on the CompTIA Certification website.

If the Linux+ designation is allowed to expire, candidates must pass both of the current Linux+ exams in order to re-certify.

Some of the job roles associated with the Linux+ certification include the following:

Sources:

CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI, CompTIA.org, 2014-12-18, http://certification.comptia.org/getCertified/certifications/linux.aspx

CompTIA Continuing Education Program, CompTIA.org, 2014-12-18, https://certification.comptia.org/stayCertified.aspx

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