8 Essential Linux Certifications That Can Boost Your Career By 200%

Did you know that over 90% of public cloud infrastructure runs on Linux, and over 100 million people use Linux operating systems on their devices, reported by Sci-tech-today? Whether you are interested in web hosting, cybersecurity, cloud computing, or even your personal computer or mobile phones, a Linux certification is essential for all!

From constantly evolving your IT skills to gain a competitive edge and get the best opportunities in the job market, Linux professionals need certain certifications to prove their worth and capabilities. So, which certifications should you choose to truly make a difference?

In this article, we will dive into 8 essential Linux Certifications that you must try in 2025 to boost your career by 200%.

Also Read: Linuxtechlab HomePage

Key Takeaways

• Linux is so important in today's digitalization, as it powers 90% of cloud infrastructure and has become essential for computer professionals.
• Linux certificates can increase your career growth by 200% and your compensation by 20% to 100%.
• If you are a beginner, LFCS is a great option for you to get practical, hands-on Linux teaching.
• For IT professionals, CompTIA Linux+ is the best way to learn the basics and have a solid foundation in this field.
• The industry standards for corporate Linux jobs are Red Hat's RHCSA and RHCA.
• All these certifications cover the required guidelines, like study materials, the number of exams, costs, and test formats, to facilitate preparation.

What is a Linux Certification?

It is a professional certificate used to assess your proficiency with the Linux operating system and acts as a proof of your skills and knowledge of the field. Organisations like the Linux Foundation, Red Hat, CompTIA, and others offer many certifications to demonstrate your capabilities in Linux system administration, networking, security, and even cloud-related jobs. 

The Linux Foundation states that their certifications are even more valuable than your university degrees, as they rank 23 to 16 higher in valuing technical skills than your educational degrees.

Linux certifications are important for the following reasons:

• It mostly includes supercomputers,
• It is also accessible on almost all types of Android smartphones,
• It runs 90% of cloud servers and numerous internet devices.
• It is utilised everywhere from the system of NASA to Google data centers.
• On average, certified Linux administrators and engineers make  20% to 100% more money.
• Therefore, organizations are looking for individuals who can operate with confidence in Linux settings.

8 Best Linux Certifications for Beginners

Whether you have an IT background and want to improve your skills, or want to join it to learn cloud computing from scratch, there is a Linux certification list that can boost your career by 200%. Each of these includes a summary with important facts for quick access, so that you can easily get an idea about the specific certification you are going for!

However, in this journey, if they assign you complicated tasks like complex IT assignments that you cannot handle by yourself, you can seek support from assignment writing services from experts. They not only guide you on how to perform better in your projects but also help you earn good grades. 

1. Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS)

It is a reputable entry-level Linux Certification path that prioritizes practical abilities over memorization and is offered by the Linux Foundation. It is the best for professionals in the fields of Automation or System administration courses, as well as for beginners who prefer experiential IT learning. 

Furthermore, the Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator attests to your proficiency in managing Linux on a daily basis, regardless of the implementation. Companies mostly value users with an LFCS certificate, as it shows that a candidate has both theoretical understanding and practical skills.

The following are some specific details of LFCS Certifications: 

• Number of questions: It includes a total of 20-25 performance-based questions.
• Exam time: The total duration of time of this exam is 120 minutes.
• Passing score: Its range is between  67% and 74%, but it varies each year.
• Languages: The compulsory language of the exam is English.
• Linux Certification Cost: The price of these certifications varies between $395 and $ 445 USD.
• Requirements: The experience of practical Linux is highly advised; no other formal requirements.
• Number of exams: Your exam should be counted only once.
• Study materials: You may need some study resources such as LFS207 and LFS101 courses offered by the Linux Foundation, Practical Linux.sh exercises, and community GitHub tutorials.

2. CompTIA Linux+ (XK0‑005)

It is one of the greatest entry-level Linux certifications for new users of Linux. It covers many different options in its course, such as system setups, scripting, automation, and basic command line operations. It mostly targets professionals starting in Linux administration because CompTIA Linux+ (XK0-005) has a strong emphasis on practical application. 

However, its test is not a piece of cake for everyone as it covers everything from scripting and security to cloud-related duties. Such kind of Linux Certification exams have a combination of multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, and performance-based questions to assess the abilities of students.                                                                                                                                         

The following are some specifications of the Linux+ among the best Linux certifications list:

• Number of questions: Up to 90, including multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, and performance-based
• Exam time: 90 minutes
• Passing score: 720 out of 900
• Languages: English
• Cost: Approximately $369–439 USD
• Number of exams: One
• Study materials: Official CompTIA study guides, practice exams, video courses, hands-on labs

3. Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) / EX200

This Linux Certification assesses your proficiency in handling RHEL systems in a practical situation, such as setting up networking. It can dramatically progress your career because by getting this certification, you will greatly boost your earning potential as well as qualify for more senior Red Hat positions. 

The Red Hat Certified Systems Administrator certificate is highly appreciated and acknowledged, particularly in the Red Hat setting, with businesses and consumers of Linux.

The following are some specifications of the best Linux certification, RHCSA:

• Number of questions: Up to 90, including multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, and performance-based
• Exam time: 90 minutes
• Passing score: 720 out of 900
• Languages: English
• Cost: Approximately $369–439 USD
• Number of exams: One
• Study materials: Official CompTIA study guides, practice exams, video courses, hands-on labs.

4. Linux Professional Institute LPIC‑1

The first step toward a career in Linux is earning the Linux Professional Institute Certificate LPIC-1. The professionals use it to verify your proficiency with the command line, package management, basic network configuration, and account maintenance, in addition to essential administrative abilities. 

Not just this, it is also widely accepted and vendor-neutral, demonstrating to future companies that you are prepared for actual Linux work. It frequently results in wage raises or promotions that can double your professional path and build a strong foundation for your successful career.

The following are some specifications of the Linux certification LPIC‑1:

• Number of questions: Two exams (101 & 102), each with approximately 60 multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions
• Exam time: 90 minutes per exam
• Passing score: Varies by exam version; typically around 500–600 out of 800 (scaled)
• Languages: English, German, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese, Simplified & Traditional Chinese, Spanish
• Cost: Approximately $200 per exam (total around $400)
• Number of exams: Two
• Minimum passing score: Varies per exam (based on scaled scoring)
• Study materials: LPI study guides, online courses, practice exams

5. Linux Professional Institute LPIC‑2

It is the next step, just after the LPIC-1, LPIC-2, and Linux Engineer, that introduces you to more complex system management, networking, storage, and security. It demonstrates your proficiency in small to medium network administration. It also makes you an excellent candidate for different positions and helps you gain the best Linux certification for DevOps, network engineering, and senior administration. After earning this certification, you may frequently see quick professional advancement and get an increase in your salary.

The following are some specifications of the certification LPIC‑2:

• Number of questions: Two exams (201 & 202), 60 questions each
• Exam time: 90 minutes per exam
• Passing score: Similar scaled structure (~500–600/800)
• Languages: English, German, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese
• Cost: $200 per exam
• Prerequisites: LPIC‑1 certification required
• Number of exams: Two
• Minimum passing score: Varies by exam
• Study materials: LPI’s learning resources, community guides

6. Linux Professional Institute LPIC‑3 Specializations

These are advanced-level certificates that specialise in enterprise-level capabilities. You may get a senior job in system architecture, security, or cloud services if you get the Linux Professional Institute LPIC-3 certification, because this is a character-defining certificate. You can also greatly increase your professional value by obtaining one of these certificates, as well as excellently solving informative assignments.

The following are some specifications of the Linux certification LPIC‑3:

• Number of questions: Single 90-minute exam (60 Qs) per specialization
• Exam time: 90 minutes
• Passing score: Around 500–600/800 scale
• Languages: English (some in Japanese)
• Cost: Approximately $200 each
• Prerequisites: LPIC‑2 certification
• Number of exams: One per specialization
• Minimum passing score: Scaled per exam
• Study materials: LPI materials, official objectives, specialized study guides

7. Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)

It is a very crucial Linux certification for you to demonstrate your IT proficiency at various levels. The Red Hat System Certified Administrator RHCSA (EX200) exam verifies your proficiency with Red Hat Enterprise Linux environments and key system administration responsibilities. It is highly regarded, focused on performance, and practical in business circles. It provides you access to higher-paying positions in server administration and enterprise support, with typical earnings that are far greater than those of non-certified peers.

The following are some specifications of the Linux certification RHCSA:

• Number of questions: Several practical tasks (~20)
• Exam time: 2.5 hours
• Passing score: Typically 210/300 (70%)
• Languages: English
• Cost: $400–$500
• Prerequisites: None, but basic Linux knowledge and RH124 recommended
• Number of exams: One
• Minimum passing score: 70%
• Study materials: Red Hat training, EX200 labs, books, virtual labs

8. Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA)

It is the highest Red Hat certification; it requires passing five or more specialised tests, such as those for OpenShift, Ansible, or Datacenter. Every expert who wants to design, automate, secure, or grow Linux systems at the corporate level should use it. Naturally, RHCA holders earn top dollar, sometimes more than that of RHCSA professionals.

The following are some specifications of the Linux certification RHCA:

• Number of questions: Varies by specialization (hands-on labs)
• Exam time: Typically 3+ hours each
• Passing score: Performance-based; varies per exam
• Languages: English
• Cost: $400+ per exam ($2000 total)
• Prerequisites: RHCSA + RHCE (or equivalent
• Number of exams: Five specializations
• Minimum passing score: Varies per exam
• Study materials: Red Hat official training for each track

Conclusion

In today’s digital world, Linux certifications are as important as your other degrees to compete in the tech landscape. They enhance your IT skills as well as guarantee high earning potential in the market. So, whether you are a beginner in this field or becoming an IT pro, doing these certifications is not just a good idea but can also help you accelerate your career by 200%.

Moreover, while doing these certifications, if you encounter tough IT assignments and don’t understand how to write an incredible one, you can ask for help from assignment writing firms in the UK. Their experts guarantee high-quality work, perfectly designed to your needs. So, choose the right certification to start your IT career today and boost it with just a simple exam!

FAQs

What is the Best Certification in Linux? 

You may choose the "best" Linux certification based on your professional objectives. The Red Hat Certified System Administrator, or RHCSA, is the best applicant for business Red Hat employment, and it is also famous for having practical abilities. CompTIA Linux+ or LPIC-1 is a great choice for a vendor-neutral basis. 

Are Linux Certifications Worth IT? 

Coursera states that Linux certificates are quite beneficial for us from a professional point of view. They can increase your earning potential, examine your abilities, and provide access to in-demand positions in cybersecurity, DevOps, and cloud computing services. Nowadays, most employers are increasingly looking for trained workers because 85% of businesses use Linux, making them a smart investment for IT careers.

Which is Better, Linux+ or LPIC?

CompTIA Linux+ and LPIC-1 both can provide similar vendor-neutral core Linux knowledge. CompTIA Linux is well known in the United States, while LPIC has structured educational programs and holds a significant worldwide reputation.

Both are excellent starting sites for understanding the fundamentals of Linux command-line and system management.

Is CompTIA Better than RHCSA? 

Both of thse Linux Certifications are used for different purposes; therefore, neither is necessarily better than the other. However, RHCSA offers extensive, practical experience with Red Hat Enterprise Linux for devoted system administration in business environments for both new beginner Linux users and IT generalists.

Is RHCSA a Lifetime? 

No, the validity of the Red Hat Certified System Administrator, or RHCSA, is not permanent. According to Red Hat Learning Community, its validity duration is three years. After the exam expires, you must repeat the RHCSA test or earn a higher Red Hat certification to keep your certification up to date.

Is CCNA Better than CompTIA A+?

Your professional interest will determine this to choose one program. For beginner-level support, CompTIA A+ offers extensive basic IT knowledge related to hardware, software, and troubleshooting. The responsibilities specifically related to networks are achieved by CCNA, and for that purpose, you may specialise in Cisco technology and networking principles. You may receive an A+ grade first, and then prior to being followed by a CCNA for specialisation.  

Does Linux Have Certificates? 

Yes, it is certified by many professional organisations. These include mainly two types of credentials vendor vendor-specific credentials, like Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS) and Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA), credentials as well as vendor vendor-neutral choices, like CompTIA Linux_ and Linux Professional Institute certificates (LPIC-1, LPIC-2, and LPIC-3).

Is LPIC 1 Worth It? 

Yes, the Linux Professional Institute Certification Level 1 is a useful certification. It is a commonly recognised certification that shows fundamental ability and greatly helps in obtaining entry-level Linux administration jobs. It also verifies fundamental Linux networking system management and vendor-neutral command line skills.

Which is Better, LFCS or RHCSA?

If you want to have extensive knowledge of Red Hat Enterprise Linux for positions in government or business, then you should choose RHCSA (Red Hat Certified System Administrator).

Or in another case, you should choose the Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS) certification if you want to operate in open source or cloud native settings and want more comprehensive vendor-neutral Linux administration abilities across many distributions. They are both practical exams.