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Linux Certifications
What is Linux?
Linux is the best-known, and most-often used open source operating system. The Linux system is the software that sits beneath all the other software on a computer, getting requests from the other programs and then relaying that information to the computer hardware.
The Linux system is very similar to other operating systems like Windows, macOS, or iOS. It has a graphical interface and can have the same types of software you know and love, like word processors, photo editors, and more. If you can use a computer or electronic device, you can use Linux. However, Linux is also different from other operating systems in crucial ways. Open source software means that Linux is free and open to the public. It can be viewed, contributed to, and edited.
There are also many distributions of Linux and many software options, which means it is incredibly customizable.
WGU offers the Linux Essentials course as part of the Linux Professional Institute (LPI) and this essentials exam is valuable to students who want to demonstrate an understanding of this system.
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LPI Linux Essentials
LPI stands for Linux Professional Institute, and the Essentials certification is focused on helping more people gain knowledge and understanding of the operating system as it continues to rise in usage around the world. IT jobs are drastically changing as a result of open source in enterprise organizations, and learning Linux essentials is critical to continued success. Whether you're looking to start or advance your career, showing your proficiency in Linux can help you verify your skillset. The Linux Professional Institute Essentials certification is also a good introduction to more advanced Linux certifications.
The Linux Professional Institute Essentials certification verifies that you understand:
- FOSS, the various communities, and licenses.
- Open source applications in the workplace and how they relate to closed source equivalents.
- Hardware, processes, programs and the components of the Linux Operating System.
- How to work on the command line and with files.
- How to create and restore compressed backups and archives.
- System security, users/groups, and file permissions for public and private directories.
- Scripting creation and application using the command line.
LPI Linux Essentials Exam
The Linux Essentials exam contains 40 questions and must be completed within 60 minutes. Currently LPI Linux Essentials is on version 1.6, and is known by the exam code 010-160.
There are no required prerequisites for the Linux Essentials exam or certification, so you can begin from any level to proceed in this LPI learning.
The skills you learn in this LPI exam can benefit individuals with many job titles, including those that are or work with:
- Front End Web
- Back End Web
- Java
- Python
- PHP
- Mobile
- SQL
- Embedded Systems
- Administration
- Cloud
- Database
- Dev Ops
- IT/ Technical Support
- Mobile Application Support
- NOC Operator
- Big Data
- Virtualization
- LAMP
- Engineers
- QA/QC
- Cloud Architect
- Microsoft Systems
- Networking
- Data Analyst
- Security
LPI Linux Essentials Certification
The LPI Linux Essentials certification is valid for your lifetime, though there may be newer iterations of the exam that make your certification less valuable over time.
The LPI Linux Essentials exam costs roughly $120 for the exam itself, but the preparation courses and study materials may add to the cost of this exam. WGU students can take the Essentials exam and get any course study material they need as part of their tuition for their degree program.
The amount of study time required for the LPI Linux Essentials exam will vary. It will depend on your own confidence in Linux, but could be a few weeks or a few months.
In order to get certified, you'll need to have an understanding of Linux and open source industry, as well as knowledge of the most popular applications. You'll also need to understand the major components of the Linux operating system and have the ability to work on the Linux command line. Finally, you'll need to have an understanding of security and administration topics.
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Discover how WGU offers IT certifications with most of our IT degree programs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Linux Certifications
- What is Linux?
- How much do Linux certifications cost?
- What are the benefits of Linux certifications?
- How long do Linux certifications last?
Linux is the best-known, and most-often used open source operating system. Linux is the software that sits beneath all the other software on a computer, getting requests from the other programs and then relaying that information to the computer hardware.
Linux is very similar to other operating systems like Windows, macOS, or iOS. It has a graphical interface and can have the same types of software you know and love, like word processors, photo editors, and more. If you can use a computer or electronic device, you can use Linux. However, Linux is also different from other operating systems in crucial ways. Open source software means that Linux is free and open to the public. It can be viewed, contributed to, and edited.
There are also many distributions of Linux and many software options, which means it is incredibly customizable and can be swapped out.
Exam fees will vary based on the specific Linux certification you choose, but most Linux certifications are over $120. There may be additional costs for study materials and preparation courses. However, at WGU students are able to get their study preparation and exam fee included in their tuition.
Earning a Linux certification helps you demonstrate your ability to work in Linux functions, shows your employer your value, can move your career path forward, and gives you the opportunity to meet standards set by the Linux community. Command lines, scripting, and other valuable basics are taught as part of the 010-160 LPI essentials certification and coursework, which helps demonstrate your abilities to employers.
Some Linux certifications have expiration windows, however the LPI Linux Essentials does not expire and is valid for your entire career.
WGU IT Certifications
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