There are many key Linux certifications available to help you if you’re ready for specialization. Some exams are specific to particular distributions, Red Hat being the most prominent. However, there are two certifications that are vendor-neutral and entry-level: CompTIA Linux+, and Linux Professional Institute (LPI), LPIC-1.
CompTIA and LPI had a partnership which, until April 2019, guaranteed LPIC-1 certification for anyone who passed CompTIA’s Linux+ exam. The reasoning of CompTIA and the LPI diverge on some details of their dissolution, but that’s not the whole point.
Here’s the important thing: Which certification should you pursue. Are you a Linux+ or LPIC-1 candidate?
A Look at Linux+ – A Breakdown
CompTIA’s new Linux+ certification exam targets IT professionals who use or plan to use Linux to manage everything, from cars and smartphones to servers to supercomputers. Candidates who work in Linux-based enterprise environments will also benefit from this certification. The main difference from the previous Linux+ exam was that it covers security in-depth. It also covers topics like cloud management, kernel modules, and DevOps.
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Linux+ training is a great way to start training if you are in the beginning stages of your system administrator career and want to build a solid foundation for working in Linux environments. Linux+ is distro-neutral, meaning it can be used on any Linux system. This will make it a valuable asset for a wider range of organizations.
CompTIA is a well-known brand in the IT certification market. CompTIA certifications add a lot of weight to a professional’s resume, especially in the United States where vendor-neutral certifications can be easily recognized. Linux+ is a great option for IT professionals based in the United States, especially those who are interested in working at organizations like the Department of Defense. CompTIA certifications can be obtained from the Department of Defense.
Linux+ certification is a great option for professionals looking to further their CompTIA certification path. This includes cybersecurity certs such as CySA+ or CASP+.
Linux+ has its downsides. It is generally considered to be one of the easiest IT certification exams. However, many professionals feel that it doesn’t carry the same weight or prestige as other certifications. Others argue that these flaws lead to an exam that does not indicate whether a professional can handle the task of Linux administration.
A Look at LPIC-1: The Brokendown
The LPIC-1 certification is the first in the multi-level Linux Professional Institute certification program. The LPIC-1 certifies that the candidate can perform basic networking tasks, as well as install and configure Linux computers.
The LPIC-1 certification requires two exams. It is generally considered more difficult than the CompTIA exam because it casts a wider net with more detailed questions.
The LPIC-1 was published in 1999. It is the oldest vendor-neutral Linux certification. The LPI is an independent non-profit organization that promotes Linux’s open-source philosophy. This organization is a non-profit organization with 175,000 certificate holders in over 180 countries. It has unmatched global influence. This makes the LPIC one the most widely recognized certifications for Linux professionals worldwide, especially in the IT community.
LPIC-1 is also distrib-neutral, making it ideal for IT professionals who are interested in pursuing positions like system administrator, network administrator, or system engineer. This alignment makes LPIC-1 certification even more appealing because it embodies open-source software’s community-driven nature.
Linux+ vs LPIC1 – Which Should You Earn?
First, we recommend the LPIC-1 in a vacuum. LPI’s position is a glo