Linux might be a foreign term to the casual end-user, but for tech pros, it is known as the operating system behind the internet. You may have seen a Linux fan on a T-shirt or a mousepad promoting their love for UNIX-like OS with a picture of Tux the Linux Penguin if you have managed Windows servers or worked in other segments of the technology industry. Some people even think it should be called GNU/Linux.
However, it’s more than just an OS for diehard users anymore. Linus Torvalds created and launched the Linux kernel in 1991, and it has become an increasingly important component of the online world’s infrastructure. There is no better time than now to master Linux if you want a career advantage.
The Linux operating system is used by approximately 96% of the top 1 million servers, and 90% of cloud infrastructure is based on Linux, which makes Linux an essential skill to have. Those interested in job roles such as systems administrator or network administrator should make it a priority.
For professionals in IT, Linux certification is important. Linux certifications demonstrate your competence to potential employers, and they provide confidence in your Linux capabilities. Employers recognize your expertise when you earn the certification.
As well as helping you feel confident you can handle the job without error, it also helps you trust your expertise. Thus, the following list of the best Linux certifications will set you on your way to mastering Linux and gaining the skills, confidence, and career boost that come with it.
Table of contents
- What Is Linux?
- Why Should I Get a Linux Certification?
- Best Linux Certifications
- Are Linux Certifications Worth It?
- Top Linux Courses Online in 2024
- #1. Linux Command Line Basics
- #2. Linux for Beginners
- #3. Ubuntu Linux Server Basics
- #4. Asterisk Made Easy: Learn to Install Asterisk and Linux
- #5. Learning Linux Essentials: Taking your first steps in Linux
- #6. Hands-on Linux: Self-Hosted WordPress for Linux Beginners
- #7. Complete Linux Bootcamp for Beginners
- #8. Linux Administration with Troubleshooting Skills- Prime Pack
- #9. Linux Shell Course for Beginners – Lite
- 10. Linux Crash Course for Beginners – 2024
- Should You Get a Linux Certification or Not?
- FAQs
- Conclusion
- Reference
- Recommendations
What Is Linux?
Linus Torvalds created Linux, a UNIX-like operating system that can run on a wide range of devices. Linux servers in the cloud run online banking, Google, Facebook, and Twitter.
It runs on the majority of supercomputers and cloud servers, as well as your Android smartphone and many other devices around your home and workplace, including firewalls and routers. My in-car GPS, smart thermostat, touch-screen refrigerator, and home media center all run Linux.
Why Should I Get a Linux Certification?
Employers have utilized the certification as a skills benchmark for hiring and progression in the IT business for the past two decades.
Linux certification is now a valuable skill benchmark for a variety of sectors and career roles. The demand for experienced Linux users, administrators, and developers will continue to grow as these businesses, and professional types expand.
Best Linux Certifications
CompTIA Linux+
The CompTIA Linux+ certification verifies a high degree of knowledge of Linux in a corporate setting. This well-respected professional credential, like all of CompTIA’s certifications, is vendor-neutral, which means it isn’t attached to any specific product or firm. This has a lot of potential in the Linux open-source world.
Because Linux is open-source software, there are a variety of popular versions, known as distributions, available.
Different Linux distributions, or distros, are all based on the Linux kernel, but they’ve been adjusted to have unique characteristics and features that make them particularly suited to specific computing tasks.
CompTIA Linux+ is a certification that assesses your knowledge of the fundamentals of the most common Linux distributions. From a fundamental grasp of a UNIX-like filesystem and command life to important skills for administering a Linux environment, such as package management and shell scripting, you’ll learn it all.
That means, no matter what type of workplace you find yourself in or what specialized distribution of Linux you find yourself working on, a CompTIA Linux+ certification proves you have the base level of competence to understand and manage it.
While the CompTIA Linux+ exam has no requirements, CompTIA recommends that applicants have 12 months of Linux experience as well as CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ certifications before taking the exam.
There are both multiple-choice and performance-based questions on the exam. The most recent version of the exam places a greater emphasis on kernel modules, security, and virtualization. This is because, like with all CompTIA certifications, the exam objectives are developed by subject matter experts (SMEs) who work in the industry, ensuring that the abilities validated are the ones that hiring managers are seeking right now.
Certified System Administrator by Red Hat (RHCSA)
The RHCSA certification is given by Red Hat, one of the most well-known companies that create open-source, Linux-based corporate products.
The most popular paid version of Linux, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, is designed primarily for enterprise use. In 2018 the product made up almost 34% of paid operating systems in use at the enterprise level. This was second only to Microsoft.
You might also recognize the name Fedora. Fedora is Red Hat’s end-user OS which is built on Red Hat Linux. Holding an RHCSA certification confirms your ability to manage all the core tasks in a Red Hat Linux environment.
Read this: Top Linux Courses Online in 2024
Oracle Certifications
The corporation that deals with computers, Oracle, offers a free version of Linux that is based on the Red Hat Linux platform.
Oracle Linux is frequently used by small and medium-sized organizations instead of the more expensive, uptime-oriented Red Hat Enterprise Linux OS. Oracle provides a certification program as well.
The Oracle Certified Associate (OCA) Linux 5 and 6 System Administrator certification validates knowledge of systems running Oracle’s Linux 5 and Linux 6 distributions, although it will be phased out by the end of November 2024.
The Oracle Certified Professional (OCP), also known as the Linux 8 Certified System Administrator credential, verifies knowledge of all abilities required for administering Oracle Linux, including the most complex, and incorporates features added to the most recent edition.
The Linux Foundation Certifications
The Linux Foundation is a long-standing nonprofit organization that supports and promotes the use of Linux. It has its line of certifications, including the following:
- Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS): A certification for Linux system administrators early in their career.
- Linux Foundation Certified Engineer (LFCE): A certification for Linux professionals with three to five years of experience.
The Linux Professional Institute (LPI) Certifications
Another Linux-focused nonprofit organization and certification body is the Linux Professional Institute (LPI). Its LPIC-1 and LPIC-2 certifications allow Linux newbies to demonstrate their understanding of networking fundamentals before progressing to higher levels.
Read this: Top Linux Courses Online in 2024
Are Linux Certifications Worth It?
Linux is a must-have in today’s workplace and cloud computing environments. The days of early adopters risking their careers by implementing a Linux system rather than a well-established UNIX or Microsoft Windows server are long gone.
Admins now have a variety of enterprise-ready Linux server distributions to select from, including Ubuntu, Red Hat, SUSE, Kali, and others. Linux is found everywhere, not only in data centers.
Both Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud rely heavily on Linux to power their systems, and both offer a large range of Linux machine instances. Professionals in the field of cybersecurity choose Linux for penetration testing and ethical hacking.
With this broad emphasis on Linux, it’s not surprising that Linux certifications are a common pursuit for many IT professionals.
Top Linux Courses Online in 2023
Here are the best Linux courses online:
- Linux Command Line Basics
- Linux for Beginners
- Ubuntu Linux Server Basics
- Asterisk Made Easy: Learn to Install Asterisk and Linux
- Learning Linux Essentials: Taking your first steps in Linux
- Hands-on Linux: Self-Hosted WordPress for Linux Beginners
- Linux Administration with Troubleshooting Skills- Prime Pack
- Complete Linux Bootcamp for Beginners
- Linux Shell Course for Beginners – Lite
- Linux Crash Course for Beginners – 2024
#1. Linux Command Line Basics
If you want to start with Linux or learn how to use the Linux command line, this course is right for you! Linux Command Line Basics is one of the top Linux online courses on Udemy for beginners.
This course can help you become an effective Linux user and advance your career. During this course, you will learn how to realize the potential of the Linux command line and navigate the Linux Filesystem. it cost $59.78, with a duration of 4h 59m total length
You’ll also learn how to create hard and soft links, use powerful Linux wild cards, and different Linux text editors, and create, view, and even manipulate files. To enroll in this Linux for beginners course, click the link below.
#2. Linux for Beginners
It cost $34.81 and has a course duration of 7h, 41m total length
You’ll discover what software is required for WordPress to run on a Linux machine in this 6.5-hour on-demand video course.
Following that, you’ll be given exact commands to execute to install all of the essential software as well as WordPress.
You’ll also learn how to set up a web server, a database server, and create database users, as well as how to configure WordPress.
You’ll have a fully functional blog on your hands before you realize it. This is a fantastic way to put your newly acquired Linux knowledge to good use.
By the end of this Linux for beginners course, you will have a solid understanding of the Linux operating system’s principles and be able to use what you’ve learned practically and effectively. You will have lifetime access to the course after you enroll.
Your course is never over. You have complete freedom to study at your speed and return to the sessions whenever you choose! To start this Linux course for beginners, click the link below.
#3. Ubuntu Linux Server Basics
Cost: $34.81,
Course Duration: 6h 37m total length
Level: Beginners
If you want to improve your IT skills, this course is a great place to start. This Udemy Linux online course is designed for complete beginners who have never installed or used an Ubuntu Linux server before.
The goal of the course is to walk students through the process of building a server from the ground up.
You don’t need any prior experience with Linux or other server systems. You’ll learn how to set up and run your own Linux server, master the Linux shell using fundamental server commands, and control your server remotely via SSH during this course.
You’ll also learn how to utilize Samba to share files with Windows systems, how to automate server tasks with cron jobs, and run your web server with Apache. To start this Linux course for beginners,
#4. Asterisk Made Easy: Learn to Install Asterisk and Linux
Cost: $20.41
Course Duration: 7h 19m total length
Level: Beginners
For people of all skill levels, this Asterisk course will show you how to assemble and install Asterisk from a source on a CentOS Linux server.
You’ll learn how to install Asterisk from source on CentOS Linux, sell Asterisk VoIP PBX Servers on-premise, and offer Asterisk Cloud-Based PBX Services.
You’ll also learn how to customize Asterisk dial plans, troubleshoot Asterisk servers, and support and maintain them.
In addition, this Udemy online Linux course will teach you how to troubleshoot using TCPdump and Wireshark. Surprisingly, this course requires no prior understanding of Linux, telephony, or Asterisk.
#5. Learning Linux Essentials: Taking your first steps in Linux
Cost: $10.80
Course Duration: 8h 42m total length
Level: Beginners
If you want to master core Linux skills, appreciate the power of the command line, or take your first steps in studying Linux for a career, this Andrew Mallett Linux course is for you.
This course teaches you how to utilize the command line in Linux and is one of the most popular Linux online courses on Udemy.
Mallett will guide you through understanding Open Source Software and establishing file system security in this course.
You’ll also learn how to run commands as both ordinary and elevated users, as well as recognize various Linux distributions.
#6. Hands-on Linux: Self-Hosted WordPress for Linux Beginners
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Cost: $13.20
Course Duration: 8h 54m total length
David Cohen’s Linux is for those interested in learning about servers, web hosting, IP addresses, and domain names. This is one of the greatest online Linux courses on Udemy, and it’s designed to get you up and running quickly with new skills.
By the end of the course, you’ll know how to utilize the Linux command line and have your own self-hosted production-grade WordPress hosting infrastructure, which you can use to host any number of WordPress sites for friends, family, and clients.
This course will immerse you in real-world Linux tasks right from the start. Even if you’ve never worked with Linux before, you’ll be installing and configuring apps from the command line.
In addition, you’ll be responsible for managing system services, working with a remote server, tightening security, scheduling backups, and testing your disaster recovery plan. To enroll in this Linux course for beginners, click on the link below to get enrolled.
#7. Complete Linux Bootcamp for Beginners
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Cost: $52.58
Course Duration: 3h 45m total length
This beginner’s Linux course covers the fundamentals of using the terminal to access the Linux shell, as well as some knowledge about the bash shell.
In this Udemy online Linux course, you’ll learn how to explore many aspects of the shell, including scripting, using utilities like grep and sed, C, and Perl programming in Linux, control flow, and file structure.
You’ll learn how to explore directory structures, reveal directory contents, understand and work with file permissions, and replicate, move, and remove directories and files during the course.
You’ll also learn how to use Grep and Sed with Regex in this Linux certification course, as well as how to automate activities with scripts.
#8. Linux Administration with Troubleshooting Skills- Prime Pack
Level: Beginner
Cost: $13.20
Course Duration: 38h 55m total length
The next Linux course on the list is Shikhar Verma’s Linux Administration with Troubleshooting Skills. This Linux online course will teach you how to troubleshoot Linux, understand Linux essential concepts, and learn about the history of Unix/Linux.
You’ll also learn about the following topics: Controlling Access to Files Using ACLs, Bash Profile, Variables, and Standard Input-Output in Red Hat Linux Redirecting Linux User Administration Permissions.
By the end of the course, you will be able to confidently use the Linux operating system to improve your productivity and career. You may also conduct common computer activities using the Linux command line.
Also, check this: 15 Best C++ Online Classes For Beginners & Advance | 2024
#9. Linux Shell Course for Beginners – Lite
Cost: $10.80
Course Duration: 30m total length
Level: Beginners
One of the most popular Linux online courses, the Linux Shell Course for Beginners, teaches the fundamentals of using the Linux shell as the first course on terminal usage.
This course will teach you how to explore directory structures, show directory contents, comprehend and interact with file permissions, and more.
Then you’ll learn how to explore directories, list the contents of a directory, and grasp file permissions using the Linux terminal.
Scripting, using utilities such as grep and sed, C and Perl programming on Linux, and file structure are also covered.
10. Linux Crash Course for Beginners – 2024
Cost: $42.97
Course Duration: 5h 45m total length
Level: Beginners
Anyone who needs basic Linux training or who already works in IT and wants to learn something new should take this Linux certification course.
It was created for individuals who have been exceedingly busy at work and do not have enough time in mind in mind.
You don’t have to stay up late or skip your lunch break any longer. You’ll learn a lot of Linux commands in just two days.
Should You Get a Linux Certification or Not?
Linux abilities are in high demand. However, few Linux job openings specifically demand a Linux certification, with the majority emphasizing prior knowledge of the operating system.
Given the pay disparity between certified and non-certified workers, a Linux certification is more likely to be regarded as a plus in the hiring process than a requirement.
If you work with Red Hat Linux or want to, there is little doubt that you should pursue Red Hat certification. Before becoming a qualified Red Hat engineer, start as a certified Red Hat administrator (RHCSA) (RHCE).
After that, you can take the final step toward becoming a licensed architect (RHCA). If you know that you’ll be working with Oracle Linux, then you might consider going for the Oracle OCA and then OCP in Linux.
But do this only if you’re locked into an Oracle Linux job. It’s a similar story for SUSE Linux and the SUSE certifications.
It’s a different story with generic certifications (LPI, Linux Foundation, and CompTIA). They have a considerably broader application because they are not dependent on any particular distribution.
Employers will look favorably on each of these certifications if you have real-world Linux expertise and can demonstrate it to a Linux peer. You should probably go with the LPI option out of the three.
That’s because, unlike the Linux Foundation, it includes a career growth path with stages for admin, engineer, and architect. Any of these certifications will also help you advance your career if you choose to work in Amazon or Google Cloud.
FAQs
Linus Torvalds created Linux, a UNIX-like operating system that can run on a wide range of devices. Linux servers in the cloud run online banking, Google, Facebook, and Twitter.
Linux is a must-have in today’s workplace and cloud computing environments.
Both Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud rely heavily on Linux to power their systems, and both offer a large range of Linux machine instances.
Professionals in the field of cybersecurity choose Linux for penetration testing and ethical hacking.
Here are e-learning platforms where you can get Linux certification
Udemy
Coursera
Edx
Skillshare, Simplilearn, Alison, etc.
Conclusion
So, is Linux certification worth it? The answer is YES — as long as you choose carefully to support your career progression. Whether you decide to go for a Linux cert or not, CBT Nuggets has training that will help you develop useful and practical Linux job skills.
We have training that supports the Linux certification programs from CompTIA, the Linux Foundation, and the Linux Professional Institute (LPI), as well as other Linux distributions such as CentOS and Ubuntu.
If you’re on a cybersecurity track towards certification as a Kali Linux Professional or as an OSCP, then you’ll find our Penetration Testing with Linux Tools course to be helpful preparation.
Our training library is frequently updated, so be sure to check CBT Nuggets for new and updated training. That’s it, therefore it worthwhile to obtain a Linux certification? Yes, as long as you choose appropriately to assist your professional development.
CBT Nuggets offers training that will help you gain useful and practical Linux job skills, whether you opt to pursue a Linux certification or not.
We offer training for CompTIA, the Linux Foundation, and the Linux Professional Institute (LPI) Linux certification programs, as well as additional Linux distributions like CentOS and Ubuntu.
If you’re studying for cybersecurity certification, such as a Kali Linux Professional or an OSCP, our Penetration Testing with Linux Tools course will be beneficial. Our training library is updated regularly. Relevant to your career development.