Red Hat is a renowned software company that specializes in developing open-source products for enterprise-level applications. For IT professionals, whose expertise and technical abilities are highly valued, obtaining a Red Hat certification offers an excellent opportunity to broaden their skill set and propel their career forward. If you’re considering pursuing a Red Hat certification, it’s crucial to understand its requirements and explore the available options.
This article analyzes the topic of Red Hat certification, covering 30 distinct certifications that you may be interested in pursuing. We also discuss the certification renewal procedure and the importance of certification for persons working in the IT business.
The certification programs offered by Red Hat are comprehensive training courses designed to equip IT professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively utilize Red Hat’s diverse range of software products. These programs are specifically tailored for individuals who incorporate the Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) operating system into their IT infrastructures, including:
The programs ensure that candidates possess a thorough understanding of RHEL by assessing their performance through practical exams, rather than relying solely on theoretical knowledge. Red Hat certification exams are conducted in proctored testing centers located in select cities across the United States, Europe, and Asia, ensuring secure examination environments.
The specific requirements for candidates differ based on the type of certification they are pursuing. Previously, it was customary for candidates to complete training courses before taking a Red Hat certification exam. However, the training courses are no longer mandatory, although they can still be beneficial for exam preparation.
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When it comes to selecting a Red Hat certification, you have a wide range of options, although most of them serve as supplementary resources for the main programs. The following are the most highly sought-after primary Red Hat certifications:
The RHCSA certification is designed for seasoned Red Hat administrators. It serves as a prerequisite for obtaining the Red Hat Certified Engineer designation and is often required by organizations to comply with the United States Department of Defense Directive 8570. Upon earning this credential, an RHCSA holder can:
To achieve the RCHSA certification, individuals are required to successfully complete the 2.5-hour RHCSA exam. Various training courses are offered to help candidates prepare for the exam. Windows system administrators are encouraged to take the Red Hat System Administration I (RH124) and Red Hat System Administration II (RH134) courses. Linux or UNIX administrators can opt for the RHCSA Rapid Track Course (RH199) as their recommended training program.
The RHCE certification is designed for seasoned senior system administrators and also meets the requirements of U.S. Department of Defense Directive 8570. Individuals who achieve this certification possess the skills and expertise to:
As mentioned earlier, to qualify for the RHCE certification, candidates must first pass the RHCSA exam. Afterward, they are required to pass the 3.5-hour RHCE exam (EX300). The recommended training courses by Red Hat may vary based on the candidate’s level of skill and experience.
For Windows administrators who have limited experience with Linux systems, the recommended courses are Red Hat System Administration I, II, and III (RH124, RH134, and RH254). On the other hand, Linux or UNIX administrators with one to three years of experience can opt for both the RHCSA Rapid Track Course (RH199) and the Red Hat System Administration III course (RH254).
For RHCEs who wish to renew their certification or candidates who prefer a lab-based review before taking the RHCE exam, it is advisable to enroll in the RHCE Certification lab (RH299). This lab provides an opportunity to work through all the Red Hat System Administration I, II, and III courses, along with the Rapid Track course, in a four-day, instructor-led program.
There are multiple certification combinations available for the RHCA (Red Hat Certified Architect), depending on the candidate’s area of expertise. The two main credentials offered are the RHCA in Infrastructure for Red Hat Certified Engineers (RHCE) and the RHCA in Enterprise Applications for Red Hat Certified Enterprise Microservices Developers (RHCEMD) or Red Hat Certified JBoss Developers (RHCJD).
To earn the RHCA designation, candidates are required to pass a minimum of five exams. The specific exam options vary based on whether the candidate is an RHCE, RHCEMD, or RHCJD. For RHCEs, the available options include:
The Red Hat Certified Engineer in Red Hat OpenStack certification is designed for IT professionals with knowledge and experience in Red Hat virtualization and cloud technologies. Individuals holding this certification are capable of:
To be eligible for this certification, candidates must first obtain the RHCSA certification. In addition to passing the RHCSA exam (EX210), candidates are required to successfully complete the three-hour Red Hat Certified System Engineer in Red Hat OpenStack (EX310) exam. To adequately prepare for the exam, Red Hat recommends that candidates enroll in the Red Hat OpenStack System Administration courses, specifically Red Hat OpenStack Administration I (CL110), II (CL210), and III (CL310).
In addition to the four widely recognized and versatile certifications mentioned earlier, Red Hat offers an extensive range of 26 additional certification programs. Some of these programs include:
Red Hat certifications have a validity period of three years. After this period, the certifications are considered “noncurrent” but do not expire completely. The process for renewal differs based on the specific certification, so it is recommended to directly consult with Red Hat to understand the renewal process for your certification.
Typically, one option for renewal is to retake the exam associated with your certification. Additionally, depending on the certification you hold, there may be opportunities to earn other certifications that contribute to the maintenance of your existing certification.
IT professionals are highly likely to come across organizations that utilize Red Hat software. In fact, Red Hat serves as the primary provider of open-source software for a wide range of corporations across various industries. Some examples of companies that use Red Hat software include:
The widespread adoption and popularity of Red Hat have created a specific demand for IT professionals who possess the necessary training to effectively utilize the technology. Obtaining a Red Hat certification can significantly enhance your career prospects and open up new professional avenues.
Moreover, earning a Red Hat certificate grants you the status of a Red Hat Certified Professional (RHCP), which provides access to Red Hat Certification Central. This online network enables employers to verify and search for candidates who hold Red Hat certifications, further boosting your credibility and visibility in the job market.
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