When it comes to managing computer systems, whether in an office environment, on a campus or in an enterprise data center, there’s a long list of tools and technologies SysAdmins need to master. There are numerous certifications can help validate knowledge and skills in those areas.
In addition to server and client configuration and maintenance, many system administrators must understand access controls, network services and resource requirements for applications. They often find themselves working with directory and name services as well as network addressing, database services, web and desktop applications, email, and more.
Making sense of all these different system administrator roles and accompanying certifications is no easy task. After examining various credentials, we came up with a list of our five favorite system administrator certifications for 2019.
The following chart shows the results of an informal job search we conducted that gives you an idea of the relative frequency with which our top five certifications appear in real job postings. While all the certifications are popular, the CompTIA Server+ stands out as the clear favorite.
| Certification | SimplyHired | Indeed | LinkedIn Jobs | Linkup | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure (Microsoft) | 112 | 247 | 253 | 151 | 773 |
| Oracle Linux System Administrator (Oracle) | 311 | 377 | 124 | 304 | 1,116 |
| RHCE (Red Hat) | 507 | 625 | 864 | 286 | 2,282 |
| Server+ (CompTIA) | 98 | 111 | 165 | 25 | 399 |
| VCP6.5-DCV (VMware)* | 219 | 275 | 169 | 192 | 855 |
*When searching for VCP – Data Center credentials, we found most job descriptions didn’t indicate a specific version.
Although employers tend to pay SysAdmins less than some of their IT peers, such as network engineers and data architects, a career in system administration is still worth pursuing. SimplyHired reports $77,296 as the national average salary for SysAdmins, in a range from $49,746 to $120,102. Indeed.com pegs averages at $75,967 for plain-vanilla, and $88,032 for senior systems administrators.
The Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) certification has long ruled the hearts and minds of those who work on Microsoft-based systems, servers and clouds. MCSE certifications focus on the latest technologies for business applications, cloud infrastructures, data management and analytics, mobility, and productivity.
But when it comes to system administration certifications in general, the brightest lights are those that address Windows Server at the enterprise and server administrator levels. While these credentials don’t all specifically use “system administrator” in their descriptions, they all fall well inside the roles and responsibilities of system administration jobs. They’re also in high demand in job postings and classified job advertisements.
The MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure targets IT professionals seeking to promote careers such as information security analysts or computer support specialists. Those obtaining the certification will find that the MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure credential is designed to validate the skills necessary to effectively run a data center, including networking, storage, systems management, virtualization and identity management.
Note: The Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) is Microsoft’s prevailing mid-range IT certification. It covers most administrative job roles, including system administration at both the desktop and server levels, as well as more specialized job roles that include SQL Server and Office 365. MCSA: Cloud Platform is a gateway certification that feeds into these MCSE certifications.
System administration candidates might also want to take a close look at the MCSE: Productivity credential, which garners nearly as many hits on job boards as the MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure cert. The MCSE: Productivity focuses on Microsoft Exchange, SharePoint or Skype For Business. Because communications systems and services of all kinds are so important to business, these are good areas for aspiring and practicing system administrators to specialize in.
The Microsoft Certification Program underwent extensive changes in September 2016. Once you earn one of the latest MCSE credentials, you do not have to recertify within three years as used to be the case. However, by passing an elective exam each calendar year, you add an entry to your transcript that indicates your commitment to staying current on technologies and expanding your skillset.
| Certification Name | Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Cloud Platform and Infrastructure |
|---|---|
| Prerequisites & Required Courses | Any one of the following MCSAs is required:
MCSA: Windows Server 2016 MCSA: Cloud Platform MCSA: Linux on Azure MCSA: Windows Server 2012 |
| Number of Exams | One additional elective exam is required to earn this MCSE. Valid electives include:
70-532 Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions 70-533 Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions (exam retires December 31, 2018) 70-473 Designing and Implementing Cloud Data Platform Solutions 70-475 Designing and Implementing Big Data Analytics Solutions 70-744 Securing Windows Server 2016 70-745 Implementing a Software-Defined Datacenter 70-413 Designing and Implementing a Server Infrastructure 70-414 Implementing an Advanced Server Infrastructure 70-537 Configuring and Operating a Hybrid Cloud with Microsoft Azure Stack (coming soon) Candidates are encouraged to check the certification web page for the most current list of qualifying exams. |
| Cost per Exam | $165 per exam in the USA |
| URL | https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/mcse-cloud-platform-infrastructure.aspx |
| Self-Study Materials | Visit the certification web page and Microsoft Learning for practice tests, free online training, Microsoft Official Curriculum in-classroom and on-demand course offerings, books, online resources and more. Candidates will find links to training resources including practice exams, books, video, and formal training on the exam web page. |
Although known for its database products and solutions, Oracle also has its own distribution of Linux, geared for the enterprise and designed to support cloud environments. In fact, Oracle Linux is optimized for various Oracle products and platforms, such as Oracle Exadata Database Machine, Oracle Exalytics In-Memory Machine, Oracle Exalogic Elastic Cloud and Oracle Database Appliance.
To support Oracle Linux, the company offers the Oracle Linux System Administrator certification at Associate and Professional levels. A single Oracle Linux Certified Implementation Specialist credential is also offered. We focus on the Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) version in this section.
The OCP Oracle Linux System Administrator certification, currently at version 6 (although version 7 should be coming soon), covers a lot of details. Candidates must be well-versed on the Btrfs file system, control groups, Linux containers, advanced storage administration techniques, Oracle cluster management and package management. The certification also tests for knowledge of dump analysis, dynamic tracing, network and security configuration and more.
The OCP Oracle Linux System Administrator certification requires that candidates first obtain the Oracle Certified Associate (OCA) Oracle Linux 5 and 6 System Administrator certification and pass one exam.
SysAdmins who support Oracle Solaris might be interested in the Oracle Solaris System Administrator certification, which Oracle offers at the Associate and Professional levels. Oracle also offers several server-related certifications for SPARC and Fujitsu servers.
In the realm of Linux system administrator certifications, Red Hat certs really stand out. Red Hat’s more senior-level certifications are especially popular among IT professionals as well as the employers who hire them. Those holding the Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) credential qualify for job roles such as senior Linux administrator, senior UNIX administrator, senior systems engineer, infrastructure systems engineer, IT analyst and the like.
The RHCE is regarded as a high-level credential that’s not easy to obtain. Candidates must first obtain the Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) credential and then pass a three and a half hour, hands-on, performance-based exam that’s intense and demanding. Those who earn the RHCE can go on to earn the Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA) in Infrastructure credential.
The current RHCE exam is based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 7. RHCE certification is valid for three years from the date the certification was achieved. To maintain the certification, a credential holder must pass any RHCA exam or pass the RHCE certification exam again before the end of the three-year period.
Note: In October 2018, IBM announced that it was acquiring Red Hat for the princely sum of $34 billion. It’s too early to tell what impact this may have on Red Hat certification offerings, if any.
| Certification Name | Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) |
|---|---|
| Prerequisites & Required Courses | Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) certification (does not have be on the same Red Hat Enterprise Linux version). RHCSA requires one exam: EX200 — Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA).
Note: Courses recommended but not required |
| Number of Exams | One exams:
EX300 – Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) exam, 3.5 hours |
| Cost per Exam | $400 (RHCE exam fee only) |
| URL | https://www.redhat.com/en/services/certification/rhce |
| Self-Study Materials | Red Hat Training offers multiple training options, including classroom, virtual, online, video and private onsite. The Red Hat Learning Subscription offers online and video courses, including cloud-based labs, in Basic and Standard subscriptions. Prices vary by geography. Candidates in the U.S. can expect to pay $5,500 (or 19 training units) for the Basic tier and $7,000 (or 24 training units) for the Standard tier. |
CompTIA offers a long list of entry-level certifications, such as the A+ for hardware technicians, Network+ for network admins and Security+ for security specialists, all of which are highly regarded in the computing industry. The CompTIA Server+ certification is no exception. Companies such as Intel, HP, Dell, Lenovo, Xerox and Microsoft, as well as the U.S. Department of Defense, recommend or require that their server technicians earn CompTIA Server+.
The Server+ certification exam focuses on foundational server-related Topics that are vendor-neutral in nature, including server hardware, operating systems, storage systems, networking, the IT environment (documentation, diagrams and best practices), security and disaster recovery, virtualization and troubleshooting.
The Server+ credential, along with sufficient experience, is a great asset for individuals seeking a position as a server or network administrator, systems engineer or website administrator. You can also consider it as a stepping stone to a more focused certification, such as the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) or the Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA).
Server+ certification requires one exam, SK0-004. CompTIA recommends that candidates have at least 18 months of experience and A+ certification before sitting for the exam.
| Certification Name | CompTIA Server+ |
|---|---|
| Prerequisites & Required Courses | Required: None
Recommended: CompTIA A+ certification plus 18 to 24 months of IT experience |
| Number of Exams | One exam: SK0-004 (90 minutes, 100 multiple-choice questions, 750 on a scale of 100-900 required to pass) |
| Cost per Exam | $319. Purchase vouchers through CompTIA Marketplace. exam administered by Pearson VUE. |
| URL | https://certification.comptia.org/certifications/server |
| Self-study Materials | Links to practice questions, exam objectives, eBooks, and other training resources are available on the certification web page. exam study bundles including eBooks and CertMaster practice are available from the CompTIA Marketplace. |
The VMware family of certifications are must-have credentials for IT professionals interested in the field of virtualization. Offering a comprehensive certification program that encompasses all skills levels, VMware credentials are recognized globally as best in class.
The latest incarnation of the VMware vSphere product is Version 6.5. VMware currently offers two credentials which target vSphere V6.5 users: the VMware Certified Professional 6.5 – Data Center Virtualization and the VMware Certified Advanced Professional 6.5 – Data Center Virtualization (Design and Deploy). It’s anticipated that the VMware Certified Design Expert (VCDX-DCV) will be available soon.
Although Version 6.5 is the newest version of the vSphere product, interested candidates can still certify on vSphere V. 6. The VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization (VCP6-DCV) is one of VMware’s most popular credentials with more than 100,000 certified credential holders. The VCP6-DCV prepares credential holders for more advanced certifications, including the VMware Certified Advanced Professional (VCAP6-DCV) and the pinnacle cert, VMware Certified Design Expert (VCDX-DCV). For this article, we chose to concentrate on the requirements for the VCP6.5 – DCV since it’s based on the newest version of vSphere.
Training is required for non-credential holders seeking to obtain the VCP6-DCV. VMware offers a variety of training options to meet the training prerequisite: self-paced (on demand), live online and live classroom, some of which include virtual labs. Those possessing a valid VCP5-DCV or VCP6-DCV credential need only pass a delta exam to obtain the credential.
| Certification Name | VMware Certified Professional 6.5 – Data Center Virtualization (VCP6.5-DCV) |
|---|---|
| Prerequisites & Required Courses | Path 1 (non-VCP credential holders): Gain vSphere 6.5 experience, attend a required training course, pass either the vSphere 6 or 6.5 Foundations exam, and pass the current VCP6.5–DCV exam
Path 2 (active VCP5-DCV or VCP6-DCV credential holders): Gain vSphere 6.5 experience, pass the VCP6.5–DCV or VCP6.5–DCV Delta exam. Training is recommended but not required. Path 3 (expired VCP-DCV): Gain vSphere 6.5 experience, attend a required training course, pass either the vSphere 6 or 6.5 Foundations exam, and pass the current VCP6.5–DCV exam Path 4 (active VCP 6, 6.5 or 7 in a different track): Gain vSphere 6.5 experience and pass the VCP6.5–DCV exam. Training is recommended but not required. See the VCP6.5-DCV web page for list of current approved training courses. |
| Number of Exams | One or two exams depending on certification path.
Foundation exams: vSphere 6 Foundations Exam, 2V0-620, 115 minutes, 65 questions vSphere 6.5 Foundations Exam, 2V0-602, 105 minutes, 70 questions VMware Certified Professional 6.5 – Data Center Virtualization exams: VMware Certified Professional 6.5 – Data Center Virtualization, 2V0-622, 105 minutes, 70 questions VMware Certified Professional 6.5 – Data Center Virtualization Delta, 2V0-622D, 106 minutes, 70 questions |
| Cost per Exam | vSphere Foundations exam (V6 or V6.5), $125
VMware Certified Professional 6.5 – Data Center Virtualization exam, $250 VMware Certified Professional 6.5 – Data Center Virtualization Delta exam, $250 |
| URL | VCP6.5-DCV: https://www.vmware.com/education-services/certification/vcp6-5-dcv.html |
| Self-Study Materials | A link to an exam guide, training and a practice exam (if available) appear on each exam page (see the How to Prepare tab). VMware Learning Zone offers exam prep subscriptions. Numerous VCP6-DCV study materials are available through Amazon.com. MeasureUp offers a VCP6-DCV practice tests and a practice labs. |
Beyond the five system administrator certifications featured in this article, there are many other certification programs that can help to further the careers and professional development of IT professionals who work in system administration.
It makes sense to investigate the plethora of vendor-specific programs available for those who work with systems from companies such as Brocade, Dell EMC, HPE, IBM, NetApp, Symantec and so forth. Many of them play into key system specialty areas, such as storage, security or virtualization, while others offer a broad range of platforms for these and other technology areas. Here are some examples:
Likewise, vendor-neutral certification programs also offer a variety of interesting and potentially valuable credentials. For example, the LPI LPIC certifications, which had been in our top five list for several years, are well known and widely recognized in IT shops and operations that depend on Linux servers to handle their workloads. It’s best to think of our top five certifications as a good place to start, while also realizing that there are many other options to consider as well.
More than 20 years after Linus Torvalds developed Linux, the operating system remains a force in the computing industry. While Linux is not widely used on desktops (making up just over 2.4% of the overall desktop operating system market share in January 2019, according to NetMarketShare), it is extraordinarily strong on the web server side, where it enjoys a market share of almost 54%.
IT professionals invest considerable time learning about server computing for everything from installation, configuration, maintenance and virtualization to application support and security. This also means that many IT professionals are working with and around Linux operating systems daily, often alongside Windows and various UNIX OS brands as well.
The best of the Linux certifications vie for considerable mindshare among IT professionals and present an interesting mix of distribution- or brand-agnostic credentials alongside some pretty formidable vendor-specific credentials. There are multiple well-elaborated certification ladders available to those interested in learning, using, and mastering the Linux operating system environment and all the many bells and whistles it supports.
The results of a job search we conducted on several popular job posting sites show which Linux certifications employers are looking for when hiring new employees. While results vary from day to day (and job board to job board), this table reflects those Linux-related certifications that employers were seeking in the U.S.
|
Certification |
Total |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GCUX (SANS GIAC) | 30 | 30 | 55 | 12 | 127 |
| Linux+ (CompTIA) | 1,045 | 1,339 | 779 | 547 | 3,710 |
| LPIC (LPI) | 38 | 41 | 247 | 44 | 370 |
| Oracle Linux OCA | 27 | 31 | 33 | 12 | 103 |
| Oracle Linux OCP | 61 | 69 | 69 | 25 | 224 |
| RHCA (Red Hat) | 89 | 102 | 190 | 38 | 419 |
| RHCE (Red Hat) | 467 | 553 | 754 | 267 | 2,041 |
| RHCSA (Red Hat) | 417 | 504 | 667 | 241 | 1,829 |
We found that for nearly every certification category listed above, the number of national jobs postings mentioning that certification has increased, in some cases substantially, since we surveyed the same job sites a year ago. Linux system administrators and engineers can expect average earnings in the low $70s and upward, depending on the job role. PayScale lists $70,194 as the average salary for Linux system administrators ($52,000/low and $101,000/high). Glassdoor reports earnings for Linux system administrators averaging $68,884, Linux system engineers at $99,348 and senior Linux system engineers at $122,071.
The Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) program is part of SANS, a highly regarded source of instruction and research in the information security field. SANS also provides breaking news, operates a security alert service and serves on all kinds of government, research and academic information security task forces, working groups and industry organizations.
The SANS GIAC program encompasses 37 information security certifications across several categories, such as cyber defense, penetration testing, incident response and forensics, management, audit, legal, developer and industrial control systems. The GIAC Certified UNIX Security Administrator (GCUX) falls under its Cyber Defense category, and aims at professionals who install, configure, monitor, secure and audit both Unix and Linux systems.
GIAC certifications must be renewed every four years by earning 36 continuing professional experience (CPE) credits. Also, credential holders must pay a certification maintenance fee of $429 every four years.
|
Certification Name |
GIAC Certified Unix Security Administrator (GCUX) |
|---|---|
|
Prerequisites & Required Courses |
None; SEC506: Securing Linux/Unix training recommended (classroom, on demand, self-study or private; $6,610) |
|
Number of Exams |
One exam (75 questions, two hours, minimum passing score 68%) |
|
Cost per Exam |
$1,899 without training (called a GIAC certification attempt; includes two free practice exams) $769 as part of a training course $769 retake fee $429 certification renewal
Exams administered by Pearson VUE. |
|
URL |
https://www.giac.org/certification/certified-unix-security-administrator-gcux |
|
Self-Study Materials |
Practice tests available on the GIAC exam preparation page (two tests included in exam fee; additional practice exams are $159 each). No GCUX-specific study guides found; GIAC recommends searching for self-study materials based on the GCUX objectives’ knowledge areas and getting practical experience. |
CompTIA exercises extraordinary certification clout at the entry level in many IT niches. This nonprofit has shown itself as willing to team up with more focused IT organizations, associations and consortia to combine their own market reach and visibility with niche smarts and subject matter expertise on loan from various partners.
One great example is the organization’s partnership with the Linux Professional Institute (LPI), which resulted in the CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI credential. This unique certification replaced the original CompTIA Linux+ certification in 2010 and uses the same two exams required for LPIC-1 certification.
As a result of this partnership, IT professionals who are serious about Linux can earn both the Linux+ credential and the LPIC-1 at the same time. Candidates must first earn the Linux+ credential and then submit a request to CompTIA asking that their results be sent to LPI to obtain the LPIC-1 certification. CompTIA exam records are confidential, so candidates must request that their records be forwarded to LPI when taking the CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI exams.
Earning the CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI requires candidates to pass two exams. The first covers system architecture, installation and package management, GNU and Unix commands, devices, file systems and standard file system hierarchies. The second exam digs into command shells, scripting and data management, user interfaces and desktops, administrative tasks and activities, basic system services, networking fundamentals and security topics. The CompTIA Linux+ Beta exam (XK1-004) closed as of October 22, 2018, though candidates who took the exam prior to the end date can still access those scores and apply a passing grade to their Linux+ certification. The replacement Linux+ 104 exam based on this beta exam will become publicly available in April of 2019.
Note that the Linux+ credential is valid for life.
|
Certification Name |
CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI |
|---|---|
|
Prerequisites & Required Courses |
None required
Recommended: CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+ and 12 months of Linux administration experience |
|
Number of Exams |
Two exams: LX0-103 and LX0-104 (60 multiple-choice questions each, 90 minutes, 500 required out of 200 to 800 scale to pass). Note that the LX0-104 Beta exam is no longer offered as of October 22, 2018; the replacement 104 exam becomes publicly available in April of 2019. |
|
Cost per Exam |
$200 per exam; prices vary by geography |
|
URL |
https://certification.comptia.org/certifications/linux |
|
Self-Study Materials |
CompTIA maintains a list of training materials and additional study options, including links to study guides, exam crams, practice tests, online and classroom training, CertMaster, and more. Additional third-party reference and review materials can be found on Amazon. |
The Linux Professional Institute (LPI) started up in October of 1999, almost one decade after Linus Torvalds began his pioneering efforts on the Linux kernel. Since then, LPI has become one of the leading certification providers on Linux Topics and technologies. Given the organization’s distribution-agnostic approach to Linux, it offers excellent coverage of a platform that’s available in many forms and flavors in today’s marketplace.
The LPI Certification (LPIC) program is available in three distinct levels:
In addition to the LPIC-1, 2 and 3 credentials, LPI also offers an entry-level credential, the Linux Essentials Professional Development Certificate (PDC). Linux Essentials focuses on foundational skills, such as creating and running simple scripts, restoring compressed backups and archives, working with the command line, Linux operating system basics, FOSS, and users/groups and file permissions for public and private directories. Linux Essentials is a great way to get started while gaining the skills and knowledge needed for the more challenging LPIC credentials.
LPI’s newest certification is the LPIC-OT DevOps Tools Engineer, which recognizes the effective use of tools for collaboration during system and software development. There are no prerequisites, and the single exam lasts for 90 minutes and has 60 questions.
LPIC credentials are worthwhile for IT pros whose chosen Linux distributions do not warrant their own certification programs, and for those seeking broad, vendor- and distribution-neutral coverage of Linux topics, tools and technologies. They are popular among IT pros and in demand among IT employers.
|
Certification Name |
LPIC-1: Linux Administrator
LPIC-2: Linux Engineer LPIC-3: Linux Enterprise Professional |
|---|---|
|
Prerequisites & Required Courses |
LPIC-1: None, Linux Essentials recommended
LPIC-2: Active LPIC-1 certification LPIC-3: Active LPIC-2 certification plus completion of one of the 300 series specialty exams Training is recommended but not required |
|
Number of Exams |
LPIC-1: Exam 101-500 and Exam 102-500
LPIC-2: Exam 201-450 and Exam 202-450 LPIC-3: One of the 300 series exams: Mixed Environment (Exam 300-100) Security (Exam 303-200) Virtualization and High Availability (Exam 304-200) |
|
Cost per Exam |
$200 per exam. Exams administered by Pearson VUE. Linux ID required to register. |
|
URL |
http://www.lpi.org/our-certifications/summary-of-certifications |
|
Self-Study Materials |
Study guides, courseware knowledge packs, eLearning courses, exam crams, practice tests, online and classroom training, Linux Academy subscriptions and more are available at LPI exam Preparation, LPI Marketplace and Amazon. |
When Oracle bought Sun Microsystems in 2010, it acquired a rich and deep UNIX tradition. Oracle started phasing out Solaris almost immediately after finalizing the Sun acquisition.
Today, Oracle offers associate- and professional-level certifications based on Linux rather than harking back to any kind of UNIX roots. These certifications retain enough of their Sun roots, however, so that courses are not mandatory prerequisites to taking the exams for the two Oracle Linux certifications currently available.
As with other vendor-specific Linux certifications, Oracle’s are most appealing to those who work with or around that distribution, or who wish to work for employers who use those distributions.
|
Certification Name |
Oracle Certified Associate (OCA), Oracle Linux 5 and 6 System Administrator
Oracle Certified Professional (OCP), Oracle Linux 6 System Administrator |
|---|---|
|
Prerequisites & Required Courses |
OCA: No prerequisites. Recommended training: Oracle Linux System Administration OCP: OCA Linux 5 and 6 System Administrator or Linux Administrator Certified Associate (now retired). Recommended training: Oracle Linux System Administration |
|
Number of Exams |
OCA: One exam, 1Z0-100 Oracle Linux 5 and 6 System Administration (150 minutes, 80 questions, 61% to pass) OCP: One exam, 1Z0-105 Oracle Linux 6 Advanced System Administrator (150 minutes, 97 questions, 61% to pass) |
|
Cost per Exam |
OCA: $245
OCP: $245 |
|
URL |
https://education.oracle.com/oracle-linux/oracle-linux-administration/product_295?certPage=true |
|
Self-Study Materials |
Oracle offers online and in-class training for its credentials, with hit-or-miss coverage for them on the aftermarket. Start with Amazon searches — check exam IDs 1Z0-100 and 1Z0-105 to get a sense for what’s available. |
Note: Though there is now an OCA and OCP exam available for Oracle Linux 7 System Administrator, Oracle has yet to announce this new certification or release the details of new Linux 7-based certification tests for OCA and OCP candidates.
The Oracle Linux 6 Certified Implementation Specialist Certification is a certification available for those who sell, design, configure and implement Oracle Linux 6 solutions. Though any candidate can complete this certification, it is most typically achieved by Oracle partner implementation personnel with strong foundational experience in Linux and previous field experience implementing Linux 6.
If there’s one major star in the vendor-specific Linux certification firmament, it’s got to be Red Hat. The company has major market presence and serious duration as a commercial provider of Linux platforms and technologies.
Red Hat offers a typical administrator, engineer, architect certification ladder. Unlike many other such programs, however, it offers highly regarded and valued credentials at each rung, along with demanding and hands-on oriented exams and an excellent training curriculum to match. All exams for the following Red Hat certifications are performance based and last two hours or longer.
The giveaway for Red Hat certifications is that all come with acronyms that start with RH, as follows:
Because Red Hat Linux is widely used in the business world, the RHCA certification is an excellent choice for those interested in a more platform-focused path into the Linux world. Of course, for those who already work with or around Red Hat, it is a natural certification choice as well.
Outside the top five Linux credentials and programs covered in this article, other Linux certifications may be worthy of your time and attention.
The Linux Foundation, a membership-based organization, promotes the development of the Linux kernel through collaboration, conferences and education. The organization’s small but respected certification program includes the Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS) and the Linux Foundation Certified Engineer (LFCE).
IBM continues to offer a handful of Linux-related certifications. One certification of interest is the Certified Database Administrator, which continues to be in demand for those running DB2 on Linux, Unix and Windows systems.
Many industry experts, including Steven J. Vaughn-Nichols, a long-time user and expert on Linux and Unix operating systems, say that certifications can be an important ingredient in a job candidate’s qualifications. But interviewers should also pay close attention to how many Linux systems candidates have set up, managed or used to get a sense of the scale and scope of their experience.
In other words, when you see a web hosting service advertising for Linux jobs, they’re not looking for people who’ve installed and used Linux at home or in a small business setting; they’re looking for professionals who’ve set up and managed Linux in a highly distributed and virtualized data center environment, with lots of complex networking and services coming into the mix.
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) credential demonstrates mastery of developing and overseeing large-scale cybersecurity programs. When it comes to the best cybersecurity certifications, many consider CISSP the industry’s gold standard. Individuals who meet CISSP requirements can earn the certification and qualify to take on more professional responsibility in their field.
This guide offers information on CISSP certification requirements, including experience, suggested preparation times and CISSP certification exam costs.
CISSP certification, offered by (ISC)2, is an advanced credential for information systems and cybersecurity professionals. This certification highlights an individual’s ability to create, deploy and manage cybersecurity efforts for large organizations.
CISSP certification requirements include a significant amount of professional experience and passing a lengthy exam. This credential suits experienced workers over entry-level and mid-level professionals.
Though this certification is not required by employers, it can boost candidates’ earning power and help them qualify for advanced roles in information security. CISSPs often work in positions like chief information security officer (CISO), network architect, security auditor and security manager, among others.
Aspiring CISSPs should familiarize themselves with the certification’s requirements before pursuing this credential.
CISSP certification requirements stipulate that each candidate must have a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience. (ISC)² specifies eight security domains:
Prospective CISSPs must accumulate experience in two of the eight domains to meet CISSP certification requirements. They can also apply (ISC)²-approved four-year college degrees and other credentials, which may qualify as a year of experience. Paid and unpaid internships also count toward the CISSP requirement.
The CISSP exam covers the eight domains of security in a four-hour test comprising 125 to 175 required responses. These appear as multiple-choice questions and advanced innovative items. Test-takers must earn a 700 out of 1,000 to pass. Candidates register to take the exam with Pearson VUE.
After passing the exam, individuals can apply for endorsement online. The endorsement must come from an (ISC)²-certified professional who can advocate for your professional experience as a credential-holder in good standing. Individuals must receive endorsements within nine months of passing the exam.
Earning CISSP certification can deliver many professional benefits, but individuals should also understand the costs associated with pursuing the credential. Along with the required time investment, consider the following CISSP certification exam costs and any required payments relating to preparation and recertification.
Many organizations offer prep courses for the CISSP certification exam, and their costs vary drastically. Make sure to include exam prep costs, which may range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand, in your CISSP budget. (ISC)² offers several exam prep methods, including self-paced, instructor-led and team-based options. These offerings can cost over $2,000.
The CISSP certification exam costs $749. Individuals can receive vouchers from partner organizations after completing CISSP exam training courses.
Individuals must meet CISSP recertification requirements every three years to maintain their credentials. Each certification-holder must earn 120 continuing professional education (CPE) credits over this three-year period. Costs relating to CPEs can vary significantly, but each certified individual must pay an annual $125 fee to (ISC)².
Individuals who have met CISSP requirements and earned their credentials can pursue work in many information security and cybersecurity roles. As of 2021, the number of open cybersecurity roles far outpaces the number of qualified professionals, indicating strong continued demand in the sector.
Data from Cyberseek.org indicates that among current cybersecurity openings requiring certification, CISSP ranks as the most in-demand credential. The following section explores roles for CISSP certification-holders.
Average Annual Salary: Around $172,000
Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, information security or a related field; master’s preferred
Job Description: CISOs rank among the top positions in information security for responsibility and salary. This c-suite role reports directly to the CEO and requires significant experience, practical skills and expertise in information security.
CISOs oversee their organizations’ information security efforts. Often referred to as “chief security officers,” they supervise teams of infosec workers, set organizational directives, establish company-wide best practices and manage resource allotment. CISOs working in large, international businesses may interact with government agencies and congresspeople to ensure compliance with legal standards for information security.
Average Annual Salary: Around $123,000
Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field, MBA often preferred
Job Description: IT directors oversee departments of IT workers and manage organizations’ computer systems operations. They provide solutions to companies’ computer-related issues, including software upgrades, security concerns and general technical issues. IT directors communicate with executives to ensure company-wide directives are carried out successfully.
These directors research new IT software and hardware to keep their organizations up to date and safe. They track metrics for managing IT professionals, along with storage, hardware and software. IT directors also handle employee schedules and departmental budgetary planning. As department heads, they must possess strong communication skills to interact with mid-level professionals and c-suite executives.
Average Annual Salary: Around $70,500
Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, computer and information technology or a related field
Job Description: Security analysts work in computer systems, networks and information security departments to prevent, monitor and respond to security breaches. This broad professional title refers to workers who handle a variety of tasks in computer and network security.
These professionals work in many industries as “first responders” for cyberattacks. They must demonstrate deep knowledge of hardware, software and data storage to understand potential vulnerabilities and security solutions. Security analysts may help design security systems and handle encryption efforts for businesses to protect sensitive information.
Average Annual Salary: Around $121,000
Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in network engineering or a related field; master’s in cybersecurity or a related field often preferred
Job Description: Network architects design and implement organizations’ security infrastructures. These professionals test and analyze existing safety structures to identify vulnerabilities and deliver improvements. They handle the installation and maintenance of computer systems, including interconnected devices like firewalls and routers.
Before deploying any updates or upgrades, these information security professionals create models to test their networks in a controlled environment. Modeling allows network architects to forecast security and traffic issues before implementing their infrastructures in the real world. These professionals also train and educate IT workers on organizational best practices.
The two primary CISSP requirements are passing the exam and gaining five years of relevant professional experience.
No. CISSP certification suits experienced cybersecurity and information security professionals, requiring a minimum of five years of experience in the field.
Your Notice to Schedule (NTS) email from Scantron will have links for you to check your computer system. It is important to verify that your computer meets the minimum requirements below, and that you have reliable access to the Internet. An internet connection disruption will suspend the exam session. If you have computer system questions after following the instructions provided by Scantron's schedule confirmation email, please contact Scantron at +1 919-572-6880 or candidatesupport@scantron.com.
IMPORTANT: If taking the exam online, you must use a computer on which you have full admin access.
Note: Scantron is changing to Meazure Learning. Scantron, Meazure Learning, and ProctorU are all one-in-the-same organization.
On or before 4 October, 2022:
After 4 October, 2022All ISA certification exams are closed-book. No reference material will be allowed in any test room. Please note that storage space will be limited.
For all CCST level exams, Units Conversion Tables will be provided to candidates in either paper format (paper/pencil exams) or accessible within the electronic test interface for reference during the exam. Click here to review the Units Conversion Tables.
You can cancel an exam through the online exam scheduling system.
You may retest as many times as needed within your exam window. However, there is a retest fee each time that is payable to ISA. If you are outside your exam window, contact certifications@isa.org. If you are within your exam window, you may reschedule your exam appointment before the online and Test Center reschedule cut-off times via the online exam scheduling system.
There is no rescheduling fee to change the time and date from one online exam appointment to another online exam appointment. However, it must be changed no less than 24 hours prior to the scheduled appointment date and time.
There is no rescheduling fee to change the time and date of an online exam appointment to an exam center appointment. However, it must be changed at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled appointment. Additionally, you must reschedule the new appointment no less than two calendar days in advance of the new appointment at a Scantron test center.
You will incur a rescheduling fee of 50 USD if you change the appointment time and/or date of a Test Center exam appointment. Rescheduling fees are payable to Scantron via a secure e-commerce site (credit card). The reschedule cut-off time is no later than two calendar days prior to the exam appointment. Additionally, if you are scheduling a new online exam appointment, it must be done no less than 24 hours prior to the new appointment date and time.
Retaking Missed Exams
If you are within your exam window, you may retake a missed exam. However, there will be a reschedule fee, payable to ISA. To reschedule, email certifications@isa.org or contact customer service at info@isa.org or +1 919-549-8411 with your request.
You may qualify for an exception if you meet certain conditions and submit documentation to Scantron no later than five calendar days after the scheduled exam appointment. If the exception is approved, there will be a no-show exemption fee of 50 USD payable via secure e-commerce (credit card) and collected by Scantron. Please contact Scantron by phone at +1 919-572-6880 or email candidatesupport@scantron.com for more details.
Scantron will email the results to you immediately after you complete the exam. If you pass, you will receive an email containing a digital badge from isa_badges@isa.org within 48 hours of completing the exam.
ISA does not provide a passing score; you are only notified whether you passed or failed. If you fail an exam, you will receive a score report that lists the domains and indicates the percentage of questions answered correctly within each domain. Note that the percentages are not used to calculate a candidate’s passing score.
If you do not receive an email containing your results within 24 hours, please contact Scantron by phone at +1 919-572-6880 or email candidatesupport@scantron.com.
The ISA Certified Automation Professional® (CAP®) certification is a mark of career excellence that affirms your commitment to quality and demonstrates your expertise and knowledge of automation and controls. ISA CAP certification provides you with a non-biased, third-party, objective assessment and confirmation of your skills and expertise as an automation professional.
To become an ISA CAP, you must meet certain education and work experience requirements, pass an exam, and commit to the ISA Code of Conduct. Learn more about CAP requirements.
The CAP Body of Knowledge (BOK) encompasses the full scope of knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for competent job performance. It defines automation project domains, the tasks within the domains, and the knowledge and skills required to complete the tasks. View the CAP Body of Knowledge.
There is no application form for CAP certification. The process involves confirming that you meet the following requirements and then taking an exam.
Note: by paying the exam fee, you are confirming that you are aware of, have met, and can document that you meet the requirements for the CAP certification.
Click the button below to add the exam fee to your cart. After you complete your purchase and your payment has successfully processed, you will receive a payment confirmation email. Then, one month before your exam window, you will receive an email with the exam invitation and instructions for scheduling your exam.
Pay Cap exam FeeYou can take the CAP exam online from your office or home if the testing environment meets the requirements and your computer meets specifications. You can also take the exam at a Scantron test center. The CAP exam has 150 multiple-choice questions and is four hours long. Learn more about Certification Exams and Testing.
We highly recommend taking the Certified Automation Professional (CAP) exam Review Course (EC00). ISA has also developed an extensive library of training courses, study guides and publications that are built around the technologies and Topics covered on the CAP exam. These resources have been developed and reviewed by subject matter experts. Learn more about the review course and the additional resources here.
The aspects of automation covered on the CAP exam reflect the tasks performed in the range of practice settings throughout the United States. Familiarity with the following standards and codes is recommended. download the Reference to Standards and Codes (PDF).
For International applicants, note that the validation study for the exams was done in the United States, so there may be questions on the exam that reference US standards and codes.
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All doctoral students must take a certification examination or examinations as part of their Certification (towards the Ed.D. and Ed.D. CTAS degree) or Master of Philosophy (towards the Ph.D. degree) requirements.
Most Certification Examinations are taken on dates set by the college in February, June, and October, proctored by the Office of Doctoral Studies, however, some programs have take-home or internal examination requirements.
Please click your Department's link on the left to find the Certification Examination requirements for your program.
For those programs that require a Certification Examination Application form, it can be downloaded in the Forms section of our website. Please review our calendar to see when the next examination is being held and when the deadline for submission of the application form is.
Please see the following link for information on the college policy for Certification Examination retakes.
© Motivate Publishing ORACLE DESC_1
Oracle has announced that its Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) region in Dubai has successfully completed the Dubai Electronic Security Center’s (DESC) cloud service provider security standard audit – a framework for supporting government entities with cyber risk management based on international standards.
Yousef Al Shaibani, director-general of the DESC – the cybersecurity arm of Digital Dubai, praised the approval of the Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Platform, said: “We see this as a model for joint action between government and private sector to achieve goals that serve all parties. with the continued progress of emerging digital technologies, the application of the highest levels of security for cloud service providers has become one of the necessary conditions to achieve strategic goals in the context of comprehensive digital transformation.”
“At Oracle, we are committed to supporting our customers’ innovation strategies, and are actively investing in offering the latest cloud infrastructure solutions in the region while also working on addressing UAE-specific compliance requirements – all to help make it easier for our customers to use Oracle Cloud,” said Nick Redshaw, senior vice president – Technology Cloud, Middle East and Africa, Oracle.
Meanwhile, Oracle has demonstrated its commitment to the region with massive investments to enable organisations of all sizes to achieve strategic objectives through digital transformation. The cloud provider launched its cloud regions in Jeddah and Dubai in 2020, Abu Dhabi in 2021, besides also announcing NEOM as the location of its second cloud region in Saudi Arabia. The company aims to launch 44 cloud regions globally by the end of 2022.
Oracle’s cloud regions in Saudi Arabia and the UAE are built on OCI, allowing customers to easily migrate current workloads and data platforms or develop new cloud-native applications that benefit from improved performance, reduced costs, and built-in security features.
The company’s strategy has been to meet customers where they are, enabling them to keep data and services where they need them. “Our strategy is based on the idea that the cloud should be engineered to support every app, rather than forcing customers to re-engineer their applications to work with the cloud,” it said in a statement.
Oracle had earlier stated that, some key differentiators separate them from other cloud vendors: “Customers can choose OCI over AWS to easily implement security controls and automation to prevent misconfiguration errors and implement security best practices. In addition, they can consume cloud services in the public cloud or within their own data centre with Oracle Dedicated Region Cloud@Customer.Meanwhile, choosing OCI over the Google Cloud Platform allows customers to lower risks with Oracle’s end-to-end SLAs covering services’ performance, availability, and manageability.”
The cloud provider has been staying a step ahead in the region. Leading businesses such as DP World, Abu Dhabi Customs, Qatar Airways, Kuwait Gulf Oil Company, Miral, Saudi Railways, Mashreq Bank, Damac, Saudi Arabia Tourism Development Fund, Saudi Railway Company, Saudi Arabia Mining Company (Ma’aden) have chosen Oracle Cloud solutions to drive major transformation within their organisations.
Talview exam Solutions Spotlight Launching and Scaling Certification Programs
SAN MATEO, Calif., Oct. 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Talview, the global leader for hiring and exam solutions, will be showcasing methodologies to launch and scale certification programs for organizations of all sizes at TSIA World: Envision, live at the Aria resort in Las Vegas, October 17-19. Talview exam Solutions use an AI-led approach for exam delivery to enable affordable pricing and improved security at a higher scale. Talview will also be unveiling its latest capability, Talview Employer Connect, which enables certification providers to extend an opportunity to professionals who undertake exams on the Talview platform, and who are interested in job openings, to get connected with employers who use the Talview Hiring Solution.
Talview focuses on delivering exams securely, with improved accessibility and a non-intrusive test-taker experience, while providing a more user-friendly, engaging experience.
"In the minds of most customer and education leaders we've spoken with, a top concern is that their certification programs are not ready for the future. They struggle with clunky, legacy platforms that haven't kept pace with the needs of the market," said Sanjoe Jose, CEO, Talview. "Our exam Solutions can help organizations get ready for the future. We have kept users at the center of the platform design and use the latest AI capabilities to Boost security and drive down the cost of exam delivery."
A accurate survey of certification leaders at top technology companies revealed their principal certification program challenges:
The high cost of proctoring deters scaling certification programs, particularly entry level certifications
A poor user experience and the lack of quality Customer Service during the exam process is negatively impacting their brand
Most feel their certification programs are not ready for the future, especially when it comes to Performance Based Exams
Concerns about the intrusive nature of the online proctoring experience is preventing the growth of expert communities
The lack of accessibility and poor multilingual support of their exam platforms
Talview exam Solutions deliver a superior user experience through an interface that is modern, multi-lingual, accessibility friendly, and a proctoring experience that is non-intrusive. The Talview Proctoring Solution can integrate into any LMS (Learning Management Systems), exam Engine, or other web platform, allowing organizations to augment their proctoring capacity, use their own proctors if desired, and easily support Performance Based Exams. In addition, Talview is one of the first providers to incorporate an immersive experience for test takers via the Metaverse. Talview delivers a platform to better engage an industry's community with Candidate Management capabilities.
The focus of its newest launch, Talview Employer Connect, is connecting certified professionals with high quality prospective employers. Talview Hiring Solutions are integrated into the recruitment management systems of many leading ITeS employers. Employer Connect provides real-time visibility of talent requirements, and places properly certified professionals directly into the appropriate stage of the hiring process of organizations looking to hire specific skills. Certified professionals have the ability to opt-in for all employers or specific organizations.
"Many certification test takers have a sub-optimal user experience while taking their certification exams," said Sundar Nagarathnam, Advisor to Talview and leading education services industry expert. "This can be especially frustrating when problems are encountered, or legacy platforms simply make it very cumbersome. Take into account additional factors: a lack of accessibility for people with special needs, poor multilingual support, or no support at all. As more and more technical certification processes move online, innovative technologies like Talview's solutions can provide hassle-free administration of exams."
At TSIA World: Envision, Talview will be holding a session, Expert Playbook for Launching and Scaling Certification Programs, presented by Sundar Nagarathnam, Advisor to Talview and an innovative pioneer in technical education and certification programs, along with Sanjoe Tom Jose, CEO, Talview. The focus will be on how innovative, digital-first companies are using AI to deliver low-cost, highly secure, non-intrusive exams.
October 17 & 18
12:30PM - 12:55PM
Booth #519
Stop by the Talview booth #519 and enter to win an E-Bike. We are holding a drawing for a Swagcycle EB-5 Plus Folding Electric Bike. Pedal or go full throttle with the battery to reach your destination. Free shipping is included for one lucky winner!
Book a meeting with Talview at TSIA in advance and enter to win a folding E-Bike.
ABOUT TALVIEW
Talview offers an award-winning Measurement Platform that orchestrates hiring and exam workflows: screening, interviews, assessments, proctoring, and credentialing. Organizations seeking more efficient, effective, and intelligent decisions throughout the talent lifecycle can access a single, AI-powered platform for intelligent insights. A 360-degree view of talent potential enables quick, confident, and bias-free decisions, providing an equal opportunity for all. Learn more at Talview.com.
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CodeLogic addresses New York Department of Financial Services proposal for expanded API inventory requirements with Continuous Software Intelligence platform
LAS VEGAS, Oct. 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- JavaOne at Oracle CloudWorld, Booth #511 -- CodeLogic, the Continuous Software Intelligence company, will demonstrate how its platform can fully automate and continuously maintain a complete and accurate inventory of APIs in light of the recently proposed amendment to cybersecurity regulations in New York. JavaOne at Oracle CloudWorld takes place Oct. 17-20, 2022 in Las Vegas. CodeLogic will share its endpoint governance capabilities in booth 511.
The amendment, proposed by the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), would enhance the requirements of the 2017 Cybersecurity Regulation (23 NYCRR Part 500). If passed, most financial institutions doing business in New York state will be required to regularly identify and manage all APIs and cloud services, in addition to many other advanced cybersecurity practices.
"As we look at the massive cost of cybersecurity attacks, endpoint governance should be at the forefront of every company's priority list," said Brian Pierce, CEO at CodeLogic. "We look forward to sharing how companies can automate and simplify their API inventory process at the push of a button. With a new regulation pending, there is no better time than now to ensure endpoints are covered."
CodeLogic's CSI platform offers a far-reaching, up-to-date, and highly granular view of complex enterprise-scale software structures. With multiple groundbreaking scanning techniques, CodeLogic can see deeply into binaries (interpreted byte code or executable binaries), database interactions, and schemas. The platform also performs runtime scans of test and/or operating environments—providing unparalleled depth into system dependencies and code-level interactions. Ultimately, with CodeLogic, companies receive full visibility into each API, allowing them to regularly and automatically manage endpoint governance.
NY DFS Cybersecurity Amendment
The proposed amendment to Cybersecurity Regulation 23 NYCRR Part 500 would significantly expand the requirements that covered entities need to follow. In particular, all covered entities would need to develop procedures for ensuring an accurate inventory of all IT assets – not just including hardware and software, but also operating systems, APIs, and cloud services – with requirements for each asset around the information that needs to be collected.
Including APIs and cloud services in this amendment reflects the heightened risk surrounding these technical innovations. The extension of the regulatory regime to cover inventorying of technical infrastructure, especially applications, operating systems, APIs and cloud services, is a significant new step.
To learn more about CodeLogic's endpoint governance capabilities please stop by JavaOne booth 511 for a full demonstration.
About CodeLogic
CodeLogic provides Continuous Software Intelligence for understanding the totality of software structures, from API and code to data. It delivers technology leaders and software developers insights into the true state and complexity of growing software systems and the impact of change that hinders innovation and causes failure. Unlike static and application-level analysis tools, CodeLogic is the first and only searchable system of record that combines binary and runtime scans for code and database dependencies on a dynamic, real-time basis. With CodeLogic, technical leads can predictably understand and inform rewrite/refactor decisions knowing the impact of every code change so builds never break. For more information, visit www.codelogic.com.
Contact:
Christin Jeffers
Catapult for CodeLogic
cjeffers@catapultpr-ir.com
Related Links
www.codelogic.com
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