Like the mythical phoenix, Linux has risen from the ashes of a fragmented and contentious UNIX landscape. Companies and individuals are dropping their proprietary versions of UNIX and rallying to Linux. The Linux installed base appears to double every six months, and the current count is assumed to be 11 to 25 million installations. Also, whereas UNIX was used as a high-end midrange platform, Linux represents convergence of midrange software with low-end hardware.
In anticipation of the widespread adaptation of Linux and other open-source software, Sair has created the Sair Linux and GNU Certification (SLGC) program.
Why should you care about Linux certification? There are many reasons, but three big ones are increased productivity, reduced costs, and increased demand for professional skills.
Linux offers increased productivity through its highly modular components, which can be assembled and reorganized to create customized solutions. These configurations must be carried out by qualified system administrators using system utilities or command scripting.
As for reduced costs, even though hardware and software costs have minimal impact on an IT shop’s budget, low or nonexistent software licensing fees lead IT managers to accept Linux for certain workloads.
In terms of skill requirements, Linux is different from UNIX. Linux takes elements from all versions of UNIX and adds new kernel features and an open source repertoire of more than 4,000 software packages. Linux is complex, and it takes a skilled professional to use it effectively.
Linux Certification Road Map
SLGC offers an industry-standard three-level structure, in which each level requires a mastery of graduated skill difficulty while building upon the level beneath it. The levels and corresponding certificates are as follows:
• Level I—Sair Linux and GNU Certified Administrator (LCA)
• Level II—Sair Linux and GNU Certified Engineer (LCE)
• Level III—Master Sair Linux and GNU Certified Engineer (MLCE) The SLG certificate differs from other computer industry certificates in that it encompasses a complete and open source software system that has layers of complexity not
present in other closed, binary, or object-code-only systems. This overall complexity arises from a combination of historical software precedent, layers of system and application configurations, numerous subsystems, alternative system components and preconfigurations (distributions), and a development environment that allows the system to be modified.
For IT shops already using Linux, certification offers parity for those system administrators seeking similar recognition of their skills. As the demand for Linux and open source software creates demand for skilled professionals, employers will need a way to measure the value of applicants.
If all this seems too far out, visit a local Linux user group (LUG). They can quickly familiarize you with Linux culture and expectations. Next, review the SLGC Web site at www.linuxcertification.com for detailed topic listings, pointers to external references discussing exam objectives, and a sample test, or you can purchase a self-study exam guide. John Wiley & Sons, Course Technology, New Riders, and QUE publish these guides, and the books should be in bookstores by early . Look for the SLGC-approved logo on the study guide to ensure that it adequately covers topics in the SLGC knowledge array. If you are really serious, take a training course at an established training provider. Visit the SLGC Web site and click on Trainers to view the list of accredited centers for education.
Think in the Long Term, but Act Now
It is easy to say, “It’s too early to have Linux in our IT shop,” but thinking about certification in the short term makes sense. There will be a growing demand for skilled Linux administrators and programmers. Like it or not, certification is here to stay, and so is Linux. Perhaps now is the time to be proactive and use Linux certification to maximize your future job opportunities or to ensure a consistent skill base among your employees.
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