what is comptia linux+

The modern IT organisation relies heavily on data, making it essential for aspiring IT professionals to have extensive technical knowledge in the broad domain of information technologies. One of the many integral subcategories in the IT domain is Operating Systems (OS). As an IT professional, you will be required to have expertise in the popular OS - Linux. The CompTIA Linux+ Certification validates one’s holistic understanding of the OS.  

According to CompTIA's website, as of September 2021, over 190,000 individuals have earned the Linux Certification since its launch in 2017. This blog will shed light on the CompTIA Linux+ Certification and provide you with everything you need to know about it. 

Table of Contents 

1) What is the CompTIA Linux+ Certification all about? 

2) What do you learn in the certification?  

3) What are the requirements to receive the certification? 

4) What should you know about the exam? 

5) What jobs can you get after completing the certification? 

6) Conclusion 

What is the CompTIA Linux+ Certification all about? 

Linux is a well-known open-source platform similar to the UNIX operating system. The Linux operating system is used on various devices.  

The CompTIA Linux+ Certification is designed to verify the skills needed to support a Linux system specially designed for a beginner IT professional. The broad scope of the Linux operating system can make it difficult for non-technical Hiring Managers to evaluate candidates. It is possible to have a basic understanding of Linux's structure without being well-versed in its operations. That's why a Linux+ certification is essential to validate one's comprehensive knowledge of the subject.  

The Linux+ certification demonstrates all the commands, utilities, and configuration options an IT professional needs to know. It validates the competency required for an entry-level system Administrator to support Linux systems for various IT businesses. 

Train yourself to the fullest for the Linux+ Certification exam by joining our CompTIA Linux+ Certification Training Course. 

What do you learn in the certification? 

With Linux+ Certification, aspiring professionals gain in-depth operating system development and maintenance knowledge. The CompTIA Linux+ Certification consists of several distributions and validates skills that help prevent platform lock-ins and promotes flexible approaches to Linux system troubleshooting.   

Earning a Linux+ Certificate validates that an IT professional can successfully configure, operate, manage and troubleshoot relevant issues within a Linux environment. These issues are majorly focused on five major areas, as shown in the below image:


 

With extensive technical knowledge of operating in the abovementioned areas, entry-level IT professionals improve their chances of a successful career in the domain. 

What are the requirements to receive the certification? 

In order to be successful in your IT career, you would be required to have a degree in the subject of computer science, Information Technology or any relevant field. One should also have some hands-on experience with the Linux or Unix operating system to gain a better and more comprehensive understanding of the subject.  

CompTIA officially recommends having a year of experience as a Linux Administrator and acquiring some of CompTIA’s other relevant certifications, such as CompTIA A+ and Network+. A+ and Network+ are solid certifications with established value in the IT domain and having them on your CV can give you an edge over other candidates applying for the same job role. These certifications can also help you understand industry trends and gain in-depth knowledge about the subject.

However, it must be noted that these are recommendations and not requirements. While one can ace the exam without any experience, it is recommended to have basic experience of the subject.   

What should you know about the exam? 

Earning a Linux+ Certification requires one to pass a single exam as part of a change that was put in place in April 2019. The previous version of the certification required one to pass two exams but also earned one a Linux Professional Institute (LPI) certification – compared to the current version with no affiliation with LPI. This section of the blog will tell you everything you need to know about passing the Linux+ exam with flying colours. 

What type of questions can you expect? 

The type of questions that one can expect in the examination are a blend of different categories. The questions include performance-based, multiple-choice (with one correct answer), multiple-choice (with multiple correct answers), and fill-in-the-blank questions. This format makes sense as earning a Linux+ Certificate validates your broad understanding of the Linux operating system while verifying that you can execute administrative tasks.    

You will face up to 90 questions on the examination and get a total of 90 minutes to answer the questions to the best of your ability. Passing the Linux+ Certification examination requires you to earn at least a score of 720 out of a total of 900, amounting to an approximate 80 percent score.  

How much does the exam cost? 

The simple answer to this question is £265, which is how much you have to pay for a single voucher to sit for the Linux+ examination. However, CompTIA also offers a variety of bundles that provide more training opportunities and additional vouchers in case you are unsatisfied with your performance in the first round.


 

What jobs can you get after completing the certification? 

Linux has become a dominant force in the IT industry, offering cost-effective and practical solutions for businesses of all sizes. As a result, the demand for skilled and competent Linux Administrators is currently at an all-time high in modern IT organisations. The CompTIA Linux+ Certification is an excellent credential that validates one’s vendor-neutral skills as a Linux Administrator. 

This certification program equips individuals with the skills required to install and support the Linux operating system, including user administration, file approvals, software configurations, and critical management of Linux systems. Certified Linux+ professionals can handle daily Linux maintenance tasks, efficiently support users, and install and configure Linux workstations. The certificate is often used as a stepping stone to advanced vendor-specific Linux Certifications, such as those offered by Novell and Oracle. 

Conclusion 

Overall, getting a CompTIA Linux+ certification gives you a holistic understanding of all you need to know about the Linux operating system. Achieving certification in the operating system validates one’s knowledge and experience with Linux and improves one’s chances of having a successful career in the IT domain. 

Looking to advance your IT career? Enroll in CompTIA Training and boost your skills today!