🚀 go-pugleaf

On Fri, 29 Nov 2002 00:02:16 +1100, Alexander <alexycyap@bigpond.com>
wrote:

>Hi all,
>
>I'm thinking of studying for some sort of Linux certification. Preferably 
>study at home for an end-of-term exam. 
>
>Does anyone have any advice on any good Linux certification program 
>available in Melbourne? How much would it cost (I'm paying out of my own 
>pocket)?
>
>What sort of certification would be right? I've been using Redhat 6.x - 7.x 
>for a couple of years, and started playing with Mandrake 9 last week. 
>I'm not aiming to work as a dedicated system admin. My main job is Java 
>developer, but I would like some certification to prove I can setup and 
>maintain my Java Web apps running on Linux boxes. 
>
>Thanks in advance for any advice.

Re: comments on aus.computers.linux
There are plenty of valid arguments for certifications even in the
world of Linux:
http://www.linuxgazette.com/issue33/york.html
Here are some more reasons to pursue a certification:
http://www.lpi.org/why_lpi.html

Basically if Linux is to mature as a corporate solution, as an
administrator you will have to prove your skills beyond the narrow
scope of particular work place implementation and show that you can
comprehend all the capabilities of the OS. Unfortunately for some
people, being loudly opinionated in a newsgroups/forum or endlessly
criticizing Microsoft will not be enough in a corporate environment. I
foresee a typical industry pattern with a rising demand for Linux
certification as companies require employees to be a "known quantity"
ie reliable, dependable and replaceable.

Now to do something a bit unusual and address Alexander�s question.
With the direction that Java development is taking it would be prudent
to have some sort of Linux certification, Sun Certified Java
Programmer should also be a goal.

Certifications that you could pursue are CompTIA Linux plus, LPI, SAIR
http://studyguides.cramsession.com/cramsession/unix/default.asp
http://www.certcities.com/certs/linux_unix/

RHCE practical test centres are AFAIK only in 33 cities in the US so
it�s not a realistic option for Aussies atm. 

Linux+ would be a good place to start as it is only one exam and is
fairly easy, on a par with A+ or N+. The non-profit LPI program is
also impressive and extensive.
http://www.lpi.org/c-process.html

Some people prefer self study, others instructor lead training,
usually it�s down to the cost with commercial instructor lead training
costing up to $990AUD per day and you would still need to undertake
additional study to pass an exam.

P2P file sharing programs can provide a wealth of certification study
guides and technical manuals on almost any program. So it could only
cost you time and the exam fee!

For books try Angus & Robertson who have a permanent 20% off sale on
computer books at their 379 Collins Street store. Borders at Chadstone
and McGills at 187  Elizabeth St in the city are also very good. All
three locations have an excellent range of titles for people in
Melbourne.

Examinations are all computer based multi choice or
simulation/diagramming, and they�re very flexible. You can book an
exam an hour before you take it, so you only take it when you�re ready
(depending on test centre availability).

You can book online, but it�s better to ring the toll free number,
most testing centres have both VUE www.vue.com and Prometric
www.2test.com testing stations.

A good site to get more information on certifications is
www.cramsession.com they have good study guides with notes written
around exam requirements, unfortunately they have moved to a pay
system for the PDF versions, with multi page html version being
advertising supported. There are also exam reviews and forums, which
are a bit hit and miss.

Overall certifications shows a base level of knowledge, it also proves
that you have the dedication and organisational skills to study and
pass the test, which can count for more than the actual content of the
exam.

A little more generic reading on certifications:
http://www.certmag.com/issues/jan02/feature_sosbe.cfm

Ian