Training and Certification

If you are looking for a career in Linux, Red Hat offers some well-respected programs for becoming a certified expert in Red Hat Linux software. You can learn about available programs from Red Hat's training Web site ( www.redhat.com/training ).

If you plan to pursue any of the Red Hat certification programs, don't be surprised if after some theoretical training you are given a misconfigured computer and asked to fix it. Those who get Red Hat certifications are expected to be able to clean up and repair Linux systems in the real world.

Here is a list of available certifications from Red Hat:

• Red Hat Certified Technician (RHCT) - An RHCT is the most basic Red Hat certification. It focuses on core skills needed by a Red Hat system administrator. Besides being able to install and configure an RHEL system to come up on a corporate network, you are also expected to understand basic troubleshooting techniques.

• Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) - The RHCE program builds on the skills developed in the RHCT program. For an RHCE, however, additional capabilities in security and deploying network services are expected.

• Red Hat Certified Security Specialist (RHCSS) - As the name implies, an RHCSS becomes proficient in security- related aspects of managing Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. Courses with this certification include Enterprise Network Services Security, Enterprise Directory Services and Authentication, and SELinux Policy and Administration.

• Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA) - An RHCA's skills are expected to go beyond those of an RHCT or RHCE. The RHCA program focuses on deploying and managing multiple Linux systems across an enterprise, with special attention given to systems management, storage management, performance tuning, and directory services.

To see courses set up to help you pass RHCT, RHCE, RHCSS, and RHCA certifications, visit the Red Hat Certified Engineer Program page ( www.redhat.com/training/rhce/courses ). Red Hat offers many courses online for Red Hat Linux training, as well as courses in networking, programming (Java, Object, Web, and general programming), IT management, and e-business.