Linux+ Cert Worth Pursuing?

Sylice

So I'm gathering up a list of certifications to compliment my A.A.S Networking Technology degree (which so far is CCNA). I'm just wondering, would the Linux+ and CCNA certs along with an A.A.S degree help with obtaining a career in I.T?

Dakinggamer87

If your going into a Systems Administrator role with a Linux focus it can be a great start if you get the Linux+.

Sylice

Thanks, my primary goal is to actually become a Network or Systems Administrator

LeBroke

I'm not a huge fan of it. Stuff it teaches is too obscure, too generic, and too detached from the real world to be useful.

I'd recommend an RHCSA instead, if you're anywhere near a testing center.

koz24

Well which one interests you more? Because I can tell you from my own experience that I used to be a System Administrator and had to accept a "hybrid" position to get my hands dirty on the network side and it wasn't easy finding such a position. The problem is that there are much fewer hybrid positions than just straight up System or Network administrator positions. What I would do is pick one and go from there. Network: CCNA R&S, Collaboration, Security -->Apply for jobs. Linux SysAdmin: Linux+,RHCSA,LPIC-2 --> Apply for jobs. Windows SysAdmin: MCSA 2012 Servers.

DAVIS NGUYEN

Congrats!

Sylice

The Networking route interests me alot. Not only does it interests me, but I also have a passion for Networking and learning everything that I can about it and experimenting.

DoubleNNs

So you're getting your CCNA anyway during your AAS? I think Linux knowledge would benefit it immensely. The Linux+ also never expires, which is great.

However, if you're really interested in networking, it might be best to skip the Linux+ exam. Maybe try to use Linux as your primary machine, read some Linux books, and as much of your networking labbing on Linux as possible. If you really want to get into Networking, the more networking certs/experience you have the better, and it might not be worth it to take a pitstop to focus on Linux, yet.

Try to get another CCNA in addition to your routing and switching (Collaboration, Security, Data Center, etc). Also maybe look into Juniper certs.

RHEL

Get it if they still bundle in the other certs for completing it... I believe I got certified for LPIC-1, Novell Certified Linux Administrator, and Novell Data Center Technical Specialist all for just passing the Linux+.

You're taking a cert for resume glitter anyway, why not get the most bang for your buck? When starting out, it'll help you fill out your resume to list 4 certs instead of just 1. Yes, RHCSA is a better cert for the industry and shows you know what you're doing better; however, I still by the above statement for value.

kohr-ah

If it is part of the schooling classes then yes.

Newer cisco IOS code runs on Linux/Unix so it will help a great bit as you can enter a linux shell on NXOS and perform changes there as well.

BlackBeret

The knowledge from Linux+ is good, you'll learn the differences between three different flavors and the basics of Linux all at once.

While the material is good, the test is garbage. My first complaint with the test is that it asks very obscure details or command line switches that could easily be accessed with the man pages. A lot of the questions seemed like they were purposefully trying to confuse you with very slight differences which again was an annoyance. The other issue I've had with Linux+ is that because it's a multiple choice test several people that I have worked with have taken test **** and just taken the test. Many of whom can't even explain the difference between the root account, the root user directory, and the root of the directory tree, much less navigate through the system at all.

My employer requires we have an OS cert for both Linux and Windows, after the amount of people who have test dumped Linux+ just to say they have a Linux cert no one here respects it. If you want to learn Linux, study the material, and work with it daily. If you want a certification in it, go for RHCSA. It's hands on and respected more than Linux+ among the people that I know.