New exam to validate Linux systems competencies and skills required of early career IT professionals

CompTIA, the leading technology industry association, today introduced a new version of the CompTIA Linux+ exam that validates the competencies and skills required of early career IT professionals supporting Linux systems.

The new exam, available globally today, reflects the growing importance on Linux in enterprise networks and advanced applications.

“The Linux footprint continues to grow, touching the cloud, cybersecurity, mobile and web administration applications, and a host of emerging technologies,” said Dr. James Stanger, chief technology evangelist at CompTIA.

“IT professionals rely on Linux to manage everything from servers and supercomputers to smartphones and cars.”

CompTIA Linux+ has been thoroughly revised using CompTIA’s best-in-class ISO accredited exam development process, as well as input from thousands of technology professionals around the world.

CompTIA Linux+ is the only job-focused Linux certification that covers the latest foundational skills hiring managers are looking for. Unlike other certifications, the CompTIA Linux+ exam includes both performance-based scenarios and multiple-choice questions to truly assess a candidate’s ability to do the job.

The exam covers tasks associated with all major distributions of Linux, setting the foundation for advanced vendor- and distribution-specific knowledge. Areas where test takers are evaluated include:

• Hardware and system configuration, including kernel modules, network parameters, storage, cloud and virtualisation technologies.
• System operation and maintenance, including managing software and services, explaining server roles, job scheduling and the use and operation of Linux devices.
• Security best practices for permissions and authentication, firewalls and file management.
• Linux troubleshooting and diagnostics, including the abilities to analyse system properties and processes and troubleshoot user, application and hardware issues.
• Automation and scripting, including executing basic BASH scripts, version control using Git and orchestration processes.

Linux administrators, Linux software developers, system administrators, network administrators, web administrators and level two and three technical support specialists, user support specialists and network support specialists are some of the job roles that would benefit by becoming CompTIA Linux+ certified.

CompTIA recommends that IT professionals have at least nine to twelve months of Linux administrator experience and be certified in CompTIA A+ and Network+ before taking the exam.

The new CompTIA Linux+ exam (XK0-004) is available today worldwide in an English language version. Exams in Japanese, German, Portuguese and Spanish will be released in the coming months.