[aclug-L] Re: Linux classes and certification

["The Bobster" <thebobster@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

My understanding of the Red Hat Exam is that this test ts implemented in a
closed environment with a student and an examiner. Rather than taking a
simple online exam, the student has to demonstrate the ability to install,
configure and troubleshoot the system. The student will have to know the
command line and the config tools, as well as have familiarity with
directory structures and the location of the configuration files.

The Red Hat Cert is already worth more than a dime. IBM is sending their
people on the Linux support side through the Red Hat program in droves.

You won't get any argument from me about the value of cetifications. It is
far more important to be qualified than certified. If you want to point a
finger, blame the Human Resources department for not knowing enough about
technical skills to be able to perform a valid skills assessment during an
interview or a performance review. The HR folks don't know MCSE from CNE
from CPA. If you go in there and tell them about your abilities to configure
X, Samba, sendmail, and then rattle off a couple of dozen commands with
switches, you are likely to cause a spontaneous cerebral implosion. If you
go in their with a sheet that says "I'm a Certified Yadayada", they'll be
more receptive.

Alot of folks are moving into IT now, and alot of CNE's and MCSE's are
taking a look at Linux. They want a knowledge transfer, and the people they
answer to want to verify that they went to class instead of the first tee.
It's very easy for someone to lie about their skill set when they are
applying for a 50, 60, 70k position. At least with a cert, you can be a more
convincing liar 80).

My .02,

Bob Reinsch
Certified Something or Other
----- Original Message -----
From: Tom Hull <thull@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <aclug-L@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Wednesday, November 17, 1999 12:07 AM
Subject: [aclug-L] Re: Linux classes and certification


> Coriolis has an "Exam-Cram" book on Linux for Red Hat certification.
> At first glance, it looks reasonably solid -- although it does seem
> to dwell quite a bit on Red Hat's relatively specific features. It
> has sample exam questions and answers, so you might want to work your
> way back from there.
>
> I doubt that the RHCE paper is worth a dime. I know people who took
> the MSCE exams to try to save something on Microsoft's support
> contracts,
> but Red Hat doesn't have anything near that kind of lock on Linux info,
> and there are plenty of better places to go for help. (Like ACLUG.)
>
> On Tue, Nov 16, 1999 at 07:38:36PM -0600, Patrick R. Klee wrote:
> > Does anyone know if and where I can get certification for Linux?  Do
> > they have it in Wichita, Kansas?  Also, what classes do they offer at
> > WSU that deal with Linux, such as programming, and other cool things.
> > :-)
> >
> > Cheers,
> > Patrick
>