[SLUG] GNU/Linux certifications [WAS: [activities] Software Freedom Day planning!]

[Sridhar Dhanapalan <sridhar@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Sun, 3 Jul 2005 11:04, Pia Waugh <greebo@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> most of you I've had direct contact with about Software Freedom Day, and a
> few I've gotten from the details on SFD last year. I guess I wanted to get
> a better idea nationally of what people are up to, and offer Linux
> Australias services to help with a bunch of things that you may all like.
> Grab a coffee and read on :)

< SNIP >

> I have access to a lot of orgs that might also be able to help. The main
> activities that people have brought up thus far have been:

< SNIP >

> - holding LPI exams for the community (using proctors around the country,
>   and paper exams, we can give exams for ~$70, about a 1/3 of the normal
>   VUE price)

This has really piqued my interest. I am currently doing a Network Engineering 
diploma (at a private college) that has as an elective component a choice of 
a Red Hat Certified Technician (RHCT) or Microsoft Certified Systems 
Administrator (MCSA) certification. Being GNU/Linux-oriented, I was leaning 
towards the RHCT. However, since I already know most of the content it feels 
like a waste doing it as part of the course. I think I might get better 
bang-for-buck (along with cross-platform skills) by doing the MCSA as the 
elective, along with a GNU/Linux cert in my own time. I personally don't see 
much value in the MCSA (it's rubbish if you ask me), but a lot of employers 
do.

So my question is, which GNU/Linux certification would be best for the 
purposes of obtaining employment? I have next-to-null industry experience, 
but plenty of self-practice, not to mention my Network Engineering diploma 
(which I will complete later this year), along with some Computer Science and 
Information Systems subjects at uni (Sydney and UNSW).

The LPI Level 2 sounds great (vendor-neutral, community support, etc.), but 
how well is it known/respected by employers in Australia? The main 
alternative is the RHCE, which has the benefit/recognition of the backing of 
the largest distro company. It also has a 100% practical exam, which might 
make it sound much more credible to employers. There's also the Novell certs, 
but I've never used SuSE so I haven't considered it. If there's anything I've 
missed, please let me know.


-- 
Sridhar Dhanapalan  [Yama | http://www.pclinuxonline.com/]
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"No! If you really think there's a bug you should report a bug. Maybe you're 
not using it properly. Have you ever considered that?"
  -- Bill Gates responding to a bug complaint, FOCUS Magazine, no. 43, 1995

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