Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)

Red Hat is pleased to announce a new addition to its line of performance-based certifications — Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA). The new RHCSA credential aligns with the critical skills required of today's system administrators. As with all of Red Hat certification exams, the RHCSA exam continues the practice of evaluating knowledge and skills through hands-on, lab-based exam.

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Randy Russell discusses RHCSA | Ogg format

To ensure this certification meets the needs of IT managers seeking qualified system administrators, Red Hat conducted an extensive survey and analysis of Red Hat certification holders worldwide. This survey sought to identify the most frequent and critical tasks that today's system administrators perform on the job. This survey helped shape the RHCSA credential, in addition to validating the more senior-level responsibilities that are tested by the RHCE exam. In addition to the survey, Red Hat has continually sought input on the certification program from its certified community through annual RHCE focus group sessions at Red Hat Summit, online focus groups with Red Hat Certified Architects (RHCAs), and informal discussions at RHCE Loopback events. This input has been central to changes made to the overall program in conjunction with the launch of RHCSA.

RHCT certification vs. RHCSA certification

IT professionals who earn a Red Hat Certified Technician (RHCT) certification have demonstrated the core system administrator skills that are sought and valued by companies and organizations using Red Hat Enterprise Linux. The job title these professionals typically hold is that of system administrator and job postings seeking their particular set of skills are usually for system administrators. Tellingly, salary surveys indicate that RHCTs earn more than system administrators holding certifications from other programs. In short, the term "technician" sells their skills short. With the launch of Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA), Red Hat will be offering a certification with a title that is far more aligned to usage in the marketplace and reflective of system administration skills.
The competency model of RHCSA is quite similar to that of RHCT. However, there are some Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) competencies that will now become RHCSA and vice versa. This will allow a clear, defined, and simplified certification path, letting organizations make informed decisions based on their existing and future skill-set requirements.

Earning an RHCSA certification

To earn RHCSA credential, candidates must demonstrate the skills required to be a successful Linux administrator through a hands-on, half-day exam. This exam can be purchased separately (EX200) or bundled with a class at the time of enrollment. Learn more about the RHCSA exam.

Posted in: RHCE