Is RHCSA Certification Worth It for Helpdesk Jobs?

It’s definitely on the heavier side for a helpdesk position, but it can benefit you when you're aiming for a junior sys admin role later on. Helpdesk tasks usually don't involve much Linux, so the cert might not directly help with that job but could be useful for future opportunities.

While having the RHCSA isn’t likely to hurt your chances of getting hired, it won’t really boost your application unless you're applying to help desks that specifically support Linux users. If you're focused on upgrading your skills, studying for it could be beneficial, even if you don’t end up taking the exam. The skills from the cert are valuable.

Going for the RHCSA may be overkill if you're just starting out in helpdesk. Employers mainly want to see you can handle customer interactions and troubleshoot effectively. Your knowledge of Windows, AD, and Entra will be much more relevant at this stage, and trust me, a lot of entry-level guys (myself included) started without many certs. Get comfortable with communication and problem-solving, and don’t worry too much about the RHCSA yet.

I totally get where you're coming from! After starting with no IT certs at all, I’m now a Linux sys admin. The job hunt can be tough, and it often comes down to showing your hands-on experience. Building a home lab is key! When I interviewed, I showcased my Raspberry Pi cluster and my Linux skills. While certs can help get your foot in the door, make sure to practice what you learn from the RHCSA. Plus, Red Hat offers a free developer subscription for their software, so take advantage of that!

I'd say most help desk folks don't use Linux much, and even some senior people lack that knowledge. The RHCSA is more of an intermediate credential, so it might stick out if it doesn't match the job description.