What was your first certification and did it help you get a job?
Asked by
GamerChick42
I'm currently exploring certification options, particularly the LFCS, since it's on sale for 30% off. The RHCSA is more expensive, costing over 700 CAD, which is tough for me right now as I'm facing homelessness and can't afford to sacrifice other essentials. I'm curious about the certifications others have obtained, especially their first one, and whether it actually helped them land a job in Linux administration.
Answers
I’ve been a Linux admin for over 9 years and surprisingly, I don’t have any certifications. What really counts is your hands-on experience and your eagerness to learn. That said, if you’re looking to get your foot in the door, having some certs could help, but it’s not everything.
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I took a generic Linux course back in 2012, and it really turned my career around. I moved from field PC technician to a full-time Linux admin with a significant salary increase. I have many certifications now, but that early Linux course was the key to my transition!
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Honestly, I never bothered with certifications, having been a Unix sysadmin for nearly 35 years. Entry-level experience is crucial. While certs can help, practical skills are what matter most in the hiring process. Don’t get too caught up in needing to have them; just focus on building your experience!
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I started with the RHCSA, and it helped me secure a Red Hat sysadmin role that I really enjoyed. However, I'd recommend prioritizing your housing situation first. Having a stable home is crucial before you dive into certifications, but if you can manage both, the RHCSA is definitely respected in the industry.
FinderGeek01: True, finding stability should come first. A certification can wait.
JobSeekerPro: Yeah, but you could consider entry-level positions without certs to start earning.
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The LFCS was my first cert, and it helped me score my first Linux job. The knowledge I gained really impressed during interviews. Here's why I liked it:
- It’s vendor-neutral, which means it applies to various systems.
- There are great study resources available, like KodeKloud.
- The exams are practical – no multiple choice, just hands-on labs, which is awesome!
The downside? It's not as recognized as the RHCSA and can be tough if you’re new. Also, it’s valid for only 2 years, so keep that in mind!
SysAdminSam: That’s a solid endorsement! Definitely sounds worth considering if you learn well hands-on!
LearningLover: Great points! I’m leaning toward LFCS now after hearing this.
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CuriousCoder: That’s interesting! So you think practical experience outweighs certifications?
TechSavvyGal: Exactly! Many employers value what you can do over what you have on paper.