Where You Should Start
Do you have a propensity for all things tech but no formal training? Are you a complete novice in IT? Do you already have a job in IT but are looking for ways to increase the likelihood of a promotion? If any of these things are a yes, getting a certification in Linux could be your answer.
Linux is simply an operating system just like Mac OS or Windows, but the biggest difference between Linux and any other operating system is Linux always has been and always will be open source. This means the Linux software can be used for any purpose, including commercial purposes, 100% free of charge.
- Information about how the program works is in the public domain and users can experiment with the software
- There is no limitation on how you choose to redistribute the software
- When you modify the software, if you see interest in what you’ve done to it, you’re free to redistribute your version of the software
Linux comes in a range of different distributions and servers, such as Ubuntu Linux and Ubuntu Server, Linux Mint, Deepin, Fedora, and openSUSE. These range from modern graphical user interfaces to old-school command line functionality.
With such a diverse range of distributions and servers it is incredibly helpful to start at the beginning when learning how to use the software.
Understanding the Linux software gives you a diverse range of options in the direction you can take your career. Linux may have started its life very humbly, but it is now a dominant force these days.
Linux is used to run phones, cars, smart refrigerators, and much more. Most of the internet runs on Linux, as do most of the world’s stock exchanges and the majority of supercomputers used in advanced scientific labs. Being well versed in Linux can change your life.
Linux Certifications
As the importance of Linux grows, employers are more interested than ever in hiring IT professionals who understand this open-source operating system. You have the power to make yourself one of those coveted employees by obtaining a Linux certification. There are a number of companies who offer Linux certifications, but Linux Professional Institute (LPI) is arguably the most respected.
Linux Professional Institute
The LPI’s mission statement says the company strives to encourage professional development and knowledge sharing. They have broadened their mission to be a part of a growing movement that seeks to remove the gatekeepers and make open source knowledge and skills universally accessible.
LPI has become a place where anyone, regardless of their education level, can seek out the knowledge they need to provide a better life for their family. In addition to helping people become certified at an individual level, LPI sees itself as part of a global movement to level the economic playing field by sharing the most valuable resource of all: knowledge.
LPI offers a wide range of certifications from basic introductory exams to advanced training for established IT professionals. Their certifications include:
- Linux Essentials
- DevOps Tools Engineer
- Certified Linux Administrator
- Certified Linux Engineer
- Linux Enterprise Professional
- Mixed Environment
- Security
- Virtualization and High Availability
Linux Certifications and Your IT Career
Along with other certifications you can gain to further your IT career, Linux training is an essential place to start for both established and aspiring IT professionals. Linux training will give you:
Proof You Have The Skills
Getting your certification from LPI will demonstrate the skills and knowledge you have in a tangible way. Rather than having to detail all your proficiencies in a cover letter or resume, you can focus on your strengths and let your certification fill out the story. Employers understand the valuable skill set you have when you present your Linux certification.
A Way To Stand Out In The Crowd
Linux talent is in high demand and, according to the Linux Foundation’s Open Source Jobs Report, 89% of employers report difficulties in finding open source talent. By getting a highly respected certification, you’ll stand out from the crowd and make it easier for employers to see that you’re extremely motivated.
Certifications efficiently tell employers about the skills you have while simultaneously demonstrating your drive and commitment. Employers don’t just want employees with skills, they want employees who are motivated to make the company— and their own lives— better. Your Linux certification will show them you are that employee.
Get Certified Now, and Keep It Up
Research has shown that people with certifications generally draw higher starting salaries. Ongoing certification is also a reliable way to increase your chances for promotion and career development. Keeping up with new certifications shows your employer your motivation to serve the company better. Employers are much more likely to reward that kind of commitment with advancements.
IT professionals specializing in Linux systems receive higher than average salaries:
- The average salary for a Linux systems administrator is $70,194 – and that can go as high as $100,000
- Linux system engineers earn around $78,571 to $100,000
- Senior Linux system engineer salaries averaged $101,097 — if you work your way to this level even the low salary is great, at $77 000, and the high end is $140,000 or more
- Payscale estimates that Linux skills will boost the salary for any networking professional by around 6%
Think about what a salary of that level would do for your family. Having the ability to provide for your children is only the beginning of the benefits. Gaining financial freedom and eliminating financial worry will allow you to spend quality time with your family.
Gain Experience
One of the most difficult aspects of landing an entry-level job is the experience gap. Employers want you to have experience, but you can’t get experience without a job – or so the old Catch-22 goes.
Entry-level Linux certification training, such as that provided by CCI Training, gives you the experience you need and a way to demonstrate it, even if you’ve never worked in the field. Your family’s future is too important to let anything stand in your way. Give yourself the leg up you need to get started in an IT position.
Linux Essentials
The Linux Essentials certification from LPI is an ideal stepping stone to help you land your first job in IT. For beginners, it gives you all the benefits listed above, as well as a direction for a promising career in the IT field. Linux Essentials gives you the ability to demonstrate the essentials of:
- Free and Open Source Software and the various associated communities and licenses
- Knowledge of open source applications and how they relate to closed source equivalents, especially in the workplace
- Basic concepts of hardware, processes, programs and the components of the Linux Operating System
- How to work in the command line interface
- Creating and restoring compressed backups and archives
- System security, users/groups and file permissions for public and private directories
- How to create and run simple scripts
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For an entry level position this is a complete rundown of what a prospective employer will expect you to know. You will be able to confidently apply for entry level positions within the IT field with the knowledge that your skills and experience are what employers are seeking.
How CCI Can Help You with Linux Certifications
There are so many reasons to gain experience that will enable you to work in the IT field. Graduating from high school is an accomplishment, but a traditional four-year college is not the right route for everyone, especially if you aren’t sure exactly what you want to do in life.
It is too expensive to go to college without a path in mind. The IT industry is actively seeking women employees to diversify the field.
You can gain the experience through Linux certifications to provide for your children without the need of anyone else’s assistance. This program can give you your independence.
Whether you have some experience with Linux or are a total novice, it’s always a good idea to train before attempting any certification. CCI Training Center can help with a comprehensive course that will get you ready for the test. Taught by certified, experienced Linux instructors, our course will teach you to understand, create, edit, and manage open source and various distributions of Linux. You’ll take your Linux Certification test with confidence.
If you’re interested in furthering your education, call CCI to talk to one of their career counselors about the programs that can help your start or further your career in the IT field. The lifestyle you’ve always wanted for yourself and for your family is waiting for you to pick up the phone and call CCI.
