Red Hat RHCE, RHCT: Certification, Training, Course, Exam

RHCE and RHCT are widely recognized certifications. Their exams have a reputation for being difficult because they are practical and time-limited, and many candidates do not pass on their first attempt. The new RHCT and RHCE exam rules (effective June 1, 2009) are much tougher. The RHCE exam has been combined into one 3.5-hour section, replacing two sections lasting 2.5 and 3.0 hours. The RHCT Exam rules have also changed: previously, its two sections lasted one and two hours. Under the new rules, the RCHT exam has a single two-hour section. Details of Red Hat certification, training, courses, and exams

RHCE Certification

The RHCE exam tests candidates’ ability to troubleshoot and configure networking services and security on Red Hat OS. Candidates do not need RHCT certification before taking the RHCE certification exam. RHCE Course Four RHCE courses are listed, but you do not need to take all four. Red Hat does not require any particular course or prior RHCT certification before the RHCE certification exam. The course details listed by Red Hat for RHCT certification are as follows.

• RH033 Red Hat Linux Essentials RH033 is for beginners. It covers basic usage, Linux help resources, the Bash shell, vi, and administrative tools in Red Hat Linux. It lasts five days. Details: Course Outline RH033
• RH131 Red Hat System Administration RH131 is for those developing Red Hat Enterprise systems administration skills. Topics include RPM, the Red Hat Enterprise boot sequence and process, user management, kernel services, system services, and troubleshooting. It lasts four days. Details: Course Outline RH131
• RH133 Red Hat Linux Administration (and RHCT Exam) The same as RH131, but includes the RHCT exam. It consists of four training days and a half-day exam.
• RH253 Red Hat Linux Networking and Security Administration RH253 is for those learning to configure networking services and security features such as PAM and SELinux. It lasts four days. Details: Course Outline RH253
• RH300 Red Hat Rapid Track Course (and RHCE Exam) RH300 is for those already familiar and comfortable with Unix or Linux. It reviews the content of all the courses above. Red Hat requires the exam with this course: four days of training followed by the RHCE exam on day five, for five days in total. Details: Course Outline RH300
• RH302 RHCE Exam RH302 is specifically for those who want to take the RHCE exam.

The table below recommends training paths for preparing for the RHCE exam. The table divides candidates into two tracks. The Stand Track recommends all courses for people with no experience; those with some experience can start at RH131. The Rapid track is for those who have used Red Hat Linux or already have relevant skills. Red Hat divides this track into two groups as well: experienced candidates are advised to take RH300 before the exam, while experts are advised to take the exam directly. RHCE Exam The RHCE Exam now has only one section lasting 3.5 hours. It assesses two skill levels, RHCT and RHCE. The passing requirements are:

• 70 percent or more on the RHCT-level skills.
• 70 percent or more on the RHCE-level skills.

If you pass the RHCE portion but fail RHCT, you receive neither certification. If you pass RHCT but fail RHCE, you receive RHCT certification. From my experience, if you are already proficient with Red Hat Linux, can troubleshoot problems, and can configure networking services, I recommend just RH300. If you are confident you do not need training before the exam, take RH302 directly. When will you know the result? The proctor, or RHCX, collects the exam and sends the results to Red Hat for grading. Results generally arrive by email on the evening of the exam, or within three business days at the latest.

RHCT Certification

The RHCT exam tests command-line usage, administrative tools, installation of Red Hat OS, commands for checking and maintaining systems, and troubleshooting on Red Hat OS. RHCT certification is intended for Linux beginners. RHCT Course Two RHCT courses are listed, but neither is compulsory: Red Hat does not require any particular course beforehand. Candidates may choose whichever course they want. Beginners should start with the first course to build their Linux foundation and understanding. Personally, I strongly recommend RH033 because it provides a solid foundation and helps you get the most out of later training. Red Hat lists the following RHCT certification courses.

• RH033 Red Hat Linux Essentials RH033 is for beginners. It covers basic usage, Linux help resources, the Bash shell, vi, and administrative tools in Red Hat Linux. It lasts five days. Details: Course Outline RH033

• RH131 Red Hat System Administration RH131 is for those developing Red Hat Enterprise systems administration skills. Topics include RPM, the Red Hat Enterprise boot sequence and process, user management, kernel services, system services, and troubleshooting. It lasts four days. Details: Course Outline RH131

• RH133 Red Hat Linux Administration (and RHCT Exam) The same as RH131, but includes the RHCT exam. It consists of four training days and a half-day exam.

The table above recommends courses for those unsure which to take. People with no background should start at RH033; those with some knowledge can skip it and take RH131 or RH133 directly. My recommendation, however, is to start with RH033. RHCT Exam The RHCT exam is now a single part lasting about half a day. It is performance-based: one portion presents real problems on the exam machine prepared by Red Hat, and another consists of multiple-choice questions. The exam takes about two hours. A score of at least 70% overall is required for RHCT certification. Results are delivered by email, as with RHCE, within three business days at the latest. At the earliest, they may arrive around 8–9 p.m. on exam day. I wish everyone taking the RHCE or RHCT exam success. Thanks to RedHat.com for the information.