Sorry if it's a dumb question, but what's the highest level Linux certification I can get? (By highest level I mean the one that'll get me the most jobs and show I'm the most qualified.)

To show that you are the most qualified, the highest level certification you can get is the Forrestt Certified Linux Expert certification. Very few people have gotten it (so far, only Jim Matthews, a Linux cluster administrator at NASA, has gotten it, but he is totally unaware of the award unless he reads this post). As far as getting the most jobs, why on earth do you want a bunch of jobs? I have only one job, and it takes up way more than 1/4 of my time. You do know you need to sleep, eat, and shower as well? These things take time. If you have only two jobs, you will have to stop doing at least one of those (please don't pick showering as the one you stop doing).

OK, seriously. The answer to your question relies on what it is you want to do with your Linux knowledge. You will never be the "most" qualified, and you really don't want to be. What you want to be is the most appropriate for the position you are looking to fill. But, this still doesn't answer your question. If you want to be known for great all-around Linux knowledge, follow the LPI track. If you want to do DoD work, you will want RedHat certification since it is so far, the only accredited distro. There are other certificatons as well, those just happen to be the ones I'm most familiar with. And, one of those may be more appropriate for what it is YOU want to do. Don't forget, a job will take up most of your time. If you don't totally love it, you will never be happy. You don't want to learn how to woo and THEN find your love in life. You want to find your love, then decide how to best woo it. Otherwise, you may be wooing a water buffalo when you really want a swan.

HTH and isn't too philosophical

Forrest

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You never spent any time in the military in a non-admin unit, or in poor parts of the world, did you?

Trust me, a "water buffalo" (or a water buffalo -- think about it) can look quite attractive.

I was in the Army as an infantryman and spent 6 mos in very remote parts of Egypt.

If you're referring to the big tanks of water that get pulled behind a truck, sure they can be appealing when your canteens are empty. However, if you are out to eat at a fancy restaurant, the water buffalo looks less appealing. If you're referring to something else, then the same concept applies. You would still rather have an ice-cold beer than the water buffalo (think about it).

Forrest

Thanks so much guys!