Two ways I think the LPIC may be better than the Linux+.

1) With Linux+, there is nowhere to go after the base level cert. CompTIA does not have a Linux+ II, or anything like that. With the LPIC, you can build on what you have already taken.

2) Although the Linux+ 2004 may be much better than the previous exam: the reputation of the Linux+ has already been established as poor. To an employer: Linux+ is Linux+ is Linux+.

On the other hand, LPIC questions are almost absurd. They are all about the most obscure parameter to the most obscure command. The questions have little to do with what knowledge is needed in the real world. You do not encounter that sort of thing day-to-day, and if you did need to know that sort of thing, you could easily look it up.

Regarding the Linux+, I think the repuatation isn't that widely known either way, so I would not discount the cert based entirely on the flaws of the first version. What you lose with Linux+ due to the first version, you gain in Comptia name recognition, so I feel it's a wash vs. LPI.

I have the Linux+ and LPI-1 and I do feel LPI has more quality issues than Linux+. The recent decision to require LPI retests every 5 years retroactively isn't helping my opinion of LPI. On the other hand, the recent questions comptia recently sent out seem to suggest that they may be considering scrapping Linux+, which I hope doesn't happen.

I'm sympathetic with the difficulty of developing reasonable and practical tests. I think the best that can be done is to have multiple-choice or fill-in-the-blank tests with a huge pool of questions. The technology for hands-on testing on virtual/simulated machines just isn't there yet, and testing on real hardware is currently too expensive.

I'm considering pursuing the Novell CLP, but the lack of availability of testing centers (none in my state), cost of the exam, high passing score required, and questionable testing technology (based on what I've read on the net) are serious impediments. Of course, I'd have a completely different attitude if an employer was paying the freight and taking the test was a no-risk proposition.

Other reasons not to get novell certified:

1) In terms of servers, especially, novell lags *way* behind redhat. If you are going to spend big money, and go propietary, redhat is clearly the way to go.

2) The RHCE is much more recognized, and respected, than the CLP. Even among non-redhat shops, the RHCE is very well respected.

3) Novell has recently spat in face of all Linux developers. Novell has thrown Linux developers under the bus with novell's recent deal with msft. Some major contributers, such as Samba, are looking to specifically exclude novell via the GPLv3.

I would stay away from novell. Their future does not look bright.

JMHO.

In my case I have a business opportunity that specifically would require CLP 10, so it is not a matter of preference. I'm just saying that everything I hear about the exam (a lot of which is based on 9, admittedly) is very negative.

It would be encouraging to hear from people who have something positive to say about the 10 exam, such as whether it is an improvement over 9, whether it matches up well to novell official courseware, etc. I may post that question in a separate thread.

Hello all,

I failed to pass RHCE exam last week. I'm preparing for this exam for about three months, practice, practice and more pratice. In fact, I finished the second RHCE exam in only two hours and feel confidence I will pass the exam successfully.However, I lost.

I fall in love a girl this week, who's beautiful and has a kindheart. She encourages me and gives me strength. I love her, she's all my heart.

Thanks all, thanks for your advices.
I'll never give up.

Phillip

Hello Phillip,

Sorry to hear about your exam. Did you fail by a lot? Don't you get a score report that shows you which points need improvement?
And how about RHCT? I understood that you can fail the RHCE exam but pass the RHCT part of the exam?

Didier

Hello Didier,

Thanks for you concern. RedHat doesn't give the detail score report, only final result. I passed RHCT and get the certification.

Through this exam, I find LQ and enjoy this forums environment. Not only do I paste my questions but also help guys is very senseful. The folk come from all around world are very kind and polite. Perhaps I should not take RHCE exam again, but I'm sure LQ has became one of the important parts of my life.

Regards,
Phillip

> RedHat doesn't give the detail score report, only final result.

You're in a difficult position: you've the impression that you did fine on the exam and the exam report doesn't say what was lacking...

I can see only one solution: that is to talk to somebody who knows the RHCE exam. One way to do this is to take the RHCE training.

Success,

Didier

Dear Phillip,

Were you able to test any of the services / security that you configured during the configuration part of the exam? If so, you should be able to use the publicaly available Exam Prep guide, and at least narrow down what you study before retaking the RHCE.

Hi tietack,

Thanks for your concern.
In the afternoon lab exam, I finished all issues only in 2hours(total time is 3 hours). I check my working very carefully and verify they're ok. However, I failed to pass. I'll not give up study, and I think I would not take RHCE exam again. Sometimes experience is more important than cerfication. I learn more from preparing exam and LQ. Keep learning heart, is always the right way.

Regards,
Phillip

Hi Didier,

The exam result does not represent all. why I decide to take RHCE exam is I want to keep myself always in studing,reading more books and become more professional. Just like a football match, if I do my best to play, even we lost the game, I do not feel regretful.

Attitude is Everything.

Regards,
Phillip

Dear Phillip,

When I got my score back, I got four separate scores - RHCT and RHCE scores on each section (Troubleshooting and System Maintenance; Installation and Configuration).

Did your scores say if you didn't pass RHCE on one section or the other?

Dear tietack,

>When I got my score back, I got four separate scores - RHCT and RHCE scores on each section (Troubleshooting and System Maintenance; Installation and Configuration).

Yes, four separate scores are pasted. I failed in second RHCE part.But I don't know where I am wrong.

Regards,
Phillip

A certification, by itself, is just a product. It's sold to people like you.

The process of pursuing it can be educational, and the study-materials that are sold over-the-counter can be a concentrated way of getting up-to-speed fast. Passing the certification exam is then "icing on the cake."

But nothing, not even a college diploma, is going to be "a ticket to the good life," in any country. If you set unrealistic expectations for your self-study and self-marketing plan, or worse yet if you have no plan, then you are going to be disappointed.

No matter where you study or how you prepare, realize also that computer programming is a craft, which must be learned by doing. You will start at the bottom and work your way up, gaining experience (and demonstrating trustworthiness) as you go. It is, in my opinion, extremely important that you express your abilities, and your lack of same, with complete candor and honesty: it is not a black-mark against you. You must walk before you can fly.

Dear Sundialsvcs,

I have to explain for myself. Though I failed in the RHCE exam, I don't think there's black-mark in the background. What makes me unhappy is Red Hat did not show me where I am doing wrong, which are very important for me to fix and enhance.

Perhaps I have many points need to be improve, but how do you say "lack of same"? Yes, I lost in the RHCE battle, and I really learn more during this period. I'm proud to say I've done my best.

Thanks for your good words. I'll study harder.

Regards,
Phillip