Greetings LQ'ers,

I am pondering taking RHCE exam in the next few months. I am aware that the current price for just the test is: $749 USD

My question is whether this certification is worth the money? That is...where
do employers typically place this cert in the line with the other Linux Certs (ie.
Linux + , LPI, SAIR, etc...).

I am aware that RHCE is a moderately advance cert, but is it worth its current
dollar value when applying for jobs and listing it on your resume...i know this is a
subjective question, but any thoughts from those with experiencing getting it
and having an employer comment on it would be helpful...

thanks...

zepp

it probably depends on the company. I've heard of companies that don't hire people with Certs because they only "regurgitate" information instead of thinking and solving problems. however, i'm planning on getting the linux+ certifcation myself because it seems like it's a way to prove that you're knowledgeable in linux. It's a lot better than putting "I'm ultra l33t with linux" on your resume..

:-)

I've been trying to figure out the same thing for the past week. I just recently figured out the Linux is where the money and jobs are at for us computer techs...I don't know about the rest of the U.S. or the World but here in MI, if you don't have a cert or degree...forget about it.

I've been trying for about 4 yrs now to get an IT job...an entry level one if nothing else...and until I recieved my MCP and A+ last year, no companies would even consider me. I know have a job but it is only partially IT...mostly cable TV with some cable Modem work. Not to mention the publication "Ziff Davis" last week talked about the Linux industry and how people with certification's such as "RHCE" could make up to $70,000 in there first year. This all depends on where you live but here is the article link http://channelzone.ziffdavis.com/art...1627560,00.asp

Personally I'm a little concerned by that price for the RHCE. That's a lot of added stress while your taking the test. Not to mention I myself will have to stay over night in Chicago to take the test (glad I have family there, lol).

But at any rate, if you haven't already. Do a little research on the RHCE...or better yet do a google search on it. From what I have found...I think it will be the best one to go for.

thanks for the tips sirslappy and techgeek...

I am under the impression that RHCE is one of the toughest linux certs and
consequently one of the more regarded. The price tag of $750 is indeed steep...
but if the employers that see it will offer a 7-15% increase in starting salary,
then it may very well be worth it.

Techgeek: would you recommend getting the A+ cert? Did you study for many
months for it? Have you found it worth the money in as far as knowing hardware
things that many companies desire?

thanks!

I wouldn't get too excited about rumors of gold in California or certs that pay big bucks. From personal experience, I have the MCSE, CNA, CCNA and A+ .
Life was good for me as a network engineer and then some fricken terrorists ruined a bunch of lives and put the skids on the local economy. My company shut down alot of branch offices including mine.
Couldn't afford to maintain the certs and all have expired except the A+ which doesn't expire ( I hope ).
That A+ was fun, I took both tests at the same sitting. Only took 15 minutes for both and gave the girl a scare when I came out so quick. She thought I was leaving in anger.

Anywho, if I can scrape the bucks together, I hope to take the RHCE this year. I'm not too worried about passing but I sure do hope it would be worth the time and money.

My opinion is that when you see someone saying that you can make 70K your first year with RHCE there is a lot more there then just the RHCE, or someone got really lucky. I still see ads on tv for technical schools promising big bux as soon as you graduate. I have yet to meet someone that graduates and makes 70K first job. Maybe your first year with the RHCE but having previous years experience with linux. I would like to get my RHCE but no way am I spending 749 for it. All other tests are around 100-150. I have my SCSA LPIC. Maybe I will get the Linux+ but thats an entry level exam anyway.

For what its worth, your MCSE should still be valid.
M$, in their infinite wisdom, decided not to let the certs expire with the MCSE NT 4.0 series. You are just supposed to specify which MCSE that you have, NT 4.0, 2K, etc.

The CompTIA certs, A+, NET+, etc are not supposed to expire either.