Hello,

I'm working as a system administrator for Windows-networks. I see the problem that one cannot learn about networks only by learning for a certification. If anything in a computer-network does not work, you'll need (besides the theoretical knowledge) some experience.

I remember my first time as an administrator, 12 computers suddenly could not connect to the internet after a power breakdown. This was the first time when I was alone there, every user thought that I am the one who will within some minutes make everything work again.... Well I had already several years of experience back then (and a certification, I'm MCSA) and after some hours (I had to detect and substitute a damaged switch) I had it all working again. What I want to tell you is, you will not learn what to do in such situations when you only have a certificate.

So I think, a certification is valuable for people who already have experience. And if you are new to Linux, you should at first learn the system and enlarge your knowledge about networking.

Markus

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* MCA is related to the knowledge of computers in general and about system programming languages in particular.
* RHCE etc. is all about system administration tasks.
* System administration and system programming are NOT the same things.
* After MCA, you can apply for the jobs of a programmer. The languages like C/C++/Java etc. won't help you in system administration tasks.

I recommend READING in detail, this: http://www.redhat.com/certification/
I recommend searching, this: http://jobsearch.monsterindia.com/search.html

These are misleading statements.
RHCE is just a certificate which says that you have passed an exam.
You can a get the certificate even by hook or crook and it doesn't mean anything other than wastage of time and money.
A certificate can perhaps get you to the interview, but that's it. It won't help you perform in the job and you might get thrown out too.

2 members found this post helpful.

But you're not in Godforsaken India, where this question comes from. I've posted on this topic before over here, so I wouldn't want to repeat myself, but anyway, in *these parts* , they WORSHIP pieces of paper.

I have a lot of knowledge about Linux, but I doubt I'd ever get asked to an interview, since I hold no formal qualifications in the technical aspects of computing. The way they present the job on the job sites is cattle-istic - "Reqd.: Graduate , Experience: 3-7 years" - this is what they'll ask you to have, and if you don't, then...... - no job.

There seems to be a lot of certification bashing here. Has anyone responding to this thread actually sat for any of the certifications they are bashing? I'm speaking in particular of the Red Hat Exams?

Obviously, certifications don't mean much without real-world experience, but it can be a nice way to add legitimacy to other credentials on a resume.

I think you'll have to see this thread in relationship with several threads here in LQ where new members introduce themselves as "RHCE" and are obviously newbies to Linux, they know nothing.
Yes, you're right, and I think this is what this thread is about.

Here in this thread has nothing been said against certifications in general.

Markus

1 members found this post helpful.

@markush

Ok. That makes more sense. I haven't been a member here long enough to encounter those kinds of posts yet. It's pretty easy to say "I'm an RHCE!" and not provide a cert number...
__________
@suhas23,

Having taken (and passed) the RHCE, I can say it is a very difficult exam, and that passing it does mean something--the pass rate is notoriously low, something like 40%. I've met a lot of experienced, capable Sys Admins that couldn't pass it.

That being said, there is much more out there than could ever be tested on a single certification exam. I know there is still a lot for me to learn. Linux is deep and there really is no substitute for hands-on experience.

The RHCE will test your breadth of knowledge more than your depth of knowledge. When you start a specific job, you'll probably find that there are some things you work with constantly and other things you never have to deal with.
__________
I generally don't advertise the fact that I hold a cert because I want my posts to be judged on their own merit, not the weight of a cert. But, since I did mention it here, I'll provide my cert number to avoid being a hypocrite: 110-000-288

Humm, ever done the RHCE? If you did, you would be very happy to employ anybody who passed the test on the first attempt. I know I am. It demonstrates far more than book knowledge. It demonstrates ability to comprehend a reasonably complex problem, create a very specific solution and perform accurately under time pressure.

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My 2 cents, its a lot harder to brain dump or test king your way through a Redhat Test... Its based on a hands on performance "not multiple choice ABACABB", and requires the ability to apply logic to situations they present in the test. Its as if you are at work and have to perform a change... If you cant physically perform what they're are asking with your eyes shut... you will not pass this exam...

1 members found this post helpful.

Yep, and done CCNA too, along with others. Have also hired a few who did pass the RHCE, and couldn't figure out how to check the status of a RAID device, or restart a service. Which is why I put very little stock in them.

And I do have to disagree with your conclusion. Taking the RHCE doesn't mean you have good diagnostic skills, or the ability to comprehend a complex problem, except in the context of RedHat Linux. It's a good benchmark, and does show that you've got skills, but your servers will NEVER be standing alone, not interacting with ANY other kind of OS, etc., etc. You need to be able to walk a problem chain from a network cable, to a SAN qbic, and everything in between, not just what RedHat puts on their tests.

How much troubleshooting does the RHCE cover for Oracle problems? MySQL? Apache? LDAP? Active Directory integration? Sendmail relay issues? All of these things are used in production environments. All are important. You need more than knowing where the log file is.

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While having said all of the above, I totally agree with this. No, it isn't an easy test to pass, and I didn't mean to imply that it was. But the OP asked for opinions about them, and that's what I stated. A certification is an ok thing to have, but it's not high on my list of things to check, any more than having a college degree is. Lots of folks are walking around with MBA's, who can't find their butts with both hands.

The only point I was trying to make is that you should KNOW the subject first, rather than focusing on getting a certificate. If you know what you're doing, your skills will show, and you'll be known for those skills. A certification will be MUCH easier to get, and mean alot more.

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Bingo!

Just one correction -- the lowest level Red Hat certification is now the Red Hat Certified Systems Administrator (RHCSA). Passing that exam is a prerequisite to qualifying as an RHCE.

Would you hire me, TB0ne? We have the same attitude towards a lot of things.


No, but I'm actually serious about this. Is your organisation hiring right now? Could I try? (I have experience trying to write an entire OS in assembly language).

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