I'm a student, currently getting through my core classes before I go into my major. My school takes us through the CompTIA Linux+ certification exam. But it's pretty expensive. Of course, it's paid for by my student loans, but what is the value of the certification? Could I go in a year or so, take the exam and pass, and then get a job working with Linux? Or what I have to finish out my CS degree first? I suppose it depends on your location. I live in a small town. People don't even know what Linux is around here.

Where you live doesn't matter. The certificate is HELPFUL, but certainly isn't something that will make or break a job interview. Employers base things on your depth of experience...if you've got a well-rounded set of skills, and a CS degree, you'll do fairly well.

Certifications are ok to have, but are mostly useless, IMHO. The certification you have now is hopelessly outdated in 2 or 3 years...things change rapidly. A good skillset and some real-world experience (even if it's for-free programming/administration work for churches, friends, etc.), that can be verified, makes a far bigger impression.

That's just my $0.02 worth....

Hi,
I like the part about 'paid for by my student loans'. Who's going to be paying the student loans?

The certification is only as good as the certifying principle. If the principle is 'Joe's Computers' then it's worth is limited. If by 'IBM' then the weight is going to be greater. The level at which you become certified will be a deciding factor. I know students who work while they attend school. Most employers do encourage the employees to continue their education. Some even provide tuition remission or benefits that allow the employee to continue their education since that will benefit the company.