RHCSA – Red Hat Certified System Administrator

Earn your Red Hat® Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) certification by passing a hands-on, lab-based exam that covers the core system administration skills Red Hat Enterprise Linux® environments require. A prerequisite for Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) certification, the RHCSA is an entry-level certification appropriate for system administrators as well as professionals in a variety of related roles, including database administrators, developers, and support technicians. 

About the RHCSA Exam

To earn RHCSA certification, you must demonstrate the skills required to successfully administer Linux.  The RHCSA certification exam consists of one half-day session. The exam is performance-based, meaning that you must perform tasks on a live system rather than answering multiple-choice questions. The RHCSA exam can be bundled with a class or purchased separately (EX200). Individual Exam Sessions are also available (EX200K), providing you the flexibility to take the exam on a preferred date or time.  

The RHCSA exam objectives provide authoritative guidance on the knowledge and skills you will need to demonstrate in the RHCSA exam. They also provide more specific information on the exam format and coverage. 

About the RHCSA Candidate

• Experienced Red Hat Enterprise Linux system administrators seeking validation of their skills 
• Those who have attended Red Hat System Administration I and II 
• Experienced Linux system administrators who require certification by their organization or based on a mandate, such as DOD Directive 8570 
• UNIX system administrators who need to support a Linux environment
• Windows administrators who need to support a Linux environment

RHCSA Certification Training FAQs

What is a RHCSA certification?

The Red Hat System Administrator (RHCSA) certification is a prestigious credential offered by Red Hat, a leading company in open-source solutions. The certification trains and validates the skills of IT professionals in managing and operating Red Hat Enterprise Linux® systems.

The Red Hat system administrator certification serves as a benchmark to verify an individual's ability to handle essential system administration tasks, including:

• System setup
• Managing file systems
• Overseeing users and groups
• Ensuring security through firewall configurations and access controls

By obtaining the RHCSA certification, an IT professional demonstrates their proficiency in the core aspects of system administration, which is invaluable in various real-world scenarios. This is especially true in environments that deploy Red Hat Enterprise Linux®.
Ultimately, the Red Hat system administrator certification equips individuals with practical knowledge and ensures they can perform critical operations under pressure.

Already certified? Browse more Red Hat training courses.

Why should I consider getting RHCSA certified?

The RHCSA certification offers many benefits, positioning individuals for success in the dynamic world of IT. Here's why considering the RHCSA certification can be a strategic move:

• Foundation for advanced certifications: The RHCSA is a foundational certification, paving the way for more advanced Red Hat certifications like the Red Hat engineer certification. By starting with RHCSA certification, you build a robust knowledge base and prepare yourself for more specialized and advanced roles in the Red Hat ecosystem.
• Career advancement: Being a Red Hat certified system administrator signals to potential employers your commitment, expertise, and hands-on capabilities in managing and operating Red Hat Enterprise Linux® systems. This can make you a preferred candidate for roles requiring such expertise.
• Recognition: Red Hat is a globally recognized leader in open-source solutions. An RHCSA certification from such a reputable organization carries weight across industries and geographical boundaries.
• Increased earning potential: Certifications often lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries. With the growing demand for skilled Linux® professionals in the IT industry, the RHCSA certification can position you for a more fulfilling career.

How can I prepare for the RHCSA exam?

Preparing for the RHCSA exam requires structured study, hands-on practice, and strategic planning. Here are some tips to help:

• Take a training course: Consider enrolling in an official RHCSA training course. Global Knowledge offers comprehensive training for the RHCSA exam, providing curated courses by experts to align with the certification's objectives. Our course structure ensures you gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills through hands-on exercises. Browse our IT course training catalog to find more certification courses.
• Obtain hands-on practice: RHCSA is heavily focused on practical skills. Set up a lab environment, preferably with Red Hat Enterprise Linux®, and practice as much as possible. Simulate real-world scenarios to get accustomed to various system administration tasks.
• Manage your time: The RHCSA exam is time-bound, so practice managing your time efficiently. During practice sessions, try to solve problems within a defined time frame to build this skill.

What topics are covered in the RHCSA exam?

The RHCSA exam evaluates candidates on various system administration skills relevant to Red Hat Enterprise Linux® environments. One of the foundational aspects that the exam covers is basic system management, including:

• Accessing the command line
• Using essential tools
• Adeptly managing files from the command line

Candidates are also tested on their ability to operate running systems, which involves managing processes, adjusting process scheduling, and overseeing various services.

The RHCSA exam ensures that candidates can create, manage, and delete users and groups while overseeing access. Storage is another area, with the exam assessing skills in creating and managing file systems.

Security is also a significant part of the RHCSA exam. System administrators are tested on configuring firewall settings, managing operation modes, and setting permissions on files and directories.