It's fair to say that if you are an experienced Linux or Unix
administrator, exam 101 won't be a challenge for you. The LPIC Level
I certification is intended for junior administrators. On the other hand, the
body of knowledge that's being tested is large. At present, the LPI's
list of objectives and POMS system are about all you have to go on as
preparation materials. While these contain references to how-tos and
other documents, any serious digging may begin to feel more like
research than exam preparation. In the near future this situation
should begin to change. At least one book is already announced for
Exam 101, I'm currently working on one, and others are likely to be in
the works as well.
As the market for Linux has increased a number of instructor-led
training options for Linux have appeared. If you're new to Linux and
willing to pay for such a class, you may find the experience
useful. This is particularly true if you're coming to Linux from the
Microsoft or Novell world. Check out Linuxcare
University and LinSight for some training
options, or you may also be able to get information by snooping around
GoCertify.
If you are affiliated with a training organization offering Linux
certification prep courses, let me
know so I can include your link in future articles or other
resources.
As with any certification program, there's no substitute for
experience. I recommend that you go through the objectives with a
working Linux system available to answer questions, review
documentation, and work with commands.
Another resource that you will certainly want to look at is a set
of Sample
Questions recently posted by Scott Murray, LPI Director of Exam
Development (these questions are to be moved to the LPI site soon, so check there if
necessary). Use the sample questions to gauge the flavor and depth of
the test and to evaluate your readiness.
After the Exam
You'll be able to get your results on VUE's LPI Exam Options
page. Note that as of late March, 2000, the LPI is still
compiling statistics on exam 101. Only after a statistically
significant number of examinees have taken the test can a reasonable
pass/fail point be set. During this "beta period", VUE will be
reporting a "fail" status for everyone. When the beta
period is complete the VUE status will be fixed. Because of this
hitch I'm still awaiting my results for exam 101.
Next Month
In next month's article, we'll take a look at the Sair Linux and GNU
Certification program.
Jeff Dean is an engineering and
IT professional currently writing a Linux certification handbook for
O'Reilly and Associates.