Review the Red Hat Certified Specialist in Security: Linux exam objectives or have comparable work experience using Red Hat OpenStack Platform.
Study points for the exam
To help you study, review the following exam objectives that highlight the task areas you can expect to see covered in the exam. Red Hat reserves the right to add, modify, and remove exam objectives. Such changes will be made public in advance.
Use Red Hat Ansible® Engine
Install Red Hat Ansible Engine on a control node.
Configure managed nodes.
Configure simple inventories.
Perform basic management of systems.
Run a provided playbook against specified nodes.
Configure intrusion detection
Install AIDE.
Configure AIDE to monitor critical system files.
Configure encrypted storage
Encrypt and decrypt block devices using LUKS.
Configure encrypted storage persistence using NBDE.
Change encrypted storage passphrases.
Restrict USB devices
Install USBGuard.
Write device policy rules with specific criteria to manage devices.
Manage administrative policy and daemon configuration.
Manage system login security using pluggable authentication modules (PAMs)
Configure password quality requirements.
Configure failed login policy.
Modify PAM configuration files and parameters.
Configure system auditing
Write rules to log auditable events.
Enable prepackaged rules.
Produce audit reports.
Configure SELinux
Enable SELinux on a host running a simple application.
Interpret SELinux violations and determine remedial action.
Restrict user activity with SELinux user mappings.
Analyze and correct existing SELinux configurations.
Enforce security compliance
Install OpenSCAP and Workbench.
Use OpenSCAP and Red Hat Insights to scan hosts for security compliance.
Use OpenSCAP Workbench to tailor policy.
Use OpenSCAP Workbench to scan an individual host for security compliance.
Use Red Hat Satellite server to implement an OpenSCAP policy.
Apply OpenSCAP remediation scripts to hosts.
As with all Red Hat performance-based exams, configurations must persist after reboot without intervention.
Preparation
Red Hat encourages all candidates for the Red Hat Certified Specialist in Security: Linux credential to consider taking Red Hat Security: Linux in Physical, Virtual, and Cloud (RH415) to help prepare. Attendance in these classes is not required; students can choose to take just the exam.
While attending Red Hat classes can be an important part of your preparation, attending class does not guarantee success on the exam. Previous experience, practice, and native aptitude are also important determinants of success.
Many books and other resources on system administration for Red Hat products are available. Red Hat does not endorse any of these materials as preparation guides for exams. Nevertheless, you may find additional reading helpful to deepen your understanding.
Exam format
This exam is a performance-based evaluation of skills and knowledge required to secure Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. Candidates work with multiple systems to analyze and implement security measures and are evaluated on whether they have met specific objective criteria. Performance-based testing means that candidates must perform tasks similar to what they perform on the job.
Scores and reporting
Official scores for exams come exclusively from Red Hat Certification Central. Red Hat does not authorize examiners or training partners to report results to candidates directly. Scores on the exam are usually reported within 3 U.S. business days.
Exam results are reported as total scores. Red Hat does not report performance on individual items, nor will it provide additional information upon request.
Exam description
The Red Hat Certified Specialist in Deployment and Systems Management exam (EX403) tests the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to manage large installations of Red Hat® Enterprise Linux® systems using Red Hat Satellite server and related technologies.
By passing this exam, you become a Red Hat Certified Specialist in Deployment and Systems Management, which also counts toward becoming a Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA®).
This exam is based on Red Hat Satellite 6.6.
Audience for this exam
System administrators responsible for managing large enterprise environments
This exam is a performance-based evaluation of systems deployment and management skills and knowledge. You will perform a number of systems administration tasks focused on configuring Red Hat Satellite server and then using that system to deploy client systems. You will be evaluated on whether you have met specific objective criteria. Performance-based testing means that you must perform tasks similar to what you perform on the job.
This exam can also be taken virtually as part of our remote testing format. Find out more about remote exams to see if this is the right choice for you.
The Red Hat Certified Specialist in Identity Management exam (EX362) tests your knowledge, skills, and ability to create, configure, and manage Red Hat® Enterprise Linux authentication services and integrate those services with a variety of Red Hat and non-Red Hat products and technologies.
Review the Red Hat Certified Specialist in Directory Services and Authentication exam objectives
While not required, experience with these products is also recommended:
Red Hat Satellite Server 6.3
Red Hat Ansible Tower
Microsoft Active Directory Server 2016
Study points for the exam
To help you prepare, these exam objectives highlight the task areas you can expect to see covered in the exam. Red Hat reserves the right to add, modify, and remove exam objectives. Such changes will be made public in advance.
You should be able to perform these tasks:
Install Red Hat Identity Management (IdM) in a scalable, fault-tolerant environment
Create users/groups/policies
Install and configure IdM clients
Configure roaming/automounted home directories
Use REST apis to query IdM
Configure Kerberized services
Create trust relationships with Active Directory
Configure/control policies and user access
Configure and manage a certificate authority
Back up an IdM infrastructure
Configure IdM as LDAP backend for external services such as Red Hat Satellite Server or Red Hat Ansible Tower
Implement a SSO
As with all Red Hat performance-based exams, configurations must persist after reboot without intervention.
While attending Red Hat classes can be an important part of one’s preparation to take this exam, attending class does not guarantee success on the exam. Previous experience, practice, and native aptitude are also important determinants of success.
Many books and other resources on system administration for Red Hat’s products are available. Red Hat does not officially endorse any as preparation guides for this exam. Nevertheless, you may find additional reading deepens understanding and can prove helpful.
Exam format
This exam is a performance-based evaluation of skills and knowledge required to configure and manage Red Hat directory services. You perform the configuration and administrative tasks necessary to deploy Red Hat directory services and configure other products to use those services, and you are evaluated on whether they have met specific objective criteria. Performance-based testing means that candidates must perform tasks similar to what they perform on the job.
Scores and reporting
Official scores for exams come exclusively from Red Hat Certification Central. Red Hat does not authorize examiners or training partners to report results to candidates directly. Scores on the exam are usually reported within 3 US business days.
Exam results are reported as total scores. Red Hat does not report performance on individual items, nor will it provide additional information upon request.
Exam description
Prove your skills to analyze for common issues
The performance-based Red Hat Certified Specialist in Linux Diagnostics and Troubleshooting exam (EX342) tests your ability to analyze Red Hat® Enterprise Linux® systems for common issues that may cause degradation or loss of performance and either correct the issues or gather forensic information that can be passed along to a third party.
This exam is based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7.2.
Audience for this exam
The following audiences may be interested in becoming a Red Hat Certified Specialist in Linux Diagnostics and Troubleshooting:
System administrators who manage Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems
System administrators who wish to demonstrate problem solving and analysis skills
A Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) interested in becoming a Red Hat Certified Specialist in Linux Diagnostics and Troubleshooting or a Red Hat Certified Architect
Prerequisites for this exam
Red Hat recommends that candidates for the Red Hat Certified Specialist in Linux Diagnostics and Troubleshooting exam have:
Taken Red Hat Enterprise Linux Diagnostics and Troubleshooting (RH342) or have similar experience troubleshooting Red Hat Enterprise Linux deployments.
Is a Red Hat Certified Engineer or have equivalent systems administration experience.
Study points for the exam
To help you prepare, the exam objectives highlight the task areas you can expect to see covered in the exam. Red Hat reserves the right to add, modify, and remove exam objectives. Such changes will be made public in advance.
Understand and employ general methods for troubleshooting
Collect system information to aid in troubleshooting
Consult documentation resources to aid in troubleshooting
Monitor systems for vital characteristics
Configure systems to send log messages to a centralized host
Diagnose and troubleshoot system start up issues
Identify and resolve service failures affecting boot
Regain root control of a system
Troubleshoot boot issues
Identify hardware and hardware problems
Manage kernel modules and their parameters
Diagnose and troubleshoot file system issues
Recover corrupted file systems
Recover mis-configured or broken LVM configurations
Recover data from encrypted file systems
Identify and fix iSCSI issues
Resolve package management issues
Resolve package management dependency issues
Recover a corrupted RPM database
Identify and restore changed files
Troubleshoot and fix network connectivity issues
Use standard tools to verify network connectivity
Identify and fix network connectivity issues
Inspect network traffic to aid troubleshooting
Diagnose application issues
Identify library dependencies for third-party software
Identify if an application suffers from memory leaks
Use standard tools to debug an application
Identify and fix issues related to SELinux
Identify and fix authentication issues
Identify and fix pluggable authentication module (PAM) issues
Identify and fix LDAP and Kerberos identity management issues
Gather information to aid third party investigation of issues
Create kernel crashdumps
Compile and execute SystemTap modules
Red Hat reserves the right to add, modify, and remove objectives. Such changes will be made public in advance through revisions to this document.
As with all Red Hat performance-based exams, configurations must persist after restart without intervention.
Preparation
Red Hat encourages all candidates for the Red Hat Certified Specialist in Linux Diagnostics and Troubleshooting exam to consider taking the Red Hat Enterprise Linux Diagnostics and Troubleshooting (RH342) course. Although, attendance in this class is not required to take the exam.
While attending Red Hat classes can be an important part of one’s preparation to take this exam, attending class does not guarantee success on the exam. Previous experience, practice, and native aptitude are also important determinants of success.
Many books and other resources on system administration for Red Hat’s products are available. Red Hat does not officially endorse any as preparation guides for its exams. Nevertheless, you may find additional reading deepens understanding and can prove helpful.
Exam format
This exam is a performance-based evaluation of candidates ability to diagnose and fix or otherwise troubleshoot common problems and issues encountered when working with Red Hat Enterprise Linux. Candidates will be required to analyze and in some cases resolve issues with one or more systems and the applications running on them.
Performance-based testing means that candidates must perform tasks similar to what they perform on the job.
This exam consists of one section lasting 4 hours.
Scores and reporting
Official scores for exams come exclusively from Red Hat Certification Central. Red Hat does not authorize examiners or training partners to report results to candidates directly. Scores on the exam are usually reported within 3 U.S. business days.
Exam results are reported as total scores. Red Hat does not report performance on individual items, nor will it provide additional information upon request.
Recommended next exam or course
In preparation to take this expertise exam, Red Hat recommends:
Learn to diagnose problems, gather information, and fix common issues with Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
Exam description
The performance-based Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) exam for Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 (EX294) tests your knowledge and skill in managing multiple systems using Red Hat® Ansible® Engine and executing common system administration tasks across a number of systems with Ansible. The skills tested in this exam are the foundation for system administration across many Red Hat products.
By passing this exam, you become a Red Hat Certified Engineer. An RHCE® is a Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) who is ready to use Ansible and scripting to automate Red Hat® Enterprise Linux® tasks, integrate Red Hat emerging technologies, and apply automation for efficiency and innovation. RHCSA certification is required to earn RHCE certification. If you choose to continue your learning journey beyond RHCE, the credential can also serve as a foundational step on your path toward our highest level of certification—Red Hat Certified Architect.
This exam is based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux® 8 and Red Hat Ansible Engine 2.8.
Audience for this exam
Experienced Red Hat Enterprise Linux system administrators seeking validation of their skills or require a certification either by their organization or based on a mandate (DoD 8570 directive)
As an RHCE exam candidate, you should be able to handle all responsibilities expected of a Red Hat Certified System Administrator, including these tasks:
Be able to perform all tasks expected of a Red Hat Certified System Administrator
Understand and use essential tools
Operate running systems
Configure local storage
Create and configure file systems
Deploy, configure, and maintain systems
Manage users and groups
Manage security
Understand core components of Ansible
Inventories
Modules
Variables
Facts
Plays
Playbooks
Configuration files
Use provided documentation to look up specific information about Ansible modules and commands
Install and configure an Ansible control node
Install required packages
Create a static host inventory file
Create a configuration file
Create and use static inventories to define groups of hosts
Manage parallelism
Configure Ansible managed nodes
Create and distribute SSH keys to managed nodes
Configure privilege escalation on managed nodes
Validate a working configuration using ad hoc Ansible commands
Script administration tasks
Create simple shell scripts
Create simple shell scripts that run ad hoc Ansible commands
Create Ansible plays and playbooks
Know how to work with commonly used Ansible modules
Use variables to retrieve the results of running a command
Use conditionals to control play execution
Configure error handling
Create playbooks to configure systems to a specified state
Use Ansible modules for system administration tasks that work with:
Software packages and repositories
Services
Firewall rules
File systems
Storage devices
File content
Archiving
Scheduled tasks
Security
Users and groups
Work with roles
Create roles
Download roles from an Ansible Galaxy and use them
Use advanced Ansible features
Create and use templates to create customized configuration files
Use Ansible Vault in playbooks to protect sensitive data
As with all Red Hat performance-based exams, configurations must persist after reboot without intervention.
While attending Red Hat classes can be an important part of your preparation, attending class does not guarantee success on the exam. Previous experience, practice, and native aptitude are also important determinants of success.
Many books and other resources on system administration for Red Hat products are available. Red Hat does not endorse any of these materials as preparation guides for exams. Nevertheless, you may find additional reading helpful to deepen your understanding.
Exam format
This hands-on, practical exam requires you to use Red Hat Ansible Engine to perform real-world tasks. You will be provided with multiple systems and will be required to install and configure Ansible Engine and then use it to perform standard system administration tasks similar to what you would do on the job.
You will be required to create Ansible Playbooks and use those playbooks to configure systems for specific roles and behaviors. Your work will be evaluated by applying the playbooks created during the exam against freshly installed systems and verifying that those systems and services work as specified.
During the exam, you will be provided a list of tasks to accomplish related to the exam objectives. In most cases, the tasks will be described in terms of a specific end state that you must achieve. Your exam will be evaluated on whether your systems meet the criteria specified.
Internet access is not provided during the exam, and you will not be permitted to bring any hard copy or electronic documentation into the exam. This prohibition includes notes, books, or any other materials. For most exams, the documentation that ships with the product is available during the exam.
This exam can also be taken virtually as part of our remote testing format. Find out more about remote exams to see if this is the right choice for you.
Scores and reporting
Official scores for exams come exclusively from Red Hat Certification Central. Red Hat does not authorize examiners or training partners to report results to candidates directly. Scores on the exam are usually reported within 3 U.S. business days.
Exam results are reported as total scores. Red Hat does not report performance on individual items, nor will it provide additional information upon request.
Exam description
The performance-based Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) exam (EX200) tests your knowledge in areas of system administration common across a wide range of environments and deployment scenarios. The skills tested in this exam are the foundation for system administration across all Red Hat® products.
By passing this exam, you become a Red Hat Certified System Administrator. If you choose to continue your learning journey beyond RHCSA, the credential can also serve as a foundational step on your path toward our highest level of certification—Red Hat Certified Architect.
This exam is based on Red Hat® Enterprise Linux® 8.2.
Audience for this exam
Experienced Red Hat Enterprise Linux system administrators seeking validation of their skills
RHCSA exam candidates should be able to accomplish the tasks below without assistance. These have been grouped into several categories.Understand and use essential tools
Access a shell prompt and issue commands with correct syntax
Use input-output redirection (>, >>, |, 2>, etc.)
Use grep and regular expressions to analyze text
Access remote systems using SSH
Log in and switch users in multiuser targets
Archive, compress, unpack, and uncompress files using tar, star, gzip, and bzip2
Create and edit text files
Create, delete, copy, and move files and directories
Create hard and soft links
List, set, and change standard ugo/rwx permissions
Locate, read, and use system documentation including man, info, and files in /usr/share/doc
While attending Red Hat classes can be an important part of your preparation, attending class does not guarantee success on the exam. Previous experience, practice, and native aptitude are also important determinants of success.
Many books and other resources on system administration for Red Hat products are available. Red Hat does not endorse any of these materials as preparation guides for exams. Nevertheless, you may find additional reading helpful to deepen your understanding.
Exam format
The Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) exam is a hands-on, practical exam that requires you to undertake real-world tasks. Internet access is not provided during the in-person exam, and you will not be permitted to bring any hard copy or electronic documentation into the exam. This prohibition includes notes, books, or any other materials. For most exams, the documentation that ships with the product is available during the exam.
This exam can also be taken virtually as part of our remote testing format. Find out more about remote exams to see if this is the right choice for you.
Scores and reporting
Official scores for exams come exclusively from Red Hat Certification Central. Red Hat does not authorize examiners or training partners to report results to candidates directly. Scores on the exam are usually reported within 3 U.S. business days.
Exam results are reported as section scores. Red Hat does not report performance on individual items, nor will it provide additional information upon request.
Exam description The Red Hat Certified Specialist in Security: Linux exam validates your knowledge and abilities in securing Red Hat® Enterprise Linux®. By...
Exam description The Red Hat Certified Specialist in Deployment and Systems Management exam (EX403) tests the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to manage...
Exam description The Red Hat Certified Specialist in Identity Management exam (EX362) tests your knowledge, skills, and ability to create, configure, and...
Exam description Prove your skills to analyze for common issues The performance-based Red Hat Certified Specialist in Linux Diagnostics and Troubleshooting...
Exam description The performance-based Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) exam for Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 (EX294) tests your knowledge and skill in managing...
Exam description The performance-based Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) exam (EX200) tests your knowledge in areas of system administration...