The Linux Professional Institute (LPI), a Linux certification organization, announced during Ohio LinuxFest 2012 in Columbus, Ohio, that LPI’s Linux Essentials program measuring foundational knowledge in Linux and open source software is now available in North America. Linux Essentials was initially released as a pilot program in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, but has now expanded to North America.
“Jobs for those with knowledge of Linux and open source software are available now. This is due in part to Big Data and the cloud, both built on open source infrastructure. This rapidly growing IT sector doesn’t just require those with hard technology skills but also needs to fill a wide variety of job roles that have a basic understanding and literacy around the open source ecosystem,” says Jim Lacey, president and CEO of LPI. “LPI’s Linux Essentials program will enable the digital generation to acquire the basic skills necessary to earn those all-important entry-level positions for their future career in IT.” Lacey adds that training centers and academic organizations interested in becoming Linux Essentials’ testing centers should contact LPI at info@lpi.org or 916-357-6625.
Targeted at new technology users, the Linux Essentials program is being adopted by schools, educational authorities, training centers, and others in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
The Linux Essentials program has been under development by LPI for approximately two years and includes the participation of qualification authorities, academic partners, private trainers, publishers, government organizations, volunteer IT professionals, and Linux and open source experts. The single Linux Essentials’ exam leads to a “Certificate of Achievement” recognizing knowledge of the following:
- The Linux Community and a Career in Open Source
- Popular Operating Systems and Major Open Source Applications
- Understanding Open Source Software and Licensing
- Linux Command Line Basics, Files and Scripts
Program elements also include:
- Regional links to employment and apprenticeship programs available to youth in Linux and Open Source careers
- Support for skills competitions such as Worldskills International http://www.worldskills.org/
- Support for teacher collaboration and sharing of learning exercises for the Linux Essentials’ knowledge base
- Commitments from major IT courseware and content publishers on exam preparatory resources
- A “low-stakes” exam available online either through LPI or partner internet-based testing (IBT) A PDF “Certificate of Achievement”
It will cost the equivalent of US $85 at private testing/training centers and $65 at academic partners through IBT.
A full description of Linux Essentials is available at http://www.lpi.org/linuxessentials
Individuals and organizations interested in participating in the Linux Essentials program may email LPI at: innovation@lpi.org
The North American launch of Linux Essentials was made by Medina Dupuis, LPI Project Manager during her presentation “Bringing Linux Essentials to the Classroom” at OLF’s Open Source Solutions Stage http://ohiolinux.org/osss#LPI
During Ohio LinuxFest, LPI also offered the Linux Essentials’ exam for the first time in North America and presented on the subject of “Catching the Wave of Open Source Careers” during OLF’s Career Track. For more information see http://www.lpi.org/news/lpi-hosts-exam-labs-ohio-linuxfest-2012
