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CompTIA Linux+ – Passed LX0-101: CompTIA Linux+ Exam 1 and LX0-102: CompTIA Linux+ Exam 2 Today

I passed the 2 CompTIA Linux+ exams today.  These are the new 2010 tests, and are titled “Powered by LPI”.  Make sure that when you buy test prep materials, that the book, tests, or whatever are for “Powered by LPI” tests, not the old ones.  Most books and practice tests on the market are stale and haven’t been updated yet for the new exams.  (The Linux Professional Institute partnered with CompTIA and developed the test content.)

Linux+

Both tests were pretty straight forward.  CompTIA says: “CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI is a high-stakes, vendor-neutral certification that validates the fundamental knowledge and skills required of junior Linux administrators.”

I studied for about 3 months.  I used the book CompTIA Linux+ Complete Study Guide (Exams LX0-101 and LX0-102) by Roderick W. Smith, ISBN: 978-0470888452 to study with (which comes with pretty good practice tests included).  Note that this is one of the few books (maybe the only one) currently on the market that is for the “Powered by LPI” new style tests.  I bought the Kaplan Self Test practice exams for both exams.  The actual tests were sort of like the practice exams.  The real tests were harder.  Each is 60 questions, both multiple choice and fill in the blank, and you have 90 minutes for each.

Interestingly, if you want Linux certifications, getting CompTIA Linux+ also immediately qualifies you for the Linux Professional Institute’s LPIC-1 certification, as well as Novell’s Certified Linux Administrator (CLA). Take 2 tests, get 3 certifications!

Cuesta College, where I am a part time instructor, is a CompTIA Education to Careers (E2C) member.  I bought the test vouchers using Cuesta’s E2C discount.  This was an interesting (laborious) process, which I might blog about one day.  I paid $136 for each test as an E2C member (retail price is $173 each, 21% discount.)  Note that E2C members DO NOT use the CompTIA store to buy vouchers, there is a separate manual process.

At the start of each test, CompTIA asks you, the test taker, if you want the score report forwarded to LPI to count towards their LPIC-1 certification.  I checked yes on both.  LPI got my scores almost immediately, and then automatically granted me LPIC-1, easy!

greg.porter

37 Comments

  1. Hi Greg,

    Today I also passed my second Linux+ powered by LPI exam, did you find out any more about how to get LPI or Novell Certifications?

    Can you let me know the process?

    Regards

    Richard

  2. Yes indeed, I got LPIC-1 (and Novell CLA and Novell DCTS) based on passing the Linux+. I blogged about each step along the way. They are separate posts, though, so I now see why it may be a bit confusing. Here’s a summary of the process:
    1. Register at LPI. Get a LPI number.
    2. Take the CompTIA Linux+ exams. At the beginning of each test, the test engine will ask if you want your scores forwarded to LPI. Say yes.
    3. Wait a few days for the scores to hit CompTIA. You’ll get a certificate in email.
    4. Wait a few days for the scores to hit LPI. You get a certificate in email.
    5. Once you are LPIC-1, forward the scores to Novell. Wait a few days. You’ll get both Novell CLA and Novell DCTS.
    6. Profit! (Had to say it, sorry.) 🙂

    So that’s four (!) certifications (Linux+, LPIC-1, CLA, DCTS) based on just passing Linux+! Good luck!

  3. @greg.porter Thanks for the reply, I will keep you updated, your help is most appreciated. Thanks you so so much 🙂

  4. Hi Greg

    Just to let you know i followed the process and have received my 4 certs as well!

    Thanks for the walkthrough this has been really helpful.

    Kind Regards

    Richard

  5. Taking LX-101 tomorrow and LX-102 on Saturday (October 10th and 14th, 2011 – both at noon). Wish me luck!

  6. Hi Greg,

    Just wanna ask if you have any more material that you used for this certification? I like video training materials and wonder if you might have any suggestions?

    Thanks for all your other info.

  7. I usually use the “big fat book” method, but if you find a good video series, let us know!

  8. It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d definitely donate to this outstanding blog! I suppose for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to new updates and will share this site with my Facebook group. Chat soon!

  9. Howsit okes, I’m commenting all the way from South Africa. I’m not one for books (my preference) and have been following Trainsignal’s Comptia Linux+ video tutorials. These guys are amazing.

    Going to write the first exam mid next month and will ace it no problems. Just as an insurance policy, I have a mock test which i will go over once I complete the course.

    Is what you say about the dual certifications correct?

  10. It’s been a while since I did, but I personally did it, and other readers report they did it, so as long as the vendors continue to cooperate with their interlocking agreements, it should still be valid.

    Good luck!

    (Note I got 4 certs from the one test, Linux+ which leads to LPI LPIC-1 -> Novell CLA -> Novell DCTS)

  11. Hi Greg, I would like to know if the examen of Linux+ is it difficult. I’m working on Linux system been 7 years.

    Thank you for your response.
    Best regards

  12. I don’t think it was “hard”, especially if you have Linux experience. I do think it would be worthwhile to get a book specifically for the test and go through it. I find, for me, that my job has me work on certain areas and I become good at them, but other areas I perhaps do less frequently and need some refresher. Good luck!

  13. I would like to know if i would receive soft copies of the LPIC and CompTIA certificates or i would get the actual printed copies hipped to me

  14. Hmm. It’s been a while now. If I recall correctly, I got hardcopy from LPIC, but CompTIA was a PDF.

  15. Can anyone suggest a really good book to study for the Comptia Linux+ exam? Every book I’ve viewed on Amazon has gotten really awful reviews from buyers. Most say books don’t really prepare you for exam.

  16. No… The book that I used and I blogged about seemed a bit rushed perhaps – and a bit stale. It’s been a couple of years since I studied for the exam, so maybe a reader can suggest a different book that’s come out since.

  17. Hi Greg,

    I passed Linux+ and LPI also accepted my status pass in their candidate area. But I cannot find any download link for pdf certificate. Please let me know do they give only hard copy of certificate?

    Thanking you for the info.
    KZY

  18. Hi Greg,

    Firstly, Wonderful Blog and very useful. I was thinking of taking up the LPIC-1 Certification exams and after reading your blog I am thinking I should take the Comptia Linux+ route 🙂 Thanks you for the information!!!
    I am starting to prepare for these exams and would like to know If the Comptia Linux+ Book a good one to start with?
    Would you recommend any other good material and practice tests?
    https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Linux-Complete-LX0-101-LX0-102/dp/0470888458/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1288293012&sr=8-1

  19. Hello,
    I have been using linux for a few years at home and would really like to move my IT career into Linux Administration. I have been looking at the Red Hat exams and the Linux+ and was wondering if one would be better than the other starting out?

  20. Hi Grag, Thanks for the great work and passing the exams. I am due to take LX 101 & 102 exams end of this month and there is one thing I am not sure about is when answering to the interactive questions. How do you determine whether to answer them in lower or upper case? Or do you answer them as they are on the real LINUX system. I would appreciate any feedback on this. Regards, Pezza.

  21. Hi Vijay,Have you passed your exams yet? I am due to take LX 101 & 102 exams end of this month and there is one thing I am not sure about is when answering to the interactive questions. How do you determine whether to answer them in lower or upper case? Or do you answer them as they are on the real LINUX system. I would appreciate any feedback on this. Regards, Pezza.

  22. information provided is more helpful.al like to ask for more information regarding Linux and wat are the advantages of one having the certification.

  23. If you are trying to get a Linux related job, certifications help catch the eyes of recruiters.

  24. Hello Greg,

    As far as the fill-in-the blank, what’s the format for answering? For example, if the answer to a certain question was the number 4, would you answer it by entering in 4, or Four, or both (4,FOUR). Would you get the question wrong if you answered with both answers?

  25. I have almost finished the same book you mentioned and looking to book the exam. I can’t believe you have to pay for TWO exams. Pretty pricey doing just one exam. But I have worked my way through the book so might as well take exam now.

  26. Hi Greg, thanks for this wonderful discussion. Well I am planning to take my Comptia linux+ by the end of this month.. But I have some doubts..
    There are two exams to be taken to get the certification.. My question is, whether there is some limit to the gap we can have in between these two exams? Like can I write lx0-101 this month, and lx0-102 after two months?
    And secondly, the price mentioned for the certification is $170, does this include both the exams? And finally, what is the difference between vouchers and paying normally for each certification?
    Thanks in advance!

  27. @greg.porter
    I am using the Linux Academy webinars (this is suggested on the Comptia site) and it has been amazing. Just what I needed to get me prepared. Taking LX101 at the end of Febuary. Then LX102 by end of March. Not trying to hurry this one as you can see. 🙂

  28. @greg.porter

    Hello

    Is there a place where i can find all study material for Comptia A+ Linux exames? LX0-101 and LX0-102 ?

    Thank you
    Best regards

  29. Good morning Greg,

    I followed your instructions but I only got Novell CLA, not the other DCTS, am I missing something?

    Thanks

  30. I’m currently studying Linux+ study guide exam LXO-101
    LXO-102
    I’m writing my exam in February, any exam preparation websites I could use?

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