Linux Professional Institute (LPI)

Linux Essentials

The entry point to the LPI program. The certificate confirms basic knowledge of Linux, open source software and the command line, and is a good preparation for LPIC-1.

Matching training How to take the exam
Exam
010-160
Scope
60 min, 40 questions
Validity
Lifetime
Prerequisite
None
Where
Test center or online

Your path in the Linux programme

  1. you are here Linux Essentials
  2. no prerequisite LPIC-1 Linux Administrator
  3. requires LPIC-1 LPIC-2 Linux Engineer
  4. requires LPIC-2 LPIC-3 4 specialisations
skills

What you can do with Linux Essentials

  • Understand free and open source software, its communities and licenses
  • Compare open source applications at work with proprietary alternatives
  • Understand hardware, processes, programs and the components of a Linux system
  • Work with files on the command line
  • Create and restore compressed archives and backups
  • Manage users, groups and file permissions and apply the basics of system security
  • Write and run simple scripts
exam

One exam, 5 topics

010010-160

  • The Linux community and a career in open source
  • Finding your way on a Linux system
  • The power of the command line
  • The Linux operating system
  • Security and file permissions

Current version 1.6. Exam languages include German and English, at a test center and online. According to LPI, version 2.0 is due in mid-October 2026.

process

How to get Linux Essentials

  1. Review the objectives. They define what the exam covers.
  2. Prepare. With a course at one of our partners or through self-study.
  3. Book the exam. Directly with Pearson VUE. Many training partners also offer the exam at the end of the course, and at schools and universities that are Academic Partners, students take it at reduced rates.
  4. Take the exam. At a test centre or online from home.
trainings

Training for preparation

There is currently no course for Linux Essentials.

Ask us: we will check with our training partners what is possible.

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Information according to lpi.org, as of October 2026. Linux Essentials is a trademark of Linux Professional Institute.