Linux Professional Institute (LPI)

Open Source Essentials

The entry-level certificate on free and open source software. It is aimed at everyone who deals with open source at work, including outside IT, for example in management or law.

Matching training How to take the exam
Exam
050-100
Scope
60 min, 40 questions
Validity
Unbegrenzt
Prerequisite
None
Where
Via Pearson VUE

The Essentials certificates

  1. no prerequisite Linux Essentials
  2. you are here Open Source Essentials
  3. no prerequisite Security Essentials
  4. no prerequisite Web Development Essentials

Independent entry points without prerequisites and without a fixed order. If you want to use Linux professionally, continue with LPIC-1.

skills

What you can do with Open Source Essentials

  • Understand the basics of free and open source software, including software and content licenses
  • Understand how software is developed in open source projects
  • Know common open source business models and collaboration tools
  • Bring your professional skills to open source projects
  • Contribute to open source communities and organizations with confidence
exam

One exam, 6 topics

050050-100

  • Software fundamentals
  • Open source software licensing
  • Open content licensing
  • Open source business models
  • Project management
  • Collaboration and communication

Current version 1.0. LPI’s free learning materials are available in English, Spanish and Hungarian.

process

How to get Open Source 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 Open Source Essentials.

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

Request training All Linux courses

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