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
010-200
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

  • Classify Linux distributions by family and release model
  • Understand free software, licensing and digital sovereignty
  • Work with files, directories and documentation on the command line
  • Process text with redirections, pipes and regular expressions, write simple shell scripts
  • Manage services with systemctl and read logs with journalctl
  • Check the network with ip and resolvectl, work and transfer files via SSH
  • Manage users, groups and file permissions
exam

Exam topics

  • The Linux operating system and open source software18 %
  • Command line basics22 %
  • Data processing22 %
  • Linux system administration basics20 %
  • Security and file system permissions18 %

Share of each topic in the exam according to LPI.

Current version 2.0 (exam 010-200), released on October 15, 2026. The exam is initially available in English; German and other languages will follow. Version 1.6 (exam 010-160) remains available in each language for six months after the respective 2.0 translation is released; its objectives are linked below.

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.

Request training All Linux courses

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