Frequently asked questions

LPI is the world's first and largest vendor-neutral certification body for Linux and open source. It supports professionals with certifications and resources and promotes the understanding of open source technologies.

oscert represents LPI as LPI Platinum Channel Partner Europe and runs the LPI partner programs. oscert is also the Python Institute's channel partner for the DACH region and supports the Linux Foundation in business development for EMEA.

• About us

Since 2022, LPI answers these questions directly. Write to info@lpi.org and include your LPI ID.

• info@lpi.org

A certification proves your Linux skills, helps you show your value to employers and clients, and supports your career planning. Certified professionals can also contribute to standards and exams.

LPI exams are vendor-independent and distribution-neutral. Vendor programs such as those of Red Hat or SUSE only cover their own distribution.

No, all versions are recognized equally. After an update, the previous version remains available for another six months.

Scores range from 200 to 800, and 500 is a pass. How many correct answers you need depends on the combination of questions. The pass mark is based on psychometric studies.

Multiple-choice exams are an established standard and can be evaluated statistically. LPI develops its exams according to psychometric principles together with experts from the community and checks their reliability on an ongoing basis.

• More at LPI

Linux Essentials: one exam. LPIC-1: 101 and 102. LPIC-2: 201 and 202. LPIC-3: one specialty exam, 300, 303, 305 or 306. DevOps Tools Engineer: 701. BSD Specialist: 702.

• All certifications

According to the LPI price list, Linux Essentials costs €110 and each exam for LPIC-1, LPIC-2, LPIC-3, DevOps Tools Engineer and BSD Specialist costs €176, plus VAT. Prices may vary by region, and some test centers charge additional fees.

It is cheaper at events and, for pupils and students, through the Academic Partner program.

• Events
• Academic Partner

At Pearson VUE test centers worldwide. You can find a test center near you on the Pearson VUE website.

• Find a test center

Linux Essentials: 40 questions in 60 minutes. Exams of the LPIC series and the Open Technology Track: 60 questions in 90 minutes. There are multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions.

LPIC certifications and those of the Open Technology Track remain active for five years. Linux Essentials does not expire.

A single passed exam also remains valid for five years. For LPIC-2 you must pass both exams while your LPIC-1 is active.

Employers verify your status on the LPI website with your LPI ID and your verification code. You will find the code in your profile after logging in.

• Verify a certification

Yes, you can download a PDF copy in your account on lpi.org. The printed certificate is sent by post and may take six to eight weeks. Keep your postal address in your profile up to date.

No. As long as the certifications below it are active, you only take the exams of the higher level.

A higher LPIC level recertifies all levels below it: they remain active for five years from that date. If you do not recertify, you will have to earn the current and all lower certifications again when you reactivate later.

No. You recertify a specialty only with the same exam. Another specialty keeps LPIC-3 active, but does not extend the first one.

No. Both belong to the Open Technology Track. They do not extend any LPIC certification and do not replace an LPIC level.

None. For DevOps Tools Engineer, LPI recommends Linux skills at LPIC-1 level and basic knowledge of software development in at least one programming language. For BSD Specialist, the exam objectives serve as a study guide.

The BSD Certification Group merged into LPI at the end of 2017. LPI then founded a BSD Advisory Committee and developed the BSD Specialist certification.

The OpenEDG Python Institute certifies in levels: PCEP for entry level, PCAP for associate level and PCPP1 for professionals. Each level is one exam. PCEP and PCAP are valid for five years, PCPP1 does not expire.

• Python certifications

No. PCEP is recommended but not required. For PCPP1, the Python Institute recommends PCAP.

oscert is the Python Institute's channel partner for the DACH region. There is a separate phone line for Python: +49 561 80700-51.

• Contact

The Linux Foundation and the CNCF offer KCNA and KCSA for entry level as well as CKA, CKAD and CKS for administration, development and security. Each certification is one exam and is valid for two years.

• Kubernetes certifications

There is no fixed sequence of levels, choose according to your role. Only the CKS requires a passed CKA.

Academic Partner for schools, universities and non-profit educational institutions, Training Partner for training providers with LPI-certified trainers, and Solution Provider for companies working with open source.

• Partner programs

There is no partner fee for Academic Partners and Training Partners. The Solution Provider contract is concluded directly with LPI.

The discount on LPI exams depends on the partner level: 5 % for Silver, 10 % for Gold and 20 % for Platinum. The level depends on the number of exams per year.

• Conditions