Getting certified in Redhat, particularly through the EX200 exam, can significantly elevate your career. Redhat’s enterprise solutions are widely used across many industries, and earning the EX200 certification shows employers that you possess the essential skills to work with Redhat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) systems. It’s a hands-on exam that tests practical skills, and that means the EX200 certification is highly respected by organizations relying on Linux environments. In this article, we’ll explore the job roles you can expect to step into after completing the certification and the earning potential associated with each.
What Is the Redhat EX200 Certification and Why Is It Important?
The Redhat EX200 certification, officially known as the Redhat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) exam, is for IT professionals who want to validate their ability to work with Redhat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). The exam focuses on foundational system administration tasks such as managing users, securing files, configuring networks, and troubleshooting system issues.
For anyone looking to prove their skills in managing Linux systems, this certification serves as a solid foundation. It’s often considered a necessary qualification for those seeking to specialize in IT infrastructure and administration. Moreover, the demand for Linux systems administrators continues to rise as more companies transition to open-source solutions, making the EX200 certification an incredibly valuable asset.
What Job Roles Open Up After the Redhat EX200 Certification?
Linux System Administrator: The Natural Step
By far, one of the most common roles for those who pass the Redhat EX200 exam is Linux System Administrator. These professionals are responsible for installing, configuring, and maintaining Linux-based systems. As a Linux System Administrator, your day-to-day tasks will involve managing servers, configuring network settings, and ensuring that your systems are secure and efficient.
What’s great about this role is that it gives you the chance to work with many different tools, environments, and technologies. Since Linux is one of the most popular operating systems, especially in enterprise environments, this role is in demand, providing excellent career opportunities.
Salary Expectations:
Typically, Linux System Administrators with the EX200 certification can expect to earn between $55,000 and $75,000 annually. This may increase with experience or if you’re working in higher-cost areas like Silicon Valley or New York City.
DevOps Engineer: Merging Development and Operations
If you’re interested in combining development with system administration, a role as a DevOps Engineer could be a great option. DevOps engineers focus on automating and optimizing the processes between software development and IT operations, which often involves configuring and maintaining the infrastructure necessary for development teams to work efficiently.
The EX200 certification is especially useful in this role because it ensures you have a solid understanding of Linux systems, which is crucial for automating workflows, managing servers, and scaling infrastructure. Working with tools like Docker, Kubernetes, and continuous integration/deployment systems (CI/CD) will be a big part of your day-to-day activities.
Salary Expectations:
DevOps Engineers with the EX200 certification can earn anywhere between $80,000 to $120,000 per year, depending on experience and location. For those who work in larger companies or high-tech industries, the salary could go well beyond this range.
Cloud Systems Administrator: The Rise of Cloud Technology
Cloud computing is one of the fastest-growing fields in IT, and Linux is the backbone of many cloud services. Many organizations are moving to the cloud for better scalability, performance, and cost efficiency. This shift has led to a rise in demand for Cloud Systems Administrators.
A Cloud Systems Administrator manages the cloud infrastructure and ensures everything runs smoothly. Your EX200 certification will help you understand the underlying Linux systems that power cloud environments like AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure.
Salary Expectations:
Cloud administrators typically make between $70,000 and $100,000 annually. However, if you specialize in cloud technologies like AWS or Azure, you could see even higher salaries, particularly in larger tech companies.
IT Support Engineer: Solving Problems with Redhat
An IT Support Engineer focuses on providing technical assistance and troubleshooting support for users experiencing issues with Linux-based systems. If you enjoy helping others, this might be a role that aligns with your interests. The EX200 certification proves that you have the skills to diagnose issues with Redhat-based systems, making you a go-to person for solving system problems.
Salary Expectations:
IT Support Engineers usually make around $45,000 to $65,000 per year, though this can increase with experience and specialization.
IT Consultant: Advising and Implementing Linux Solutions
As an IT Consultant, you’ll leverage your Redhat expertise to advise businesses on how to implement and maintain Linux systems. Consultants typically work for consulting firms or as independent contractors, working on short-term projects with various clients. With your EX200 certification, you’ll have the practical knowledge to assess an organization’s infrastructure and recommend solutions that meet its needs.
Salary Expectations:
IT Consultants earn anywhere from $70,000 to $110,000 annually. If you specialize in a specific area or work with large corporations, this figure can be even higher.
How Much Can You Earn After Getting the Redhat EX200 Certification?
The Redhat EX200 certification is highly respected, and as such, it often translates into a significant salary boost. With roles ranging from Linux System Administrator to DevOps Engineer and Cloud Systems Administrator, the opportunities are diverse. To give you a clear picture:
- Linux System Administrators: Typically earn between $55,000 to $75,000, but with experience and additional skills, this figure can rise significantly.
- DevOps Engineers: Earn between $80,000 and $120,000, with more potential as you specialize.
- Cloud Systems Administrators: Average salaries range from $70,000 to $100,000 annually.
- IT Support Engineers: The average salary is around $45,000 to $65,000.
- IT Consultants: Expect to earn $70,000 to $110,000, depending on your experience and specialization.
These figures can vary greatly depending on factors like location, the industry you’re working in, and your level of experience. Obtaining the EX200 certification can provide an excellent return on investment, particularly when you specialize and gain hands-on experience.
How to Prepare for the Redhat EX200 Exam
Understanding Exam Objectives
To pass the EX200 exam, it’s crucial to understand the exam objectives. Redhat publishes detailed guidelines on what’s expected, including tasks like managing user accounts, configuring networking, troubleshooting issues, and securing the system. These topics cover a wide range of practical skills, so you’ll need to ensure you’re comfortable with each of them before taking the exam.
Hands-on Practice: The Key to Success
The EX200 exam is performance-based, meaning that you’ll be asked to complete tasks on a live system. The best way to prepare is through hands-on practice. Set up a Redhat Enterprise Linux environment, either on a virtual machine or through cloud-based platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS). Practice tasks like configuring network settings, setting up users, and troubleshooting common system issues.
Use Redhat’s Official Study Materials
Redhat offers comprehensive study materials, including books, practice exams, and training courses. The Redhat System Administration (RH124 & RH134) courses, in particular, are designed to prepare you for the EX200 exam by covering all the essential topics in detail.
Enroll in Online Courses
If you prefer structured learning, consider enrolling in online courses. Websites like Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, and Linux Academy offer dedicated courses designed to prepare you for the EX200 exam. These courses typically include video lessons, quizzes, and hands-on labs.
Join Study Groups and Forums
Being part of study groups or online communities can greatly enhance your preparation. Forums like Stack Overflow, Reddit, or even specialized Linux forums can help you troubleshoot tricky topics, share tips, and get advice from others who’ve already passed the exam.
Take Practice Tests
Before you sit for the exam, take as many practice tests as possible. These mock exams will help you become familiar with the format of the questions and identify areas where you may need more practice. Cert Empire offers a set of practice exams on its website.
The Career Path After Redhat EX200 Certification
Advancing to Senior Roles: More Responsibility, More Pay
Once you’ve gained some experience with the EX200 certification, you can start moving up the career ladder. For example, a Linux System Administrator can eventually move up to a Senior System Administrator or even Lead Systems Engineer role. These roles involve more responsibility, such as overseeing larger teams, handling critical systems, and managing high-profile projects.
Specializing in Cloud or DevOps
If you’re interested in the cloud or DevOps space, you can use the EX200 certification as a stepping stone. Redhat certifications such as RHCE (Redhat Certified Engineer) or even RHCA (Redhat Certified Architect) will help you specialize and command higher salaries. Cloud-based roles, especially those involving AWS or Azure, are among the most lucrative paths you can take with Redhat expertise.
FAQs About Redhat EX200 Certification
- Is Redhat EX200 suitable for beginners?
Yes! While the exam requires technical knowledge of Linux systems, beginners can pass the EX200 with enough preparation, especially if they focus on hands-on experience. - How much does the Redhat EX200 certification cost?
The cost of the EX200 exam varies, but it typically ranges from $400 to $800, depending on your location and whether you choose any supplementary study resources. - What is the passing score for the EX200 exam?
The passing score for the EX200 exam is 210 out of 300 points. You have 2.5 hours to complete the exam, which consists of practical, hands-on tasks. - How long is the Redhat EX200 certification valid?
The EX200 certification is valid for 3 years. After that, you’ll need to recertify by taking the current version of the exam or completing additional certification requirements.
The Redhat EX200 certification is more than just an exam—it’s a ticket to a thriving career in system administration, DevOps, cloud computing, and much more. As the demand for Linux professionals continues to grow, the EX200 certification positions you as a valuable asset in the IT job market. Whether you’re a beginner or already have experience in the IT field, this certification opens up a wealth of opportunities, better salary prospects, and career growth.
