Getting started
Linux Professional Institute (LPI) offers a comprehensive suite of certificate and certification programs designed to confirm technical competence, and to help people get jobs or explore business opportunities.
Step 1: Discover which certification is the best for you
LPI is committed to providing the IT community with exams of the highest quality, relevance, and accuracy. This commitment requires that our exam development process is highly detailed, participatory, consultative and employs many of the proven techniques used by most other IT certification programs.
Review the overview of LPI certificate and certification programs to determine the appropriate path right for you.
Step 2: Discover the exam objectives
Each exam has its own detailed list of objectives which will let you know what to expect on the exam. Review the objectives in order to help you create a study plan.
Essentials
Linux Essentials: 010
Security Essentials: 020
Web Development Essentials: 030
Linux Professional
LPIC-1: Exams 101, 102
LPIC-2: Exams 201, 202
LPIC-3 Mixed Environment: 300
LPIC-3 Security: 303
LPIC-3 Virtualization and Containerization: 305
LPIC-3 High Availability and Storage Clusters: 306
Open Technology
DevOps Tools Engineer: 701
BSD Specialist: 702
Step 3: Prepare for your exam
If you’ve reviewed the exam objectives and feel you’re ready, proceed to Step 4 below.
Studying on your own? Check out the Learning Materials website
Looking for training? There’s a network of training partners who can help
Step 4: Register for an LPI ID
Before taking your first exam, you must create an account and obtain an LPI ID.
Registration is easy and is done on this page.
Step 5: Schedule your exam
Exams are delivered by Pearson VUE in-person at a testing centre or online via their OnVUE testing platform. Alternatively, you can write a paper-based exam at many open source conferences and events. Click here to see upcoming events.
Follow these steps to schedule your online or in-person exam with Pearson VUE:
Step 6: What to expect after your exam
Immediately following your exam, Pearson VUE will provide you with a score report. LPI will receive your exam results within 24 hours, and if all of the requirements are met, your certification will be issued.
Your certificate will be available for download as a PDF from your lpi.org account. For Linux Professional and Open Technology certifications, a physical certificate and ID card will arrive in the mail in 6-8 weeks. Please note that physical certificates are not issued for the Essentials track.
You will receive a unique verification URL that you may share to demonstrate your certification status. Alternatively, you can manually provide your LPI ID and verification code to anyone to use on our certification verification page.
Once you’ve achieved a professional level certification (Linux Professional or Open Technology), you’re eligible to become an official Linux Professional Institute member. Learn more about the membership program here.
More information
Still have questions? Check the FAQs or contact us.