UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers

I have been working with UNIX (HP-UX) now for a couple of years. Have become quite capable in shell scripting and general UNIX use. The local university offers a certification course in UNIX administration which I am considering taking. However, the certification is geared toward UNIX in general and not any one flavor. We would be working with Red Hat 7.2. After each course there is a qualifying exam before you can move on through the program. The final exam is to build a unix server (to a specification sheet that is supplied). Once built, the admin introduces a series of issues/problems that you must successfully fix. The entire final exam is 4 hours in length.

Seeking feedback. What are the pro's and con's of general certification? Any pitfalls to watch for? Is a general unix certifcation widely accepted?

To qualify this: I want to take the classes as a foundation to sysadmin, not just to say "Hey, look at me, I am certified". Also, have some background in C-programming. This will serve as the launching pad to move in a different career path

thanks to all who respond.

I am also an HPUX admin. It sounds to me like you know what you are doing.

Anytime you can gain additional knowledge regarding UNIX I would take it. I started out with no degree and recieved my AAS degree in UNIX. I have taken a separate Unix Cert course at the local Junior College.

It sounds like this is a very good course and Linux is becoming more popular. All the next versions of the Cell-based Superdomes and Keystones from HP will fully support LINUX OS.

You have the right attitude regarding CERTs. They are nice to have but I wouldn't rely on them getting you a job or promotion. However, for 2 people with the SAME experience, that might tip the scales in your favor.

Where did you get the AAS in Unix? I know that Richland in DCCCD offers AAS/Unix but I was not aware of any other place in the DFW that did.

At Brookhaven, So far as I knew it was offered at all 7 campuses.

It was actually called CIT: Programmer/Developer degree. There was a CERT degree 40+ hrs offered at North Lake which I took, but I am not sure they still offer it.


I had thought about taking the HPUX Cert test, but I have been too busy to study for it.

Sorry I missed the meeting last Thursday. I have been very busy at work since May and until the end of August. Lots of fun!!

Is it expensive to obtain an HP-UX cert? I have been debating the same thing but really sure where to begin.

How did you like the training at the junior college? The reason that I ask is that I spent the big bucks for the SMU Unix certification and don't feel that I got my money's worth based upon what I spent.

If the local junior college provides good education, I would recommend it over the more expensive training options (in my case, SMU SEAS Training)

Ain't no big thing. It was an interesting discussion that Eric S. Raymond gave.

courses are 375.00 for the first two and the troubleshooting class, 675.00 for the others

intro class ( i tested out and didnt have to pay full tuition)
unix tools/utilities class (also may test out of this one)
sys admin 1
sys admin 2
DNS Course - learning BIND
Perl Course (elective)
Shell Scripting1 (elective)
Shell Scripting2 (elective)
unix networking
unix security
unix firewalls
NT-Integration
unix troubleshooting (elective)