LPIC 1 vs Linux+: Where to Start

Not sure whether to pursue Linux+ or LPIC-1? Learn what each certification covers and how they compare across domains, career goals, and global recognition.

If you're ready to pursue a specialization, several key Linux certifications can help you validate your knowledge. While some exams are tailored to vendor-specific distributions, Red Hat certifications being the most notable, two stand out in the vendor-neutral, entry-level space: CompTIA Linux+ and Linux Professional Institute (LPI) LPIC-1.

Until April 2019, CompTIA and the LPI had a partnership that guaranteed LPIC-1 certification to anyone who passed CompTIA's Linux+ exam. CompTIA's reasoning and the LPI's explanation diverge on a few details of their breakup, but that's not entirely the point here.

So, which certification should you pursue? Is Linux+ or LPIC-1 right for you?

What is Linux+ (V8) and What Does it Cover? 

According to CompTIA, its updated Linux+ certification exam targets IT pros who use or will use Linux to manage everything from cars and smartphones to servers and supercomputers. It will also help candidates who work in enterprise environments that use Linux. Here are the five main domains on the exam: 

• System Management (23%): Covers Linux fundamentals like the boot process, kernel, filesystems, and device and storage management. You'll also configure networks, work in the shell, manage backups, and explore the basics of virtualization.

• Services & User Management (20%): Focuses on file permissions, account management, process control, and software packages. You'll also manage system services, logs, and containers.

• Security (18%): Tackles authentication, firewalls, OS hardening, account security policies, cryptography, and compliance scanning.

• Automation, Orchestration & Scripting (17%): Covers task automation with tools like Ansible, shell, and Python scripting, Git version control, and responsible use of AI code generation.

• Troubleshooting (22%): Tests your ability to monitor system health, diagnose hardware and storage issues, resolve networking problems, fix security misconfigurations, and optimize performance.

What are the Benefits of Linux+ Certification? 

If you're in the early stages of your system admin career and want to establish a solid foundation for working in Linux environments, Linux+ is a great option. Its distro-neutral nature means that it can be used with any Linux system, making you a valuable asset to a wider range of organizations.

CompTIA is a well-known name in the IT certification industry. Their certifications certainly carry significant weight on a professional resume, especially in the United States, where vendor-neutral certifications are widely recognized. For U.S.-based IT professionals, especially those interested in working for organizations such as the Department of Defense, Linux+ offers attractive credibility. CompTIA certifications are DoD-approved.

A Linux+ certification is also an excellent option for professionals who want to continue further down the CompTIA certification path, for example, with cybersecurity certs like CySA+ and CASP+.

What are the Limitations of Linux+?

However, Linux+ does have its drawbacks. It's generally considered one of the easier IT certification exams, and many professionals believe it doesn't carry the same weight as more prestigious certifications. Others claim that these faults result in an exam that doesn't indicate whether or not a professional is up to the task of Linux administration.

What is LPIC-1 and What Does it Cover? 

The LPIC-1 is the first certification in the Linux Professional Institute's multi-level Linux certification program. It validates "the candidate's ability to perform maintenance tasks on the command line, install and configure a computer running Linux, and configure basic networking."

Because the LPIC-1 certification requires two exams, it's generally regarded as more difficult than the CompTIA exam, as it casts a wider net and contains more extensive questions. The exam proves you understand:  

• System architecture 

• Installation and package management 

• Unix and GNU commands 

• Security 

• Shells and scripting 

• Networking fundamentals 

• Administration tasks 

What are the Benefits of LPIC-1? 

The LPIC-1 was released in 1999, making it the oldest available vendor-neutral Linux certification. The LPI is a non-profit organization that embodies Linux's open-source ethos. With 175,000 certificate holders in over 180 countries, this organization has unparalleled clout globally. Taken together, this makes the LPIC one of the world's most recognized certifications for Linux professionals, especially within the IT community.

LPIC-1 is also distro-neutral and ideal for IT professionals interested in pursuing positions such as system administrator, network administrator, and system engineer. Because the LPI embodies the community-driven nature of open-source software, this alignment makes LPIC-1 certification even more attractive.

What are the Limitations of the LPIC-1

LPI offers limited official training materials, so learners often rely on third-party resources. That can make it harder to know where to start. LPI offers free PDFs and several paid Udemy courses. 

The exam is also available in only a handful of languages, which can be a barrier for some international candidates despite the certification's global reach. And while LPIC-1 is widely recognized, it has less name recognition among North American employers than some other entry-level Linux certifications.

If you're wondering how long it takes to study for LPIC-1, you'll find that preparation varies depending on your experience and available study resources.

Linux+ vs LPIC1: Which Should You Earn?

In a vacuum, we recommend the LPIC-1. LPI's position as a globally recognized body of Linux experts committed to upholding the technology's foundational principles sets it apart from the competition. No matter where you are or what type of Linux environment you'll be working in, LPIC-1 certification will always be useful and relevant.

That said, the right choice depends on your goals. Consider LPIC-1 if:

• You Want to Climb the LPI Ladder: LPIC-1 is the first step toward LPIC-2 and LPIC-3.

• You're Applying Outside the U.S.: Hiring managers with a technical background are more likely to recognize and value LPI certifications.

• You Want Broad Relevance: LPIC-1 is vendor-neutral and respected across a wide range of Linux environments.

Linux+ may be the better option if:

• You're a U.S.-Based Professional: CompTIA certifications carry strong name recognition with domestic employers.

• Your Role isn't Linux-Heavy: Linux+ fits well in broader IT roles that don't focus solely on Linux administration.

• You're Targeting Less IT-Centric Organizations: CompTIA's brand is widely recognized beyond traditional IT departments.

Final Thoughts

Linux is found in nearly every server room these days. Gone are the days when it was a fad or an OS for hobbyists. Many enterprises are now using Linux in some form or another. Even Microsoft has embraced Linux after years of dismissing open-source technologies.

As a result, the demand for IT pros with Linux skills has increased rapidly in recent years. The best way to start building a Linux foundation is through certification — and you can't go wrong with LPIC-1 or Linux+. Start adding Linux to your IT skill set today.

Whether you’re just getting started with Linux or want a quick reference, download this free Linux CLI cheat sheet. Simply navigate and get the commands you’ll actually use, all in one place.