Becoming a Novell Certified Linux Professional (CLE Program)

Articles and Tips: qna

01 Jul 2004

I've heard a lot about the Novell Certified Linux Engineer (CLE). What exactly is it?

The Novell CLE program offers IT professionals the opportunity to certify and demonstrate their abilities with the SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 8 (SLES 8) distribution and Novell services that run on Linux. These skills include installing, configuring and managing Novell storage, database, print, file and Web administration services in a Linux environment. We validate this range of skills with a single hands-on practical exam called the CLE Practicum which tests a candidate's real proficiency and competency around Linux and Nterprise Linux Services (NLS).

Why should I get a Novell CLE certification?

Companies worldwide are moving toward open source environments and seeing the full potential Linux offers in terms of performance, flexibility, stability and cost efficiency. They are also recognizing the advanced expertise required to harness that potential. Forrester Research recently completed a survey to determine what hurdles stand in the way of a more timely and universal adoption of Linux. Forrester found that 46 percent of decision makers listed a lack of competent support as one of their biggest concerns (Forrester Research, The Linux Tipping Point, March 2003, Ted Schadler). By pursuing Novell Linux certification, you have an opportunity to capitalize on the demand for skilled and competent Linux professionals.

How long will it take me to become a Novell CLE?

Novell offers IT professionals several choices to pursue their Novell CLE credential based on how much knowledge and experience they already have with Linux and Novell Nterprise Linux Services. The only course directly associated with the Novell CLE is Nterprise Linux Services Course 3015. It is strongly recommended that you complete the two SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server Administration courses and earn your LPI Level 1 certification before you take Course 3015 or the CLE Practicum exam. Again, these courses are strongly recommended because the CLE exam tests your Linux skills as acquired in pursuit of LPI Level 1 as well as your abilities with Novell Nterprise Linux Services.

How do I prepare for the Novell CLE certification exam?

You should complete Novell Nterprise Linux Services (NLS) Course 3015, available through Authorized Novell Training Services Partners or available as a self-study kit. Course 3015 teaches you administrative tasks using the Novell services included in Nterprise Linux Services 1.0. This course gives you the knowledge and skills to install, configure and manage Nterprise Linux Services (NLS), e.g., storage, database, print, file and Web administration services on a Linux server. Multiple lab exercises test your competency on course objectives and reinforce your skills with the Novell services.

Where do I get training for the Novell CLE?

Authorized Novell Training Partners offer NLS Course 3015 at their training centers. With centers around the world, Novell is working to ensure you can find a center near you that is offering this course. Use the online training locator to find the training center nearest you (www.novell.com/training/locator).

Does Novell accept other industry training and certification programs as equivalent to the training recommendations in the Novell CLE program?

Novell understands that many professionals already have basic and advanced Linux skills from certifications such as Red Hat, LPI, and others and has prepared a path into the Novell CLE program that takes those demonstrable skills into account. By July 31, 2004, Novell will offer a Migrating to SUSE LINUX course (Course 3019) which focuses on the SUSE LINUX features and commands that differ from those found in other Linux distributions. You still need to pass the CLE Practicum to become Novell CLE certified.

How do I register for the Novell CLE exam?

Visit www.novell.com/training/certinfo/cle/buyvouchers.html and review each of the options to see if you already have the information you need to register. Once you have determined which option most closely resembles your situation, click the appropriate link to walk through the registration process. Pricing information by country is also available on the Web site.

Where do I take the exam?

Novell brings the most advanced certification testing to you. The Novell CLE Practicum is delivered at multiple testing centers worldwide so you can choose a location near you to save time and travel expenses. To find a Novell Services Testing Partner that offers the CLE Practicum near you, visit www.novell.com/training/certinfo/cle/test.html.

What is the Novell CLE Practicum and how is it evaluated?

The Novell CLE Practicum requires you to prove your Novell Nterprise Linux Services knowledge in a lab setting, testing your knowledge of both Linux and NLS.

The Practicum technology involves a remote connection to a live server bank with Linux installed. Using the remote access session, you are given a business scenario with numerous tasks to complete. These tasks include configuring Novell Services on Linux, performing basic Linux tasks, and possibly even some troubleshooting.

You need to perform these tasks as you would in a real environment. You are evaluated automatically on each of the servers and you receive a Pass or Fail exam result. The exam takes about two hours to complete.

What are the benefits of becoming Novell CLE certified?

Newly certified Novell CLEs are eligible to receive a six-month trial of Novell Tech Select Service which is a combination of Novell support tools and services. Designed for the self-sufficient IT expert, this trial subscription includes the unmatched Novell Professional Resource Suite (NPRS), exclusive training materials and one Novell electronic support incident. For six full months from the time of activation, Tech Select Service provides the tools and assistance to help you deal with unforeseen network challenges and optimize your network. Learn more about the CLE benefits on the Web at www.novell.com/training/certinfo/cle/index.html.

Don't forget you gain a competitive edge in a business climate where even small advantages make the difference in hiring and promotion. The demand for Linux skills and the ability to integrate services with Linux are increasing. Those abilities help you speed your adoption of Novell services, letting you work more effectively and efficiently giving you the professional advantage you need.

Is Novell also offering another Linux certification?

With the acquisition of SUSE LINUX, Novell continues to support the SUSE Certified Linux Professional (SCLP) certification until the Novell CLP certification is launched. The courses and practicum that are part of the new Novell CLP program offer professionals the most complete and comprehensive approach to mastering fundamental Linux skills and knowledge. The CLP serves as a practical launching point for professionals that also want to pursue a CLE credential.

What is covered in the Novell Certified Linux Professional (CLP) certification?

This certification prepares you to handle basic system administration across all distributions of Linux, as well as issues specific to the SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server. The curriculum will be brought into Novell format, meeting Novell worldwide Authorized Training Partner standards and guidelines. The CLP focuses on the skills needed for the latest version of SUSE LINUX and gives you the Linux background you need to then pursue the Certified Linux Engineer credential.

How does the Novell Certified Linux Professional certification relate to the Novell CLE?

The curriculum for the CLP focuses on the basic and advanced skills you need to work with the latest version of SUSE LINUX. In addition, it is your springboard to the CLE program, giving you the prerequisite knowledge and skills you need to then earn your CLE. The goal of the CLP is to help you become a Linux expert. The goal of the CLE is to take your skills one step further and make you an expert in implementing Novell services in a Linux environment.

Figure 1:

How do I become a Novell CLP?

To become CLP certified, you must pass one practicum exam. It is recommended that you prepare for this exam by completing the following courses:

Linux Fundamentals (3 days). This course introduces the standard skills needed in using SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 9.
Linux Administration (5 days). This course teaches administrative skills common to an entry level administrator or Help Desk technician with entry level responsibilities for managing a SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 9 server in a business environment.
Advanced Linux Administration (5 days). This course teaches advanced administrative skills common to a mid- to senior-level administrator responsible for managing a SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 9 server in a business environment.

These courses are currently in development and will be available after September 2004.

On what do the courses focus?

These courses are designed for IT professionals seeking foundational Linux knowledge and administrative skills to help them manage a small- to medium-sized Linux enterprise. Their responsibilities include Linux desktop administration, system administration and security administration. The courses are based on these needs and include the following topics:

Linux Fundamentals. Learn to log in to a multi-user Linux environment, navigate the SUSE LINUX file system and manipulate files, work within shells and execute shell script commands, use the vi editor to view and edit text, archive and compress files, and use the YaST management utility to perform common administrative tasks.
Linux Administration. Learn to install and configure SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 9, establish and manage users and groups, grant and manage user group permissions, manage software applications with YaST, manage the SUSE LINUX file system, print to a network server, examine the network configuration with YaST, view jobs and processes running on the Linux system, and manage network services.
Advanced Linux Administration. Learn to manage and compile the Linux kernel, manage network clients, implement an FTP server, manage and configure Web servers, use OpenLDAP to manage network data, manage mail and messaging services, and control network jobs and processes.

What will the Novell CLP practicum cover?

The CLP practicum tests your knowledge of and skills with the materials covered in the three Certified Linux Professional courses. Refer to the previous two questions for course details.

Figure 2:

Are there other industry Linux certifications that will prepare me for Novell CLP certification?

Novell recognizes the value of other Linux certifications such as Red Hat Certified Engineer, LPIC, etc. Migrating to SUSE LINUX Course 3019 covers the SUSE LINUX features and commands that are unique to SUSE LINUX. Course 3019 does not cover all the topics covered in the full CLP curriculum but only covers the main differences between SUSE LINUX and other distributions in a condensed, accelerated fashion. That may mean you'll need to study the manual on your own to review basic Linux concepts not covered during the class. For example, as a Linux expert you know how to create users and groups. The class will not take the time to explain this concept but instead, focuses on how that task is done in SUSE LINUX.

For more information about Novell Certifications www.novell.com/training/certinfo

* Originally published in Novell Connection Magazine

Disclaimer

The origin of this information may be internal or external to Novell. While Novell makes all reasonable efforts to verify this information, Novell does not make explicit or implied claims to its validity.