[Gllug] [ot] unsolicited mail from LPI-UK

Bruce Richardson itsbruce at workshy.org
Wed Oct 29 10:25:43 UTC 2008


On Tue, Oct 28, 2008 at 04:19:38PM +0000, Lesley wrote:
> Well they certainly weren't there this year.
> 
> Has anyone drawn any benefit from the LPI certification scheme?  If so,
> how did it help you?

For me, it was about validating to myself what I know.  I wish more
people did something like that; I've interviewed a large number of
candidates for sysadmin-type positions over the years and a depressing
proportion of them knew far less about Linux and Unix than they
should and were unaware of how little they knew.  Never having properly
tested their knowledge and skills, their opinion of their own skills was
usually inflated and the mismatch between their self-assessment and
reality all the more stark (which made them look worse than people with
the same skill level but better self-knowledge).

The LPIC exams are not expensive and are reasonably well constructed
(although some of the question setters should have their hands slapped
for poor style and gratuitous usage of cat).  I think anyone with no
formal qualifications in the area would often benefit from testing
their skills.

As for using the certifications, I've been wary of mentioning them
in job applications because I'm aware of the irrational prejudices
against Linux certifications that are out there.  On the other hand,
larger and more traditional employers tend to rate certifications as
proof of effort and ambintion, so I do think it works for them.  If
you're looking for contract work, definitely cite them: every tick box
helps.

-- 
Bruce

I unfortunately do not know how to turn cheese into gold.
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