RHCSA exam candidates should be able to accomplish the tasks below without assistance. These have been grouped into several categories.
Understand and use essential tools
Create simple shell scripts
Operate running systems
Configure local storage
Create and configure file systems
Deploy, configure, and maintain systems
Manage basic networking
Manage users and groups
Manage security
Manage containers
As with all Red Hat performance-based exams, configurations must persist after reboot without intervention.
Red Hat reserves the right to add, modify, and remove objectives. Such changes will be made public in advance through revisions to this document.
The RHCSA exam is a performance-based evaluation of Red Hat Enterprise Linux system administration skills and knowledge. Candidates perform a number of routine system administration tasks and are evaluated on whether they have met specific objective criteria. Performance-based testing means that candidates must perform tasks similar to what they must perform on the job.
The RHCSA exam is a hands-on, practical exam that lasts 2.5 hours. Internet access is not provided during the exam. Outside materials are not permitted. Documentation that ships with Red Hat Enterprise Linux is available during the exam. Red Hat reserves the right to make changes to format, including timing and the policies above. Such changes will be made public in advance through revisions to this document.
This exam can be taken either remotely or individually at our testing location in Zürich. Find out more about remote exams to see if this is the right choice for you.
Official scores for exams come exclusively from Red Hat Certification Central. Red Hat does not authorize examiners or training partners to report results to candidates directly. Scores on the exam are usually reported within 3 U.S. business days. Exam results are reported as section scores. Red Hat does not report performance on individual items, nor will it provide additional information upon request.
Notice:
Each remote exam includes a second free attempt within the next 365 days, if you fail at the first attempt.
We encourage all candidates for RHCSA to consider taking one or more of its official training courses to help prepare. Attendance in these classes is not required, and one can choose to take just an exam. Many successful candidates who have come to class already possessing substantial skills and knowledge report that the class made a positive difference for them.
To help you determine the best courses to take, we provide an online skills assessment.
While attending Red Hat classes can be an important part of one's preparation, attending class does not guarantee success on the exam. Previous experience, practice, and native aptitude are also important determinants of success.
Many books and other resources on system administration for Red Hat's products are available. We do not endorse any as preparation guides for any exams. Nevertheless, candidates may find additional reading deepens understanding and can prove helpful.