The Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) Exam is designed for IT professionals responsible for configuring, managing, and troubleshooting Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) systems. This certification is ideal for system administrators, Linux administrators, and IT professionals who want to validate their skills in managing Linux-based servers, networks, and storage. It’s also suitable for those looking to demonstrate their ability to maintain and secure RHEL systems in enterprise environments. Whether you're just starting your career in system administration or looking to formalize your expertise, the RHCSA is a great way to prove your Linux administration capabilities.

Certification Name: Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)
Administered By: Red Hat
Exam Format: Online Proctored exam

• The exam consists of practical, performance-based tasks that test your ability to configure, manage, and troubleshoot Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems.
• You’ll be required to complete a series of tasks in a real-world, hands-on environment.
  Duration: 2.5 Hours (150 Min)
  Languages: Primarily English
  Prerequisites: None specified, but prior experience with Linux administration and familiarity with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is beneficial.

Exam Objectives:

1. System Installation and Configuration:

   • Understanding how to install and configure Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL).
   • Configuring local storage, partitions, file systems, and mounting storage devices.

2. System Administration Fundamentals:

   • Managing users and groups, configuring user permissions, and setting up basic security policies.
   • Understanding file permissions and managing system services, processes, and log files.

3. Networking and Host Management:

   • Configuring network interfaces, DNS settings, and routing.
   • Setting up and managing firewall rules and network services such as SSH and NFS.

4. Package Management:

   • Installing, updating, and removing software packages using Red Hat’s package management tools, including YUM and RPM.
   • Configuring software repositories and managing package dependencies.

5. Storage Management:

   • Creating and managing local file systems, Logical Volume Management (LVM), and configuring disk quotas.
   • Managing network storage solutions, such as NFS and iSCSI.

6. Security Management:

   • Configuring and managing SELinux policies and firewall settings.
   • Implementing security policies, user authentication, and securing services and processes.

7. Automation and Scripting:

   • Writing basic shell scripts to automate system administration tasks.
   • Using Red Hat’s tools for automating configuration management and monitoring.

8. System Troubleshooting and Diagnostics:

   • Diagnosing and resolving system performance issues, including CPU, memory, and disk usage.
   • Analyzing system logs to troubleshoot hardware and software problems.

9. System Updates and Patching:

   • Applying patches and updates to Red Hat systems.
   • Ensuring systems are up-to-date and securely configured.

Validity:

• The Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) certification is valid for three years. To maintain your certification, you’ll need to recertify by passing the current exam or a relevant updated exam before the certification expiration date.

Preparation Tips:

• Gain hands-on experience with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) systems and tools.
• Study the official exam guide, Red Hat’s documentation, and practice using RHEL in a lab environment.
• Consider completing Red Hat's official training courses, such as "System Administration I" and "System Administration II," which include exercises and practice exams.

Good luck on your journey to becoming a Red Hat Certified System Administrator!