New CompTIA Linux+ Exam: Topics and Prep Guide
Find out the requirements for the new CompTIA Linux+ XK0-004 exam
Doesn't it seem like Linux is everywhere these days?
That's because it is! From the smallest devices to the biggest supercomputers in the world, it's hard to imagine a world without Linux.
As for IT professionals, the demand for Linux skills is higher than any other: 80% of hiring managers now consider Linux professionals to be in high demand, according to the Linux Foundation - which is almost double from 2017!
Two-thirds of all companies interested in the future of IT consider finding professionals with open-source experience above any other position, reported LinuxInsider.
That said, it's easy to assume that this is the best time to acquire and validate Linux skills than now.
CompTIA carefully analyzed the current version of CompTIA Linux+ (LX0-103 and LX0-104) and made the necessary changes to modernize the exam.
What's new in CompTIA Linux+?
CompTIA Linux+ (LX0-103 and LX0-104) was developed for CompTIA by the Linux Professional Institute (LPI) and consisted of two exams that included multiple-choice questions, multiple answers, and fill-in-the-blank questions.
But the new CompTIA Linux+ certification exam (XK0-004), scheduled for release in April 2019, incorporates major changes in content and format.
One exam, not two
To start, candidates need to pass only one exam, not two, to obtain the CompTIA Linux+ certificate.
Practical, not just multiple choice
This exam now includes performance-based questions, which validate a candidate's practical skills. So you will be presented with a "pseudo-shell" in several questions with a specific problem to solve. And the candidate must be able to make the necessary corrections.
This new version of CompTIA Linux+ was designed for IT professionals with 9 to 12 months of practical Linux experience.
10 topics covered in CompTIA Linux+
Here is a summary of the main improvements in subject matter for the new exam:
1. Security
Security was not a major feature of previous Linux+ exams. In the new exam, it is covered in detail, including best practices, Linux firewalls, and other crucial security topics.
2. Kernel Modules
As Linux has become more modular, it's important to have a greater understanding of kernel modules. With this knowledge, you can support - or deliberately not support - more easily. The new exam gives greater importance to this topic.
3. Storage and Virtualization
Most web servers in the world are powered by Linux and virtual machines are now part of the Linux kernel. The new CompTIA Linux+ places greater emphasis on what users can - and cannot - do in this area.
4. Enterprise-Level Device Management
Other exams placed greater emphasis on monitors and printers, but this equipment is subject to change and is easy to manage. The new focus is instead on enterprise-level command-line device management.
5. Git and Automation
The new CompTIA Linux+ covers DevOps basics. This is completely new coverage, based on where the industry has gone.
6. Networking and Firewalls
Equipment now has greater intelligence, so the knowledge needed to work with it has changed. Firewalls are beginning to be handled at the individual server level, creating a security issue that CompTIA Linux+ now addresses.
7. Server Side and Command Line
As we move to the cloud, server management is moving to a multi-server environment. Outdated exams tend not to address this change, but the new CompTIA Linux+ includes more visibility on this topic.
8. Server Coverage (vs. client-based)
The new CompTIA Linux+ focuses on servers, which is the majority of use cases. Focusing on individual use has become irrelevant for professional system administrators.
9. Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting is a new topic for CompTIA Linux+ and is an important part of being a system administrator. The new exam provides insight into this ability, showing that a candidate is developing troubleshooting capabilities.
10. SELinux
SELinux is a robust security system. It will be covered in the new CompTIA Linux+, with a focus on implementation.
What's not included in the new CompTIA Linux+
Finally, it's worth stating what is NOT in the new exam. The following subject areas have been removed or not emphasized, as they are no longer relevant to current Linux professionals:
- X11
- SQL
- Printing
- End-user support
- GNU Privacy Guard (GPG)
Will this work out?
Well... only time will tell if the market will buy this idea. See the Pros:
- only one exam instead of 2
- cheaper value (US$340). At LPI it costs US$346 (US$173 each exam in Brazil).
- Certificate does not expire
Cons:
- will the market accept it well?
- inability to continue a Linux career at LPI without having to take LPIC-1
Want to study for this exam? Buy the CompTIA Linux+ Book
You can check the exam prices here. If you buy the book there's a discount from 329 to 159.
Also know that CompTIA Linux+ 103 and 104 exams can only be taken until October 2019.
You can also see that a certification is worth it here because salaries are good, and companies are looking for Linux professionals. The benefits far outweigh the sacrifice.
And if you've already decided, see our Certification Guide.
And if you want to know where to take the exams, check the city list.
If you want to know what languages you can take the Linux exams in, see this post.
Learn much more about Linux in our online course. You can enroll here with a 7-day free trial. If you already have an account, you can access here.
Like it? Share it :-)
Prof. Uirá Ribeiro
Chair do Board do Linux Professional Institute
After years of watching professionals waste hours on simple tasks because they didn't know the right Linux tools, I decided to teach.
Today I'm the author of most of LPI's official Learning Materials and mentor to over 14,000 certified students.
That was just one piece. The course teaches the whole path — from your first command to exam day.
