Linux certification

[the bassinvader]

Hey everybody.

theres been a few threads moving through the Coffee Lounge recently about courses in Linux and they've been really informative in terms of making me aware of whats available
but very confusing when it comes to understanding if any of them are worth while. I mean, i'm not an IT professional just a hobbyist, but i figure if i'm learning i just as well get a certificate for it. I was looking into LInux+, which lead me onto Network+ and A+. Then RHCT/RHCE got thrown into the equation and i had a look at some novell courses too.
I'm just a little confused with the wonderful (and profitable) world of Linux Certification.

Any suggestions for some body who just wants to make a solid start?
Is Linux+ worth studying?

[Thrillhouse]

Any suggestions for some body who just wants to make a solid start?
Is Linux+ worth studying?

I think that's a good start, depending on your level of proficiency. Many professional certifications (RHCE, MCSE, CCNA...) all have a lower certification that serve as a stepping stone to the more valued one. I think you could say that about Linux+. It will help you find your way to RHCE/RHCT which are more valuable in the job market. But, you said you were just a hobbyist and the RedHat certifications are very expensive. It might not be worth it to go for one of those unless somebody else was paying for it (an employer, for example). Most people who get those certs are doing so in order to increase their value in the job market. If that's not your goal, you could just buy one of the training books like this one and make sure you can actually do everything in it. You won't have the certification, itself, but you'll have saved a lot of money.

[the bassinvader]

Yeah. That was kinda what i was thinking.
The books cost relatively little and if lifes path takes me in this direction i can always take the exams later.

Thanks for clearing that up thrillhouse.