RHCE Self Study

I self studied for the RHCE exam for 5.1 and passed. It was difficult, and I have a solid background in Linux administration.

I used the Michael Jang RHCE self study book, which covers the exam topics. It could really use some sample exercises (like some sample test scenarios). Make sure you get the most recent version. If you can afford it, I think it is generally better to take the 1 week course RH300, after seeing some co-workers and friends take that route.

I would concentrate on reviewing the book then finding weak areas and getting the knowledge of the topics. You need to know everything on the exam blueprint. Then the important thing is working on speed. The main things to remember about the RHCE exam is it is performance based and has a time limit. So you must be able to do the relevant tasks in a quick time frame. Speed is of the essence. If you know one topic really well and can do things quickly, but another at a mediocre level and are slow and constantly referring to apropos or man pages, that may be enough to prevent finishing in a timely manner. Some referral to resources is expected, but you need to know your business and be quick about it.

For me, I was weak at SELinux and ACLs, as I use them very sparingly. So I spent extra time on those above and beyond the self study book and practiced tasks with a hands on manner. Topics that I was strong in, I spent the time reading the book and doing the material, but then I moved on.

The RHCE is a great certification and very satisfying to attain. Redhat's lab performance based exam is a great way to demonstrate linux knowledge. I learned some new things and some new ways to do things as I was studying for the exam.