Join the Global Community of LPI Certified Professionals
Membership recognizes your commitment to ongoing professional development and the open source community.
Maintain your professional certifications, continue developing your skills through Professional Development Units (PDUs), access exclusive member benefits, and help shape the future of Linux Professional Institute.
Check Your Eligibility
Why Become a Member?
Membership is more than keeping your certification active.
It demonstrates that you’re continuing to grow professionally while supporting the global Linux and open source community.
As an LPI Member you can:
Maintain Your Certifications
- Keep eligible certifications active without retaking exams
- Maintain your professional status through PDUs
- Demonstrate continuous professional development
Advance Your Career
- Receive discounts on certification exams
- Use the official LPI Member designation
- Receive a digital membership certificate
Influence the Future of Open Source
- Vote in LPI Board elections
- Run for the Board of Directors (where eligible)
- Participate in committees and working groups
- Help guide the future of Linux Professional Institute
Join a Global Community
- Connect with professionals around the world
- Participate in community initiatives
- Receive member communications and opportunities
- Approved Trainer eligibility
Membership vs Certification
Certification and Membership Are Different. Certification demonstrates your technical knowledge. Membership demonstrates your ongoing commitment to professional development and the global open source community. Earning an LPI certification DOES NOT automatically make someone an LPI Member.
| Certification | Membership | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Who Can Become a Member?
Membership is available to professionals who hold an eligible LPI professional certification.
Eligible Certifications
- LPIC-1
- LPIC-2
- LPIC-3
- DevOps Tools Engineer
- BSD Specialist
Essentials Certifications
The following certifications do not qualify for membership on their own:
- Linux Essentials
- Security Essentials
- Web Development Essentials
- Open Source Essentials
These certifications are designed as entry-level certifications and do not include membership eligibility.
Unsure if You’re Eligible?
| Your Situation | Can You Join? | |
|
✅ Yes | |
|
✅ Yes. You may be able to join after meeting the PDU requirements described in the Membership Program. | |
|
❌ Not yet | |
|
❌ Earn a professional certification first |
Membership Fees
Membership fees are based on your country’s United Nations Human Development Index (HDI) category to help make membership accessible worldwide.
| 1 year | 3 years | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Applicable taxes may be added where required. Dues are exclusive of local VAT and dues in arrears of three months shall cause the termination of membership [2.5(a)(i)] and the individual will need to reapply.
The Membership Cycle
Earn an Eligible Certification
⬇️
Become Eligible for Membership
⬇️
Join LPI Membership
⬇️
3-Year PDU Cycle Starts
⬇️
Earn 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs)
⬇️
Renew Your Membership
⬇️
Repeat
Professional Development Units (PDUs)
PDUs recognize your continued professional development.
Instead of repeatedly retaking certification exams, members demonstrate that they continue learning, working, teaching, and contributing to open source throughout their careers.
PDUs can be earned through many professional activities including:
- Working with Linux or open source technologies
- Teaching or training
- Speaking at conferences
- Attending technical conferences
- Contributing to open source projects
- Writing articles or books
- Volunteering with technical communities
- Completing additional certifications
- Mentoring others
Frequently Asked Membership Questions
No. Certification and membership are separate.
If your certification is active, no.
If your certification has expired, additional requirements may apply.
Members complete a three-year PDU cycle by earning 60 PDUs.
Yes. As long as you continue meeting membership requirements.
Ready to Become a Member?
Join thousands of certified professionals who demonstrate their commitment to lifelong learning and the open source community. Begin the application process by visiting people.lpi.org.