Getting started

Step 1: Discover which certification is the best for you

LPI is committed to providing the IT community with exams of the highest quality, relevance, and accuracy. This commitment requires that our exam development process is highly detailed, participatory, consultative and employs many of the proven techniques used by most other IT certification programs.

Review the overview of LPI certificate and certification programs to determine the appropriate path right for you.

Step 2: Discover the exam objectives

Each exam has its own detailed list of objectives which will let you know what to expect on the exam. Review the objectives in order to help you create a study plan.

Essentials
Linux Essentials: 010  
Security Essentials: 020  
Web Development Essentials: 030  
Open Source Essentials: 050  

Linux Professional
LPIC-1: Exams 101, 102  
LPIC-2: Exams 201, 202  

LPIC-3 Mixed Environment: 300  
LPIC-3 Security: 303​  
LPIC-3 Virtualization and Containerization: 305​  
LPIC-3 High Availability and Storage Clusters: 306  

Open Technology
DevOps Tools Engineer: 701  
BSD Specialist: 702  

Step 3: Prepare for your exam

If you’ve reviewed the exam objectives and feel you’re ready, proceed to Step 4 below.

Studying on your own? Check out the Learning Materials website

Looking for training? There’s a network of training partners who can help

Step 4: Register for an LPI ID

Before taking your first exam, you must create an account and obtain an LPI ID.

Registration is easy and is done on this page.

Step 5: Schedule your exam

Exams are delivered by Pearson VUE in-person at a testing centre or online via their OnVUE testing platform. Alternatively, you can write a paper-based exam at many open source conferences and events. Click here to see upcoming events.

Follow these steps to schedule your online or in-person exam with Pearson VUE:

1. Purchase an exam voucher
2. Create an account with Pearson (this is different than your lpi.org account)
3. Schedule your exam

What to expect after your exam

Score Report – Immediately following your exam, Pearson VUE will provide you with a score report. LPI will receive your exam results within 24 hours, and if all of the requirements are met, your certification will be issued.

Certificate – Your certificate will be available for download as a PDF from your lpi.org account. For Linux Professional and Open Technology certifications, a physical certificate and ID card will arrive in the mail in 6-8 weeks. Please note that physical certificates are not issued for the Essentials track.

Verification – You will receive a unique verification URL that you may share to demonstrate your certification status. Alternatively, you can manually provide your LPI ID and verification code to anyone to use on our certification verification page.

Digital badges – LPI has partnered with Credly to provide you with digital versions of your credentials, which can be activated from your lpi.org account. These badges allow you to showcase your accomplishments in a professional and accessible format. Learn more about digital badges here.

Become a member – Once you’ve achieved a professional level certification (Linux Professional or Open Technology), you’re eligible to become an official Linux Professional Institute member. Learn more about the membership program here.

More information

Still have questions? Check the FAQs or contact us.