Linux Professional Institute Launches Linux Essentials 2.0 Beta Exam
Toronto, 2026-07-06 — Linux Professional Institute (LPI), the global certification standard and career support organization for open source professionals, is pleased to announce the beta release of the updated Linux Essentials 2.0 exam.
As LPI’s most popular entry-level certificate, Linux Essentials introduces learners to Linux, open source software, and the command-line skills that form the foundation of modern IT careers. Version 2.0 reflects the evolution of Linux in education, cloud computing, and enterprise environments while continuing to provide an accessible starting point for students, educators, and aspiring IT professionals.
“Linux has become an essential technology across virtually every area of IT—from cloud infrastructure and cybersecurity to embedded systems and AI,” said Fabian Thorns, Director of Product Development at Linux Professional Institute. “Linux Essentials 2.0 ensures learners build practical skills that reflect today’s technologies while preserving the vendor-neutral foundation that has made the certification the ideal first step into open source.”
The beta version of the exam will be available from August 15 through September 15, 2026. It will be delivered as a computer-based test through Pearson VUE’s OnVUE platform, allowing candidates to take the exam remotely. The exam lasts 60 minutes and includes 40 questions. It is offered in English and has a participation fee of USD $50. Active LPI Members may take the beta exam free of charge. Participants are required to complete a post-exam survey in order to receive their results.
Beta exams are part of the exam development process and help LPI to validate the new exam and gather an initial set of statistical data. That is why the exam results are made available after the end of the entire beta period when all beta exams have been taken and evaluated. Upon passing the exam, candidates receive the regular certificate, in case of failing the exam, candidates can request to have the exam removed from their profiles.
“Over the years, the Linux Essentials certification has enabled many thousands of learners to get started with Linux and open source,” said G. Matthew Rice, Executive Director of Linux Professional Institute. “By participating in the beta, candidates not only earn an updated certificate—they also help shape the future of Linux education for the next generation of professionals.”
Interested candidates can apply for the beta exam by completing the registration form available under lpi.org/beta-signup. Please note that space is limited, and that it may not be possible to consider all applications. The detailed exam objectives can be found on the LPI wiki under wiki.lpi.org/wiki/Linux_Essentials_Objectives_V2.0.
About Linux Professional Institute
Linux Professional Institute (LPI) is the global certification standard and career support organization for open source professionals. With more than 350,000 certification holders, it’s the world’s first and largest vendor-neutral Linux and open source certification body. LPI has certified professionals in over 180 countries, delivers exams in multiple languages, and has hundreds of training partners. To learn more about Linux Professional Institute, visit lpi.org
Media Contact:
Björn Schönewald
Communications
Linux Professional Institute
bschonewald@lpi.org
