LPI suggestions

[William Cooper]

Apologise for cross posting, but some people have replied saying they could 
not read my attachement in my first correspondence. Please find previous 
email below.

I have recently passed LPIC level 1 and have noted some correspondence 
regarding LPIC levels. I have a few thoughts that hopefully may add something 
to the conversation.

Firstly, I think level 1 101 and 102 are both hard but fair. In a class of 8 
(1 week intensive course-with experience ranging from 6mths to 3yrs)  4 
people passed. The ones who failed were not disappointed, indeed they 
commented that the certification is something that they will try for in the 
future as having taken the exams, they recognise the qualification as proving 
authority in Linux and therefore something to be earned. Once earned it will 
give them a sense of satisfaction that they have achieved a level of 
knowledge that will provide them with a good grounding for enterprise sys 
admin.

With respect to LPIC levels, I'm not sure LPI are providing enough guidance 
for both employee and employer as to where their Linux certification lies in 
respect to other certification options. I also believe that the 
categorisation (Level 1-3) is not appropriate for industry. I have some 
knowledge of where LPIC lies with respect to other certification routes as I 
have passed CompTIA Linux+ and have liaised with colleagues who have 
undertaken RHCT and RHCE. May I propose the following table which may clarify 
how qualifications compare and suggests a new naming scheme for LPI 
qualifications more suited to industry. It also incorporates a new 
introductory qualification for LPI which has been the topic of previous 
archive material. Clearly recognisable professional qualification 
abbreviations are important to alumini and potential employers.
What good is it to have qualifications if not to aid employment.


Previous Level		Comparision Grade	New Name								Requirements
Level 3			10				LPIM (Linux Professional Institute Master) 		5+ yrs
				9				-									Enterprise Sys Adm 5 yrs
Level 2			8				LPIE (Linux Professional Institute Engineer)		3 yrs+ Senior Adm
				7				RHCE								2 yrs+ Senior Sys adm
Level 1			6				LPIC (Linux Professional Institute Certified)		1-2 yrs Sys Adm
				5				RHTE								1 yr Sys Adm
				4				CompTIA Linux+						1 yr Sys Adm
				3				LPIP (Linux Professional Institute Passport)		6mth - 1yr Sys Adm
				2				-									Unix Super User 1yr+
				1				-									Unix user 1yr

Hopefully this table or something similar would provide the guidance people 
need for Linux qualifications. I believe the LPI must keep high standards and 
to this end I suggest that the LPIM would require an alumini of this level to 
requalify every 4 yrs. 

Also more should be marketed and advertised about LPI being an independent 
qualification through a recognised Univesity. In providing independent 
governing, LPI positions itself as the standard bearer of excellence in Linux 
cerification in comparision to a self governing vendor qualification. 

Hope this helps.

Regards,
William Cooper