Red Hat certifications like RHCSA (Red Hat Certified System Administrator) and RHCE (Red Hat Certified Engineer) stand out in the IT industry because they validate not just theoretical knowledge but also hands-on skills in Linux system administration and automation.
Not relying on multiple-choice exams, Red Hat requires candidates to perform actual administrative tasks in a live system environment. This approach ensures employers know that certified professionals can apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.
People sometimes ask which certification is better: RHCE or RHCSA. My answer is that RHCSA is really the first step. And then for those wanting to move into automation, the Red Hat Enterprise Linux Automation with Ansible (RHCE) would be the next logical stage.
Let’s look at what to expect with these Red Hat certifications. Some insights are based on what I've picked up as a Systems Trainer with 30 years of experience in IT support and training. I also want to share advice on exams and where you can take the certification courses.
RCHSA and RHCE: Who are these for?
Who in your team should work to gain these credentials? These Red Hat certifications and their preparation courses are best suited for:
System administrators moving into Linux/enterprise environments.
IT professionals looking to validate Linux skills.
Network and infrastructure engineers branching into Linux-based solutions.
Automation and DevOps practitioners who want to standardise skills on Red Hat and Ansible.
Gaining the RHCSA is your first step. Through the process of taking the course and passing the exam, you can learn and validate skills for Core system administration tasks in Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL).
The next step is RHCE. Achieving this credential allows you to learn about and earn a credential for automating Linux system administration using Ansible. Can you take the RHCE without the RHCSA? Those looking to obtain the RCHE must have completed the RHCSA certification first.
RHCSA and RHCE syllabus: What to expect
If you’re serious about becoming a Red Hat-certified professional, there’s one thing you need to know from the start: success comes from hands-on experience, not shortcuts.
Red Hat certifications like the RHCSA and RHCE are built around real-world tasks, beyond theory or multiple-choice questions. They test what you can do, not just what you can remember. That’s why choosing the right learning path makes all the difference.
Step 1: Become a Confident Linux Administrator through RCHSA
Your journey begins with the Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) certification. This credential forms the backbone of your Linux career. This gives you the essential skills to manage, configure, and troubleshoot Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems.
To prepare, Red Hat offers two in-depth Red Hat training courses:
Red Hat System Administration I (RH124) – Learn the fundamentals of managing Red Hat Enterprise Linux, from users and storage to processes and services.
Red Hat System Administration II (RH134) – Build on those skills with advanced administration techniques, security, and performance optimisation.
Together, these courses cover every topic tested in the RHCSA exam. They also give you the confidence to perform administration tasks in the Red Hat way, which is a standard trusted by organisations worldwide.
Even seasoned Linux users find these courses valuable, uncovering subtle differences and filling knowledge gaps that can make or break both the exam and real-world performance.
Step 2: Advance into Automation with Ansible with RHCE
Once you’ve mastered system administration, you can take the next step: automation. The Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) certification focuses on using Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform to streamline and scale system administration tasks.
Red Hat Enterprise Linux Automation with Ansible (RH294) – Learn how to automate provisioning, configuration, deployment, and orchestration. These skills drive efficiency and consistency across modern IT environments.
As with the RHCSA, the RHCE exam (EX294) is entirely hands-on. The RH294 course prepares you for success by immersing you in real-life lab environments and automation challenges that mirror what you’ll face on the job.
Red Hat Certification Exams (And why courses matter)
Red Hat helps you standardise across environments, develop cloud-native applications, and integrate, automate, secure, and manage complex environments. Here's what each exam is like:
RHCSA (EX200)
Format: Hands-on, ~3 hours.
Focus: Core system administration tasks such as user management, permissions, file systems, boot processes, and basic troubleshooting.
RHCE (EX294)
Format: Hands-on, ~4 hours.
Focus: Automation of system administration using Ansible, building on RHCSA-level knowledge.
Every skill you’ll be tested on in the RHCSA and RHCE exams is covered in the courses I mentioned. They aren’t just exam prep. They set you up for career success.
By completing Red Hat’s official training, you can:
Build the practical, command-line confidence that employers expect.
Close hidden knowledge gaps that even experienced admins sometimes miss.
Gain the hands-on experience needed to pass the exam and perform in production environments.
Learn best practice methods directly from Red Hat experts.
When you train the right way, you don’t just earn a certification, you get the ability to prove your skills where it counts most: in the real world.
Why pursue RHCSA or RHCE certification?
As teams and organisations pursue digital transformation, Red Hat certifications like RHCSA and RHCE help you prove what you know and can do. Both credentials are valuable for IT professionals aiming for enterprise-grade Linux and automation skills.
Whether you’re just beginning your Linux journey or ready to expand into automation, Red Hat’s structured training and practical exams give you a proven path to success.
So, take the courses, gain the skills, and earn the certifications that demonstrate real-world expertise.
The knowledge you build today will power your IT career for years to come.
Bonus: With AI added to the mix, proving you can walk the talk is all the more necessary. Read about OpenShift AI and Accelerating Adoption Through Red Hat Training.
Gain your Red Hat certification with Lumify Work
Lumify Work offers IT Infrastructure Courses to prepare your teams for Red Hat Certifications. Organisations with trained and certified professionals can leverage Red Hat solutions more effectively. Access Red Hat training through our partnership with Red Hat.
Use one of our ten fully equipped training campuses with 90 classrooms in key business centres around Australia and New Zealand. Full HD video and audio create a virtual classroom experience.
With the Lumify Anywhere platform, you can complete Red Hat training from wherever it suits you best.
