If you want to gain a basic professional qualification in Linux, enrolling on a ten-week online course might be a good first step. 

Now superceded by Linux Foundation Courses on edX

The Linux Professional Institute (LPI) has announced that students who complete the Open University's introductory Linux course and go on to obtain the CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI certification will be automatically eligible to apply for and receive their LPIC-1 certification.

It is part of a new initiative on the part of the Open University whereby students who complete its introductory Linux course are eligible for a promotional voucher to obtain the CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI certification. Having earned this internationally recognised work-based qualification they can then apply for and receive LPIC-1,  the first of three rungs on the Linux Professional Institute's certification ladder, and then Novell Certified Linux Administrator certification.

The Open University introduced its online distance education course on Linux  in May 2010 and over 1000 students have already completed this course, earning credits towards an academic degree. This new initiative adds valuable professional accreditation.  

Jim Lacey, President and CEO of LPI commented: 

"We applaud Open University UK's recognition of the value of professional certification and their efforts to make Linux education and employment opportunities accessible to their student body" . 

The sentiment was echoed by Andrew Smith, Linux Course Chair, Open University UK: 

"As an educator who wants the best opportunity for employment for my students, I can't help but applaud LPI on their leadership in promoting this industry cooperation in Linux certification."

It isn't just UK students who can benefit from this new co-operation. Like many of the Open University's courses, T155 - Linux an introduction is available to students across the globe. It is a 10-week online course, involving approximately 100 hours of study,  that is both taught with online materials and examined using online submission. Ubuntu, Damn Small Linux and Virtual Box are provided as part of this course and about half the overall study time is spent doing practical activities.

The course includes the following: 

• install your own version of Linux
• update and manage the operating system
• learn the basics of the command line environment
• work with the file systems in Linux
• discover the structure of Linux and similar operating systems
• appreciate some of the history behind Linux and other operating systems
• set up a basic web server
• manage users and user groups
• manipulate Linux to suit your own personal preferences
• work with some of the lower level-functions of Linux
• appreciate the first principles of Linux systems security
• appreciate the purpose and quality of the open source community 

The next presentation of the course starts on May 1, 2011 and registration closes on April 24. For more information including the fees payable see: http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/course/t155.htm