RHCSA vs LFCS vs LPIC in 2026: Which Linux Certification Should You Get First?

If you’re serious about a career in Linux system administration, DevOps, or cloud engineering, you’ve probably asked yourself: “Which Linux certification should I get first?”

The three biggest names in Linux certification are RHCSA (Red Hat Certified System Administrator), LFCS (Linux Foundation Certified Sysadmin), and LPIC-1 (Linux Professional Institute Certification Level 1). Each has its strengths, target audience, and career implications.

In this guide, we’ll compare all three side-by-side so you can make an informed decision — no fluff, just facts.

📊 Quick Comparison Table

🔴 RHCSA — Red Hat Certified System Administrator

The RHCSA (EX200) is widely regarded as the gold standard for Linux certifications. Unlike LPIC-1, you don’t answer multiple-choice questions — you perform real tasks on a live RHEL system. If it doesn’t work, you don’t pass. Period.

What You’ll Be Tested On:

• User and group management, file permissions (ACLs, SELinux contexts)
• Storage management (LVM, Stratis, VDO)
• Networking configuration (nmcli, firewalld)
• Service management with systemd
• Configuring and troubleshooting SELinux
• Container basics with Podman
• Automating tasks with cron and at
• Managing software with dnf and repositories

Pros & Cons:

✅ Highest industry recognition
✅ 100% practical — proves real skills
✅ Opens doors to RHCE (advanced cert)
❌ Most expensive exam (~$450)
❌ RHEL-specific knowledge required
❌ Hardest of the three

🟢 LFCS — Linux Foundation Certified Sysadmin

The LFCS is the Linux Foundation’s answer to RHCSA. It’s also 100% performance-based, but you get to choose your distro — Ubuntu or CentOS Stream. This makes it more flexible and more relevant for cloud-native environments.

What You’ll Be Tested On:

• Essential commands and file management
• User and group administration
• Operation of running systems (process management, boot targets)
• Networking (IP config, routing, DNS client, firewalling)
• Service configuration (SSH, HTTP, NFS, containers)
• Storage management (partitioning, LVM, filesystems)

Pros & Cons:

✅ Vendor-neutral — choose Ubuntu or CentOS
✅ 100% hands-on, like RHCSA
✅ Backed by the Linux Foundation (kernel maintainers)
✅ Cheaper than RHCSA (~$395)
❌ Less brand recognition than RHCSA in enterprise
❌ Fewer study materials available compared to RHCSA

🔵 LPIC-1 — Linux Professional Institute Level 1

LPIC-1 is the most accessible of the three. It consists of two multiple-choice exams (101 and 102), making it less intimidating than the hands-on RHCSA or LFCS. That said, don’t underestimate it — the knowledge required is broad and deep.

What You’ll Be Tested On:

Exam 101:

• System architecture (boot process, runlevels, systemd)
• Linux installation and package management (apt, rpm, dpkg)
• GNU and Unix commands (file management, streams, pipes)
• Devices, filesystems, and FHS (Filesystem Hierarchy Standard)

Exam 102:

• Shells and shell scripting
• User interfaces and desktops
• Administrative tasks (users, cron, localization)
• Essential system services (time, logging, mail)
• Networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, DNS, troubleshooting)
• Security (host security, encryption, SSH)

Pros & Cons:

✅ Most beginner-friendly entry point
✅ Globally recognized, distro-neutral
✅ Longest validity (5 years)
✅ Cheapest total cost (~$400 for both exams)
✅ Most study resources available
❌ Multiple-choice format doesn’t prove hands-on skills
❌ Less valued than RHCSA in enterprise hiring

🎯 So, Which One Should You Get?

Choose RHCSA if:

Choose LFCS if:

Choose LPIC-1 if:

🗺️ The Optimal Certification Path

For most people, we recommend this progression:

However, if you already have 1+ years of Linux experience and work in a Red Hat environment, skip straight to RHCSA. It’s the most respected and has the highest ROI.

💰 Salary Comparison by Certification

Note: Salaries vary significantly by country, company size, and additional skills. These are approximate EU averages for 2026.

📖 Further Reading on Dargslan

Continue your certification journey with these related articles:

• 📌 IT Certification Roadmap 2026: Which Certs Are Worth Your Time
• 📌 50 Essential Linux Commands Every DevOps Engineer Must Master
• 📌 10 Essential Linux Security Hardening Steps
• 📌 25 Linux Command-Line Tricks Every Admin Should Know
• 📌 Linux for Absolute Beginners: Your First Steps
• 📌 15 Bash Scripts That Will Automate Your Linux Server Management
• 📌 Windows vs Linux in 2026: The Definitive Comparison

🏁 Final Verdict

No matter which path you choose, consistent hands-on practice is what separates those who pass from those who don’t. Build a home lab, practice daily, and use quality study materials.