Red Hat SummitRed Hat Certification program guide
Your complete guide to certifications, exams, and policies.
Abstract
1. Red Hat Certification program guide
This document makes frequent references to Red Hat Training Policies and Red Hat Exam Privacy and Confidentiality Agreement.
| 🏅 Performance-Based | Complete real tasks on live systems — no multiple-choice questions. |
| 🌍 Global Recognition | Earn credentials recognized in 180+ countries. |
| ⏱ 3-Year Validity | Maintain certifications with flexible renewal paths. |
Red Hat certifications validate your ability to perform real-world tasks in live environments. Use this handbook to understand how to choose a certification path, prepare for exams, and manage your credentials.
1. Why Red Hat Certifications?
Built on Real Skills
Red Hat Certifications are performance-based. You complete real tasks in a live system environment instead of answering multiple-choice questions. This hands-on approach delivers tangible proof of your ability to manage complex enterprise IT systems — and is why Red Hat credentials are trusted by employers worldwide.
For Individuals
- Validate job-ready, real-world skills employers can trust.
- Increase career opportunities and earning potential.
- Build confidence managing enterprise open-source systems.
- Earn stackable credentials that grow with your career.
- Join a global community of Red Hat Certified Professionals.
For Organizations
- Benchmark team capabilities by using objective, performance-based standards.
- Accelerate adoption of Red Hat technologies and reduce time-to-productivity.
- Reduce hiring risks and operational support issues through verified competency.
- Improve hiring by easily identifying candidates with validated hands-on skills.
- Maximize return on your Red Hat technology investment.
2. Choose Your Certification Path
Select a path based on your technology specialization and your current role or experience level. Use the two steps below to identify your starting point.
Step 1: Select a Technology Specialization
Identify the product platform or technology domain that best matches your daily work:
| Specialization | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Enterprise Linux | System administration, security, performance tuning, and storage management on Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) |
| Ansible | Automating infrastructure, building playbooks, and managing Ansible Automation Platform (AAP) |
| OpenShift | Deploying, managing, and scaling containerized workloads with Kubernetes/OpenShift |
| Cloud-Native Applications | Building, deploying, and managing distributed applications in hybrid cloud environments |
| Artificial Intelligence | Deploying and managing AI/ML workloads on Red Hat platforms |
Step 2: Align to a Role Level
After you know your specialization, match your day-to-day responsibilities to the certification level that fits best:
| Role | Daily Focus | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Technologist | Entry-level support | Foundational concepts and basic installation. Optional starting point for those new to the technology. |
| Administrator / Developer | Day-to-day operations | Core server management, security, and storage (Admin) — or building and deploying containerized apps (Developer). |
| Adv. Admin / Adv. Developer | Automation and scale | Multi-system environments and automation (Adv. Admin) — or distributed apps and hybrid cloud integration (Adv. Developer). |
| Engineer (RHCE) | Automatically awarded | Earned when you complete the Administrator/Developer AND Advanced Admin/Developer credentials in the same specialization. No separate exam required. |
| Specialist | Deep focus area | Expert knowledge in a specific technology (e.g., security, clustering, storage). Can be earned alongside any track. |
| Architect (RHCA) | Automatically awarded | Earned when you hold an Engineer credential PLUS three Specialist certifications in a single concentration. No separate exam required. |
Progression Model
- Info
- Earn Engineer (RHCE): Complete core and advanced credentials in the same specialization (Admin/Developer + Advanced Admin/Advanced Developer = RHCE). No separate exam needed.
- Info
- Earn Architect (RHCA): Hold an RHCE credential and complete three Specialist certifications in a single concentration. Architect status is awarded automatically.
Build certifications progressively using a stackable model — foundational credentials serve as building blocks for higher-level designations.
3. Exam Options
Choose the exam delivery format that best fits your location and schedule. All Red Hat exams are hands-on and performance-based, regardless of format.
| Format | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Remote Exam | Take the exam securely from your home or office using a bootable LiveUSB environment, supervised by a remote proctor via webcam and microphone. A mandatory compatibility test is required before exam day. |
| Testing Center | Take the exam at an authorized Red Hat testing facility (kiosk). Dedicated hardware is provided. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. |
| Classroom / On-site | Take the exam at an authorized Red Hat training location, typically at the conclusion of a Red Hat training course. Delivered by a Red Hat Certified Examiner. |
Exam Experience (XE)
Exam Experiences are one-hour practice sessions that replicate the real exam environment. They are ideal for first-time remote exam candidates.
- Test your hardware and LiveUSB setup before your real exam.
- Practice navigating the exam interface and environment.
Reduce uncertainty and risk on exam day.
- Tip
- XEs do not test technical skills and do not award certification credit. A mandatory Compatibility Test using the LiveUSB must be completed before any remote exam.
4. Pricing and Registration
Exam Pricing
The standard list price for a Red Hat certification exam is $500 USD. The price of a Red Hat Exam might vary based on your region. You will see the accurate price reflected in your shopping cart.
Red Hat Learning Subscription
Red Hat Learning Subscription bundles training access with exam eligibility. Only certain subscription tiers include exam vouchers — review your subscription terms carefully.
| Subscription Tier | Exam Eligibility Included |
|---|---|
| Course Tier | One (1) first-attempt exam and one (1) free retake for the specific course exam. |
| Standard / Premium | Up to five (5) first-attempt exams and five (5) free retakes across any eligible exams during the subscription term. |
Free Retake Policy
Red Hat provides one free second attempt for every paid first attempt on the same exam. If you do not pass on your first try, you may schedule a free retake at no additional cost. Refer to the "Red Individual Exam" section on the Red Hat Training Policies web page for more details.
Scheduling Policies
| Policy | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Requirement | For details, see the "Minors Policy" section on the Red Hat Training Policies web page. |
| No-Show Policy | Ensure you arrive on time. For specific definitions of 'No-Show' and the resulting financial forfeitures, see the Red Hat Training Policies web page. |
| Special Accommodations | Submit requests for disability-related or religious accommodations at least two (2) weeks before your exam through the Red Hat Accommodation Portal. |
Do not miss your scheduled exam. There is no grace period for late arrival. Responsibility for attending on time rests entirely with the Candidate.
5. Exam Format
What to Expect
All Red Hat exams are 100% hands-on. There are no multiple-choice questions. You will be placed in a live system environment and asked to complete a series of real-world tasks. Exams are timed — refer to the official exam detail page (for example, redhat.com/training/ex200) for the duration of each specific exam.
| Aspect | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Grading | Graded on the final state of the system. The result matters, not the specific commands or steps you used. |
| Persistence | All work must persist across a system reboot. Tasks that do not survive a reboot will not receive credit. |
| Proctoring | All exams are monitored by a remote proctor who verifies your identity and observes via webcam and microphone. |
| Scoring | Results include a pass/fail status and an objective-area breakdown sent to your registered email within five (5) business days. |
Remote Exam Requirements
Remote exams require you to boot your computer from an official Red Hat Remote Exam ISO loaded on a LiveUSB drive. Full hardware specifications are provided in your booking confirmation email.
Before Exam Day
- Download the Remote Exam ISO and creation instructions from the Red Hat Remote Exam Portal (link in your Booking Confirmation email).
- Create your bootable LiveUSB using the provided tool.
- Run the mandatory Red Hat Compatibility Test using the LiveUSB environment.
- Resolve all issues before your exam date.
Minimum Hardware Requirements
- Stable, high-speed internet connection
- USB 3.0 port available on your computer
- External webcam (built-in cameras might not be accepted)
- Working microphone
Remote exam technical requirements are updated regularly. Always check the Red Hat Remote Exam Portal for the latest specifications before your exam date. Compatibility issues discovered on exam day might result in a forfeited attempt.
Retake Waiting Periods
| Attempt | Waiting Period |
|---|---|
| After 1st failed attempt | No waiting period. Schedule your free retake immediately. |
| After 2nd failed attempt | A waiting period applies before scheduling further attempts. Subsequent attempts beyond the free retake require a new paid registration at the standard price. Contact https://rhtapps.redhat.com/comments for current details. |
| Daily limit | You may not take the same exam more than once in the same calendar day. |
6. Exam Day
Before You Start
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Log in early | Connect to your exam session at least 15 minutes before your scheduled start time. |
| Workspace scan | Perform a 360-degree scan of your testing area using your external webcam, as directed by the remote proctor. |
| Remove personal items | Remove all watches, smart devices, and accessories. Hats, hoodies, scarves, and jackets are not permitted. |
| Accept Terms & NDA | Read and accept the Terms and Conditions and Non-Disclosure Agreement presented at the start of your session. |
ID Verification
Before taking a Red Hat individual exam, test takers must upload a valid, government-issued photo identification for verification. Test takers can choose between AI ID verification or manual verification. See the Red Hat Training Policies web page for more information.
During the Exam
Before starting your tasks, carefully read the Important Configuration Information page in the exam environment. This page outlines the system setup, grading criteria, and critical requirements.
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Breaks | You may take a 10-minute break after each completed hour. The exam timer continues to run during breaks. Phone use is prohibited throughout. |
| Proctor assistance | Your remote proctor can assist with exam environment access but cannot help with exam tasks or content. |
| Technical issues | Report any technical problems with the exam environment immediately via the in-exam chat interface. Do not wait until after the exam. |
| External contact | You must not contact any person outside the exam session — by phone, messaging, or any other means — during the exam. |
Any suspected malpractice will result in immediate exam termination without a refund. Red Hat might also permanently revoke existing certifications and ban the Candidate from all future exams.
Remote Exam Support
The Red Hat Exam Support team handles technical environment issues during remote exams only. They cannot assist with exam content.
- Connection drops: The support team will attempt to call the phone number in your Red Hat profile if your connection is lost.
- Technical troubleshooting: Covers LiveUSB crashes, network drops, and proctor connectivity issues.
- On-site exams: Notify the remote proctor directly for any hardware or software failure.
Classroom Exams
- Scheduling is managed through the Red Hat learning management system (LMS) portal.
- A Red Hat Certified Examiner sets up the lab environment and administers the exam.
- Minimum candidate numbers and delivery windows are managed by the regional Red Hat training team.
7. Results and Certification
Get Your Results
You will receive your exam results by email within five (5) business days of completing your exam. Your results email includes:
- A pass or fail status.
- A score breakdown by objective area, showing where you performed well and where further study might help.
To protect exam integrity, Red Hat does not provide task-by-task breakdowns, feedback on specific missed tasks, or details about individual configuration errors.
Access Your Digital Badge
If you pass, Red Hat will issue your digital certification badge through Credly (credly.com) within 48 hours of your result being published.
- Download and share your badge on LinkedIn, email signatures, and professional profiles.
Your badge includes a verifiable credential link for third-party confirmation.
- Info
- If you do not receive your Credly notification within 48 hours of your results, contact https://rhtapps.redhat.com/comments.
Manage Your Certification
To display your certifications on Red Hat Certification Central and access Certified Professional benefits, link your certification ID to your Red Hat account:
- Log in to redhat.com. Create a personal account if you don’t already have one.
- Go to Account Details and confirm that your email exactly matches the address where your certification result was sent.
Navigate to Manage your Certification Profile
Add a Certification ID. ImportantThe name and email you enter must exactly match what you submitted during registration — including case and spacing. Even a single extra space will cause the linking process to fail.
- After it is linked, your credential can be verified publicly at YourCertID.
8. Recertification
Certification Validity
All Red Hat certifications are current for three (3) years from the date earned. Renewal must be completed before the expiration date. Expired certifications cannot be renewed — they must be earned again from scratch.
Renewal Options
Red Hat follows a “the more you earn, the better the reward” approach. Completing a higher-level renewal renews all of your lower-level certifications too.
| Renewal Path | What Gets Renewed |
|---|---|
| Retake your highest-level exam | Renews all certifications at or below that level for another three years. |
| Earn a cert at the same level | Renews all certifications at the same level or below. |
| Retake the original exam | Renews that specific certification for another three years. |
RHCA Renewal Option
Red Hat Certified Architects can also maintain their status by earning Red Hat Recertification Credits:
- Earn 150 recertification credits within a three-year period.
Credits can be earned through designated Red Hat training, serving as a subject matter expert (SME) on a certification project, or other activities published annually by the Red Hat Certification team.
- Info
- The current list of credit-eligible activities is published annually at redhat.com/training/certification.
9. Code of Conduct
Red Hat enforces a zero-tolerance policy toward exam fraud and misconduct. The integrity of every Red Hat certification depends on every candidate following these rules.
Prohibited Actions
- Do not share exam content — tasks, questions, or solutions — with any other person by any means.
- Do not use unauthorized materials, including “brain dump” websites, reconstructed exam questions, or any study material derived from actual exam content.
- Do not record, photograph, or capture any part of the exam environment.
- Do not communicate with any person other than the proctor during the exam.
- Do not take an exam on behalf of another person, or have someone else take an exam for you.
- Do not register under a false identity or provide misleading personal information.
- Do not misrepresent a certification you do not hold or that has expired.
Consequences
- Immediate termination of the exam session without a refund.
- Invalidation of the exam score.
- Revocation of some or all current Red Hat certifications.
- Temporary or permanent ban from the Red Hat Certification Program.
Violation of the Code of Conduct might result in the immediate revocation of ALL current certifications and a permanent program ban. These consequences apply regardless of when the violation occurred.
Reporting Violations
To report exam fraud, brain dump activity, or any other integrity violation, contact https://rhtapps.redhat.com/comments.
10. Certification Benefits
Earning a Red Hat certification comes with exclusive benefits for Certified Professionals.
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Digital Badge |
Receive a verifiable Credly badge to share on LinkedIn and professional profiles. Verify at: |
| Public Verification |
Your certification is publicly verifiable. Employers and partners can confirm your status at: |
| Red Hat Summit Discount | Certified professionals receive a discount on Red Hat Summit registration — the premier open-source technology conference. |
| RHCA Merchandise |
Red Hat Certified Architects have exclusive access to the Red Hat Certified Professional (RHCP) store for branded merchandise: |
11. Key Resources
The Red Hat Certification Program is updated regularly. Use the resources below to stay current on program changes, new exams, and policy updates.
| Resource | URL or Contact |
|---|---|
| Certification Central | |
| Certification Catalog | https://www.redhat.com/en/services/training-and-certification |
| Training Policies & FAQs | |
| Remote Exam Portal | https://www.redhat.com/en/about/red-hat-training-policies#individual-exams |
| Red Hat Learning Community | |
| Verify a Certification | |
| Credly Digital Badges | |
| Certification Team | |
| Report a Violation | |
| Privacy Statement | |
| RHCA Store |
Review this handbook regularly to stay current. Refer to the official Red Hat Certification pages for the latest program updates and policy changes.
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