Red Hat-Training:
Re-certification Policy

A good re-certification policy ensures that employers who make hiring and management decisions informed by a certification have a relevant, up to date tool. Over time, technology changes, so it is important to gauge whether an individual's knowledge and skills have kept pace. In addition, it is also important that someone who is certified use those skills regularly enough to keep them sharp. Inactivity with a technology can mean that not only is someone unfamiliar with a newer release, one might not have retained skills on an earlier one.

Until the release of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 (RHEL 6), a certification holder remained current for two major releases. For example, an individual who earned their RHCE under Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3 (RHEL 3) remained current until 60 days after the release of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 (RHEL 5).

With the release of RHEL 6, a new three year calender based currency window will be in effect for Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) and Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) certifications earned or re-certified on RHEL 6. If an RHCSA or RHCE earned on RHEL 6 passes a RHCEs under RHEL 6 can extend 'currency window' by passing an Expertise Examhigher-level exam during that three-year period, Red Hat will reset the three-year currency window to the date of the most recent exam.

These changes to the currency window will ensure that employers can count on Red Hat certified individuals to be able to demonstrate the skills needed for today's technology.

Currency policy for RHCT/RHCE (RHEL 5 and below):

  • RHCT/RHCE certifications earned on RHEL 4 will become non-current 60 days after general availability of RHEL 6.
  • For RHCEs earned under RHEL 4, they are required to re-certify their RHCE certification to retain upper-level credentials such as Red Hat Certified Security Specialist (RHCSS), Red Hat Certified Datacenter Specialist (RHCSS) and Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA).
  • RHCT earned under RHEL 5 will automatically be converted to the RHCSA certification – a replacement certification for RHCT and one that more accurately reflects the system administrators job role, level of understanding and skill-set.
  • RHCE certification earned under RHEL 5 will be considered current until 60 days after the general availability of RHEL 7.
  • An RHCE under RHEL 5 can move to the new currency policy by re-certifying as an RHCE under RHEL 6.

Currency policy for RHCVA and JBCAA (all releases):

  • JBCAA and RHCVA certifications have a currency window of three calender years

Currency policies for RHCSA / RHCE (RHEL 6 and above):

  • RHCSA and RHCE certifications have a currency window of three calender years
  • If an RHCSA under RHEL 6 earns an RHCE, the currency window is adjusted to the date one passes RHCE Exam (EX300)
  • If an RHCE earned on RHEL 6 passes an Expertise Exam*, the currency window moves to the date one passes the Expertise Exam.

Candidates who earned RHCE under RHEL 5 (or earlier) and then earns a Certificate of Expertise after RHEL 6 will not have his or her currency extended.

Summary of Currency Status and Actions

Release Currency Status RHCT Re-certification RHCE Re-certification
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3 and earlier Non-current RHCTs can re-certify as RHCSA by passing RHCSA exam (EX200)

RHCEs can re-certify by passing the RHCSA exam (EX200) and the RHCE exam (EX300)

RHCE on these releases are currently ineligible to take Expertise Exams

RHCA, RHCDS, and RHCSS certification titles may not be used by RHCEs earned under these releases
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4 Non-current 60 days after RHEL 6 GA RHCTs can become current with an RHCSA certification by passing RHCSA exam (EX200)

RHCEs can re-certify by passing the RHCSA exam (EX200) in addition to the RHCE exam (EX300)

RHCEs are eligible to take Expertise Exams for 60 days following GA of RHEL 6
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 Non-current 60 days after RHEL 7 GA

RHCTs will automatically become RHCSA (under RHEL 5)

There is no currency requirement to re-certify under RHEL 6

RHCTs who wish to become RHCEs under RHEL 6, must pass RHCSA exam (EX200) and RHCE exam (EX300)

RHCEs are eligible to take Expertise exams

RHCEs under RHEL 5, who have earned RHCA, RHCDS, or RHCSS may use those titles up to 60 days after GA of RHEL 7

In order to have Expertise Exams apply for currency new policy, RHCEs are required to re-certify as RHCSA and RHCE under RHEL 6
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 Non-current after 3 calendar years RHCSA under RHEL 6 can extend 'currency window' by passing the RHCE Exam (EX300) RHCEs under RHEL 6 can extend 'currency window' by passing an Expertise Exam