Canonical, the company behind the popular Ubuntu Linux distribution, has officially launched its Canonical Academy, a new certification platform designed to help professionals validate their Linux and Ubuntu skills through practical, hands-on assessments. The initiative focuses on real-world scenarios, aiming to equip professionals with the skills needed to tackle actual workplace challenges. The platform is already live, with its first course offering the System Administrator track, which includes three certification exams tailored for those wanting to validate their expertise in Linux and Ubuntu.
Exams are conducted in cloud-based testing environments that simulate real workplace scenarios, with each assessment being modular, allowing users to progress through individual exams and earn badges for each completed one. To earn the full Sysadmin qualification, candidates must complete all exams in the track. Additionally, Canonical is seeking community members to participate as beta testers and subject-matter experts (SMEs), offering opportunities to shape the platform and start certification journeys.
The sys-admin track includes exams for Linux Terminal, Ubuntu Desktop 2024, Ubuntu Server 2024, and managing complex systems. Each exam provides an in-browser remote desktop interface into a functional Ubuntu Desktop environment running GNOME, where test-takers will be required to troubleshoot, configure, install, and maintain systems, processes, and other general activities associated with managing Linux. The exams feature a hybrid format with multiple-choice, scenario-based, and performance-based questions.
Test-takers are advised to use Chromium-based browsers, as Firefox is not supported at this time due to known keyboard issues in the CUE.01 Linux 24.04 preview release, which will be resolved in the CUE.01 Linux 24.10 exam release. The FAQ advises test takers to review links to tutorials and documentation on their website for insights into the types of material covered on each exam.