Certifications worth getting as a Systems Administrator
Systems administrators work across so many technologies that it is easy to collect certificates without a plan. A better approach is to choose certificates that match the systems you run and the direction you want to grow. The list below explains what each one proves, who it suits and where it fits in a sensible sequence.
How this guide was made
Written for this site with AI assistance, then checked automatically before publishing. The topic table, sample questions, worked examples and study plan are generated from this site’s question bank: each worked example is recalculated by separate code, and each sample answer says where it came from.
The guide deliberately states no salaries, grades, pass marks or exam dates. Those change, and they could not be checked here, so take them from the advert itself.
This site is independent and is not affiliated with MIFOTRA or any employer.
The certifications
CompTIA A+
Hardware, operating systems, networking basics, security basics, troubleshooting and support procedures.
Two exams, Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202). No formal prerequisite.
CompTIA Linux+
Linux system management, security, scripting and troubleshooting.
No formal prerequisite.
Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)
Red Hat Enterprise Linux administration: storage, users, services, networking, SELinux and containers.
A hands-on, performance-based exam on a live system.
Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104)
Azure identity, governance, storage, compute, virtual networking and monitoring.
One exam.
CompTIA Security+
Threats, security architecture, operations, identity and access, and security programme management.
One exam, SY0-701. No formal prerequisite.
Requirements and exam versions change. Confirm them with the issuer before you register.
Early career: CompTIA A+
If you are still in a support role, CompTIA A+ is a practical first step. It covers hardware, operating systems, basic networking, security and troubleshooting. It proves the foundation that administration builds on, and it helps when you apply for your first role with server responsibilities.
Linux: Linux+ or RHCSA
For Linux skills, CompTIA Linux+ is vendor-neutral and covers system management, security, scripting and troubleshooting. Red Hat's RHCSA is a hands-on exam on a live system, where you complete real administration tasks against the clock. Employers that run Red Hat or similar distributions value RHCSA highly, precisely because nobody passes it by memorising answers.
Cloud: Azure Administrator
Many organisations now run services in the cloud as well as on their own servers. The Microsoft Azure Administrator certificate covers identity, storage, compute, networking and monitoring in Azure, and suits administrators in Microsoft-centred environments. If your organisation uses another platform, choose that platform's administrator certificate instead.
Security: CompTIA Security+
Administrators handle patching, access control, hardening and incident response every week. Security+ gives a structured foundation in those areas and is widely recognised. It is valuable at almost any stage of an administrator's career, and it complements any of the platform certificates.
Choosing an order
A sensible sequence for many administrators is A+ while still in support, then Linux+ or RHCSA for whichever operating system is weaker, then Security+, then a cloud administrator certificate once the organisation uses cloud services. Adjust the order to your job: the certificate that matches the systems you manage today will help you most, and soonest.
Studying effectively
Use the official exam objectives as your checklist, and practise every objective on a real or virtual machine. For hands-on exams such as RHCSA, rehearse complete tasks against the clock, because speed and accuracy at the command line are exactly what the exam measures.
Common questions
Are Microsoft on-premises server certificates still available?
Microsoft's current administrator certificates focus on cloud and hybrid environments, including one for running Windows Server alongside Azure. Check Microsoft's current list, because certificate names and paths change.
Do certificates help with public-service applications?
They strengthen an application that meets the stated requirements, and the study helps with written tests. They do not replace a required qualification or experience.
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