The Ultimate Study Guide: CompTIA Linux+

Let’s get something out of the way first.

Are certifications REQUIRED to get a high paying tech job?

NO! Read more here!

2 Paths

This guide is going to give you 2 paths to this certification.

The first path will be using the best FREE resources available to pass the exam.

Most training courses cost $100, $200, or $300+ so I wanted to make sure this guide has something for people with tighter budgets.

The second path will be using the best PAID resources available to pass the exam. This will include online courses and books.

The benefit to paid courses and books is that the information is generally more organized.

If you want a hybrid approach, you could consider buying one of the recommended books, which tend to be cheaper than the courses. Combining it with the free learning path will give you a very organized and budget friendly path to passing the certification.

Let’s begin!

CompTIA Linux+ FREE Learning Path

Set up a lab

If you aren’t running Linux on your computer, then I highly recommend setting up a basic lab.

First download VirtualBox and then follow this guide to get a Linux operating system called CentOS installed.

*If you run into issues, try googling your error codes or using ChatGPT to work through your issues. This will be a skill you need to develop to be successful in tech, so you may as well start now!

Video Courses

Once you are up and running on CentOS, start working through these video series. *TIP: try increasing the video speed to 1.25x or 1.5x. You will get used to it in a few minutes and it can save you HOURS:

Really take your time to understand the concepts. If you get confused on a topic then write it down and re-watch that section. If you are still confused, then search for that specific topic on youtube or ask ChatGPT to explain it to you. This is the FREE path, so you need to be resourceful.

Practice Quiz / Flash Cards

After going through the videos and labs, use the below resources to quiz yourself. Write down anything you get wrong and research it more via youtube, google, or ChatGPT:

Consider making your own quiz or flashcard set. Publishing it via something like Quizlet is a good way to help others study for the exam and will also reinforce your own knowledge!

Hybrid Approach

If you want to take a hybrid approach and spend a bit of money, consider going to the book recommendations below and grabbing one. Both are excellent and will help to ensure you have filled in any gaps in your knowledge before the exam!

Practical Project

Finally, test your practical skills by completing a basic project in Linux. I would recommend trying to start a basic web server.

Communities

There are a few communities you can consider getting involved in as well. This will give you the opportunity to ask questions. More importantly, it will give you the opportunity to ANSWER questions. This will help the community and reinforce your knowledge.

Wrap up!

That wraps up the free path! If you find any resources that should be added to this guide then please let me know. I want this to be THE go-to guide for getting Linux+!

CompTIA Linux+ PAID Learning Path

Set up a lab (same as above)

If you aren’t running Linux on your computer, then I highly recommend setting up a basic lab.

First download VirtualBox and then follow this guide to get a Linux operating system called CentOS installed.

*If you run into issues, try googling your error codes or using ChatGPT to work through your issues. This will be a skill you need to develop to be successful in tech, so you may as well start now!

Video Course

The gold standard video series is from Jason Dion but DO NOT buy it from his website. The training is $300 on his website. The exact same training from Jason, including the practice materials, is available on Udemy for only $95.

You can get it here: https://www.udemy.com/course/comptia-linux/

Recommended Books

Combine his course with these 2 books and you are good to go. *TIP: Buy the first book to enhance the free path if you can afford it. You certainly don’t need it but it will help:

Go through Jason’s course and do the practice exams alongside the books above and you will be more than ready for the exam!

For more book recommendations check out my reading list!

Time to schedule your exam!

Once you feel comfortable, go here to schedule your exam! Have fun!

How’d it go?

Feel free to reach out and provide any feedback for this guide, positive or negative! If it was helpful then please consider sharing it on social media so others can find it! ✌️

* Studying can be more effective with a group. So if you know anyone looking to get into tech or Linux, send them this guide and group up!

In

One response

  1. Your $100k+ /yr Quick Start Guide: Linux Administration – Wealthy Primate

    […] Popular certifications (not required): LPIC-1 or Linux+ (study guide here!) […]