This exam tests candidates' ability to use standard system tools to analyze the performance of Red Hat® Enterprise Linux® and applications running on Red Hat Enterprise Linux and to use standard system tools and mechanisms to modify the behavior of the system and applications for the purpose of improving system performance. This exam is based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7.
What you need to know
Red Hat encourages all candidates for the Red Hat Enterprise Performance Tuning Expertise exam (EX442) to consider taking the Red Hat Certificate of Expertise in Performance Tuning (RH442) training course. Attendance in this class is not required, so one can choose to take just the exam. Many successful candidates who have come to class already possessing substantial skills and knowledge have reported that the class made a positive difference for them.
While attending Red Hat classes can be an important part of one's preparation to take this exam, attending class does not guarantee success on the exam. Previous experience, practice, and native aptitude are also important determinants of success.
Many books and other resources on system administration for Red Hat's products are available. Red Hat does not officially endorse any as preparation guides for its exam. Nevertheless, you may find additional reading deepens understanding and can prove helpful.
Exam format
This exam is a performance-based evaluation of system administration skills and knowledge. Candidates perform a number of routine system administration tasks and are evaluated on whether they have met specific objective criteria. Performance-based testing means that candidates must perform tasks similar to what they perform on the job.
Prospective employers of people with the Red Hat Certificate of Expertise in Performance Tuning should verify any and all claims by people claiming to hold this credential by requesting their certificate number and verifying it using the Red Hat certification verification tool.
The exam is organized as follows:
Scores and reporting
Official scores for exams come exclusively from Red Hat Certification Central. Red Hat does not authorize examiners or training partners to report results to candidates directly. Scores on the exam are usually reported within 3 U.S. business days.
Exam results are reported as section scores. Red Hat does not report performance on individual items, nor will it provide additional information upon request.
Exam candidates should:
Red Hat recommends that candidates earn Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) or Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) before attempting this exam but neither is required.
To help you prepare, the exam objectives highlight the task areas you can expect to see covered in the exam. Red Hat reserves the right to add, modify, and remove exam objectives. Such changes will be made public in advance.
Candidates should be able to perform the tasks listed below:
As with all Red Hat performance-based exams, configurations must persist after reboot without intervention. To find the study points for the Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 exam, visit our resource library.