12/3/2008 -- The Linux Professional Institute (LPI) updates to the 200-level exams are now known, and the exams are expected to go live to the public in April.

In the past, I've been critical of the certification for aging; while I think it's the best vendor-neutral Linux certification on the market, I also think too many years pass between updates. I'm pleased, however, with the upcoming set of objectives and think they reflect the knowledge expected of a mid-level administrator admirably.

To become certified at the LPIC-2 level, a candidate must pass two exams: 201 and 202. Here's a list of the top-level topics for the 201 exam along with their subtopics and weighting (each number is worth roughly 1.66 percent of the total exam):

201: Linux Kernel

• Kernel components (2)
• Compiling a kernel (2)
• Patching a kernel (1)
• Customize, build and install a custom kernel and kernel modules (2)
• Manage/query kernel and kernel modules at runtime (2)

202: System Startup

• Customizing system startup and boot processes (4)
• System recovery (4)

203: Filesystem and Devices

• Operating the Linux filesystem (4)
• Maintaining a Linux filesystem (3)
• Creating and configuring filesystem options (2)
• udev device management (1)

204: Advanced Storage Device Administration

• Configuring RAID (2)
• Adjusting storage device access (1)
• Logical volume manager (3)

205: Networking Configuration

• Basic networking configuration (3)
• Advanced network configuration and troubleshooting (4)
• Troubleshooting network issues (5)
• Notify users on system-related issues (1)

206: System Maintenance

• Make and install programs from source (4)
• Backup operations (3)

207: Domain Name Server

• Basic DNS server configuration (2)
• Create and maintain DNS zones (2)
• Securing a DNS server (2)

A complete list of the key terms and utilities to know for each subtopic can be found here. Next week, we'll discuss the topics and subtopics for exam 202.

Book of the Week: 'CCNA Voice Official Exam Certification Guide'
When it comes to studying for exam 640-460 (CCNA Voice IIUC), you'll find no better bargain than the CCNA Voice Official Exam Certification Guide from Jeremy Cioara, Michael Cavanaugh and Kris Krake.

In the tradition of the Cisco exam guides, this one is hardcover and clocks in at just over 500 pages. It includes questions at the beginning of each chapter and on the accompanying CD. A roll of terms you're asked to define (key terms) appears at the end of each chapter along with tables and lists that you try to complete from memory (answers are at the end of the book).

The content is divided into 13 chapters and five parts, not counting the appendixes. A favorite feature of mine is the "Key Topic" icon that appears throughout the book beside elements you'll want to commit to memory for the exam (usually, beside tables and notes).

As is common of most books in this series, there are many listings and examples and the text is very well-written. If the CCNA Voice exam is looming in your future, this book needs to find its way to your desktop.