11/13/2002 -- Earlier this month, Red Hat's certification program announced it will be adding a new mid-level, lab-based title: the Red Hat Certified Technician (RHCT).

According to Red Hat, the certification is designed for those "transitioning to Linux from other UNIX operating systems, or who want to prove their competencies at a midway point on the way to RHCE."

Like the company's flagship Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) title, the RHCT will require candidates to travel to one of 33 Red Hat testing locations to pass a hands-on lab exam. The RHCT lab will last 4.5 hours and cost $349 U.S. It is not a prerequisite for the RHCE. Training will be available but is not required.

The title will officially launch in January 2003.

"We are preparing a new cadre of certified Linux technicians -- journeymen system administrators who set up and support Linux systems throughout production networks, who have earned RHCT and are on their way to RHCE," said Peter Childers, vice president of Global Learning Services at Red Hat.

According to Red Hat, more than 11,800 RHCE exams have been taken, and there are currently 6,600 RHCEs worldwide.

For more information about Red Hat's certification program and the new title, click here. -B.N.