Frequently Asked Questions: Linux Foundation Certified IT Associate (LFCA)
The Linux Foundation Certified IT Associate (LFCA) certification is a pre-professional certification intended for those new to the industry or considering starting an IT career. This certification is ideal for users interested in advancing to the professional level through a demonstrated understanding of critical concepts for modern IT systems including cloud computing.
The LFCA will test candidates' knowledge of fundamental IT concepts including operating systems, software application installation and management, hardware installation, use of the command line and basic programming, basic networking functions, security best practices, and other related topics to validate their capability and preparedness for an entry-level IT position.
The exam costs $200 USD.
The certification exam is proctored remotely via streaming audio, video, and screen sharing feeds. The screensharing feed allows proctors to view candidates' desktops (including all monitors). The audio, video, and screen sharing feeds will be stored for a limited period of time in the event that there is a subsequent need for review.
Exams are delivered online and Candidates must provide their own computer with:
At this time, the exam delivery system does not support any Linux/Unix based Operating Systems. Please check back in late January for an update to this status.
Current version of Chrome or Chromium
you don’t need to install a virtual machine, use a client machine, or anything beyond a Chrome or Chromium browser
Make sure you have third party cookies turned on for the duration of the exam.
Reliable internet access
Turn off bandwidth-intensive services (e.g. file sync, dropbox, BitTorrent)
Ask others who may be sharing your Internet connection not to stream video or download large files.
Microphone
Please check to make sure it is working before you start your exam session.
Webcam
Ensure the webcam is capable of being moved as you will be required to pan your surroundings to check for potential violations of exam policy.
If you will be testing from an employer-provide ISP or will use an employer provided machine, please ensure that streaming will be allowed using WebRTC.
Candidates should run the PSI Online System Security Check to verify that their machine meets the technical requirements for taking a proctored exam.
Below are the expectations for an acceptable testing environment:
Clutter-free work area
No objects such as paper, writing implements, electronic devices, or other objects on top of surface
No objects such as paper, trash bins, or other objects below the testing surface
Clear walls
No paper/print outs hanging on walls
Paintings and other wall décor is acceptable
Candidates will be asked to remove non-décor items prior to the exam being released
Lighting
Space must be well lit so that proctor is able to see candidate’s face, hands, and surrounding work area
No bright lights or windows behind the examinee
Other
Candidate must remain within the camera frame during the examination
Space must be private where there is no excessive noise. Public spaces such as coffee shops, stores, open office environments, etc. are not allowed.
Candidates are required to provide a non-expired Primary ID that contains Candidate’s photograph, signature and full name (see acceptable forms of ID in the table below).
The name on your Primary ID must exactly match the verified name on your exam checklist.
If the Candidate’s full name on their Primary ID contains non-latin characters, then the Candidate must ALSO provide a non-expired Secondary ID containing their full name in Latin Characters and signature, OR a notarized English translation of their Primary ID along with the non-latin character Primary ID.
Primary ID (non-expired and including photograph and signature) | Secondary ID (non-expired and including signature with Candidate name in Latin characters) |
Passport Government-issued driver’s license/permit Government-Issued local language ID (with photo and signature) National Identity card State or province-issued identity card 住民基本台帳 (Basic resident register with Photo) or マイナンバーカード(My number card) | Debit (ATM) Card Credit Card Health Insurance Card U.S. Social Security Card Employee ID Card Student ID Card Japanese Health Insurance Card |
Additional Allowances:
Some government issued ID such as a passport, driver’s license, military ID or state/country card may be a biometric type and may or may not contain a signature. In these cases Primary ID will be accepted without a signature on condition that you also present a Secondary ID which does contain your signature (e.g. bank, credit or debit card)
For candidates testing in Japan, a Driver’s License (with name and recent recognizable photo) is acceptable as a primary ID as long as it is accompanied with a Japanese health insurance card (健康保険証). In Japan, the Japanese health insurance card (健康保険証) is an acceptable form of secondary ID.
Minors, between the age of 16-18, are permitted to take an online proctored exam with PSI, provided they complete the following requirements:
A Parent/Guardian must complete the Parental Release for Testing of Minors form, and submit it to trainingsupport.linuxfoundation.org, at least 2 weeks prior to the scheduled date of the exam
At check in, the minor candidate must present a valid student ID as a form of identification
During the PSI check-in process, the candidate's guardian must also present a valid ID and must provide verbal consent during the PSI check-in process.
Exams may be administered to citizens of a sanctioned country listed below PROVIDED the citizens are tested OUTSIDE the sanctioned country and their exam registration and current ID show an address OUTSIDE the sanctioned country.
Cuba
Iran
Syria
Sudan
North Korea
Crimea Region of Ukraine
Candidates are allowed 90 minutes to complete the LFCA Exam.
For the LFCA Exam, a score of 75% or above must be earned to pass.
Exams are scored automatically, usually within 24 hours of completion. Results will be emailed within 36 hours from the time that the Exam was completed.
The multiple choice questions are only available in English.
LFCA Certifications are valid for 3 years.
Candidates have the option to retake and pass the exam to renew their certification. Certification Renewal must be completed prior to the certification expiration date. The renewed certification will be valid for a further 3 years effective from the date the exam is passed.
If you need additional help, please login with your LF Account to https://trainingsupport.linuxfoundation.org and use the search bar to find an answer to your question, or select your request type from the categories provided..