Overview
LPI is a non-profit body that certifies Linux and open source skills without tying them to one distribution. Linux Essentials is the entry point. LPIC-1 is the main professional certification for Linux administrators and needs two exams.
Who it is for
- Linux system administrators
- Students and beginners in Linux
- DevOps and cloud engineers
- Support staff working on Linux servers
Versions
Linux Essentials (010-200)
Entry-level. 40 questions, 60 minutes. Does not expire.
LPIC-1 (101-500 and 102-500)
Linux administrator. Two exams, both required.
LPIC-2 and LPIC-3
Advanced Linux administration and enterprise specialist levels.
Other Essentials and specialist exams
Security, Web Development and Open Source Essentials; DevOps Tools Engineer; BSD Specialist.
Where it is accepted
- Linux administrator and support jobs
- Cloud and DevOps roles that need Linux skills
- Academic and training programmes in open source
Always check the current requirements of the university, employer, regulator or visa authority you are applying to.
Test format
| Section | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Linux Essentials (010-200) | 40 questions. 60 minutes. |
| LPIC-1 exam 101-500 | 60 multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions. 90 minutes. |
| LPIC-1 exam 102-500 | 60 multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions. 90 minutes. |
Total time: Linux Essentials: 60 minutes. LPIC-1: 90 minutes per exam (two exams).
Scores and validity
- Scoring
- Not confirmed on LPI's site this session.
- Validity
- LPIC-1: 5 years. Linux Essentials: lifetime.
How long results take is shown at the top of this page.
Fees
LPIC-1 exam, per exam (two needed), price for Pakistan (USD)
USD 165
Source (opens in a new tab)Linux Essentials exam, price for Pakistan (USD)
USD 100
Source (opens in a new tab)
| Item | Official fee | Source |
|---|---|---|
| LPIC-1 exam, per exam (two needed), price for Pakistan (USD) | USD 165 | Source (opens in a new tab) |
| Linux Essentials exam, price for Pakistan (USD) | USD 100 | Source (opens in a new tab) |
Fees are set by the test owner, were checked on 21 October 2026, and can change. Confirm the price when you book. GAPICT never takes exam fees.
On test day
Identification
Pearson VUE ID rules apply. Not verified on LPI's site this session.
Arrive early, bring only what the test owner allows, and expect identity checks and a photo at check-in. Read our test day guide and exam day FAQs.
How to book
Exam seats for LPI (Linux) are booked and paid on the test owner's own system. Delivered through: Pearson VUE.
- 1
Buy a voucher from LPI's marketplace or pay at booking, then schedule with Pearson VUE at a test centre or online (OnVUE).
- 2
Create or sign in to your account on the official booking site.
- 3
Choose your exam, then a test centre, date and time.
- 4
Pay the exam fee to the test owner and keep your confirmation email.
- 5
Check the ID rules and arrive early on test day.
You book and pay in your Pearson VUE account. Rescheduling deadlines (often 24–48 hours) and fees are set by each exam programme.
Need help booking?
We can walk you through the test owner's registration, step by step.
GAPICT's status with these organisations
- Pearson VUEEnquiry made
LPI (Linux) FAQs
Do I need to pass Linux Essentials before LPIC-1?
Which languages are available?
Does LPIC-1 expire?
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these official sources on 21 October 2026. If anything here differs from the test owner's website, the owner's website is correct.
- LPI LPIC-1 overview (opens in a new tab)
- LPI Linux Essentials overview (opens in a new tab)
- LPI exam pricing (opens in a new tab)
- Pearson VUE: LPI (opens in a new tab)
LPI (Linux) and related names are trademarks of their owners and are used here only to describe the test. GAPICT is independent of Linux Professional Institute (LPI), is not endorsed by it, and is not currently an authorised centre for this test.