10/17/2005 -- On Thursday Red Hat announced the Red Hat Certified Security Specialist (RHCSS), the first security certification from a major Linux certification program.

The new will test advanced security skills within Red Hat Linux. To become an RHCSS, candidates will first be required to become a Red Hat Certified Engineer, which requires passing a full-day, hands-on lab exam at a select Red Hat location worldwide. Then, candidates must pass three other hands-on "endorsement" exams:

• Security: Network Services (#EX333)
• Directory Services and Authentication (#EX423)
• SELinux Policy Administration (#EX429)

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Passing the individual exams adds individual endorsements, or an extra designation, to the RHCE. The Security and Directory Services exams also count toward Red Hat's new Red Hat Certified Architect title, which requires passing five hands-on exams in addition to the RHCE.

Like the RHCE exam, each of these exams costs $749 (U.S), although optional training courses are highly recommended. Red Hat is currently offering free retakes for those who fail an endorsement exam after taking Red Hat training.

For more information on the RHCSS, go here. For more information on other Red Hat certifications, go here. -Becky Nagel