Certified Linux Administrator 01 (CLA 01)
Main Objectives
- Be able to install and configure a Linux System
Target participant
Pre-requisite
Minimum of 6 month relevant working experience
Have attended the following compulsory trainings:
Preferably to have also undergone the following trainings
Linux Fundamentals – Usage of commonly used Linux commands.
Linux System Administration - Practical training on Linux installation, user management and software management
- Can perform basic software installation on Linux
- Know basic Unix/Linux commands to create and edit files
- Can create and edit documents with vi editor
CLA 01 Path

Criteria to Pass CLA 01
Re-sits CLA 01
In the event that the candidates fail any parts of the test, refer to the following:
Candidate who fail any part of the test may apply to re-sits for that part only
Candidates who exceed the validity period of the test must re-sit for all parts of the test
Re-sits are done at the availability of the test centres
Domain Details
The following is provided as a guide for candidate to prepare to sit for the certification.
1. Linux installation – Hardware
1.1 Configuring devices
Maps to LPI
LPI 1.101.3 Configure Modem and Sound cards
LPI 1.101.4 Setup non-IDE Devices
LPI 1.101.6 Configure Communication Devices
Description
Candidates is able to configure the serial port, sound card and fundamental devices.
Key Knowledge Areas
Know about Win-modems, modem tools, sound systems, SCSI devices and serial devices. Be able to detect devices. Know about IRQ, DMA and I/O ports. Know about the /proc, lspci, lsusb. Able to identify detected network card.
1.2 Plugable devices
Maps to LPI
LPI 1.101.5 Setup different PC expansion cards
LPI 1.101.7 Configure USB devices
Description
Candidates are able to activate USB support and plugable devices.
Key Knowledge Areas
Know about hotplug devices, hotplug configuration. Identify and load the correct USB driver module.
2. Linux installation – Design
2.1 Hard disk layout
Maps to LPI
LPI 1.102.1 Design hard disk layout
LPI 1.102.2 Install a boot manager
Description
Candidates are able to design a disk partition scheme for a Linux system.
Key Knowledge Areas
Know about file systems and swap space. The /boot partition that conforms to the BIOS requirements.
2.2 Using boot manager
Maps to LPI
LPI 1.102.2 Install a boot manager
Description
Candidates are able to install and configure a boot manager
Key Knowledge Areas
Know standard boot loaders, boot devices and Master Boot Record. Configure GRUB or LILO.
2.3 Runlevel
Description
Candidates are able to configure and use runlevels
Key Knowledge Areas
Know how to view and change existing runlevels. Able to identify services to run for selected runlevels.
3. Linux Software Packaging
3.1 Manage shared libraries
Maps to LPI
1.102.4 Manage shared libraries
Description
Candidates are able to determine the shared libraries that executable programs depend on and install them when necessary.
Key Knowledge Area
Know how to identify shared libraries and load shared libraries. Identify the location of system libraries.
3.2 Install programs from source
Maps to LPI
1.102.3 Make and install programs from source
Description
Candidates are able to unpack and install executable programs from source.
Key Knowledge Areas
Know how to unpack source files and compile. Editing the Makefile, configure the source, compile and install executable programs. Compile a RPM package from source.
3.3 Use Debian package management
Maps to LPI
1.102.5 Use Debian package management
Description
Candidates are be able to use the Debian package tools.
Key Knowledge Areas
Know how to install, upgrade and uninstall Debian binary packages. Obtain package information of installed packages or the binary package.
3.4 Use Red Hat Package Manager (RPM)
Maps to LPI
1.102.6 Use Red Hat Package Manager (RPM)
Description
Candidates are be able to use the RPM package tools.
Key Knowledge Areas
Know how to install, upgrade and uninstall RPM binary packages. Obtain package information of installed packages or the binary package.
4. GNU Linux & Unix Commands
4.1 Work on the command line
Maps to LPI
1.103.1 Work on the command line
1.103.2 Process text streams using filters
1.103.4 Use streams, pipes and redirects
Description
Candidates are able to interact with bash shell and commands using the command line.
Key Knowledge Areas
Know how to use the command line interface to perform basic task. Send text output streams through text utility filters.
4.2 Basic file management
Maps to LPI
1.103.3 Perform basic file management
Description
Candidates are able to use basic Linux commands to manage files and directories.
Key Knowledge Areas
know how to copy, move, remove files and directories.
4.3 Process management
Maps to LPI
1.103.5 Create, monitor and kill processes
1.103.6 Modify process execution priorities
Description
Candidates are able to perform basic process management
Key Knowledge Areas
know how to manage jobs in foreground and background. Monitor processes and send signals to process. Change priority of a program or a running process.
4.4 Search text files using regular expressions
Maps to LPI
1.103.7 Search text files using regular expressions
Description
Candidates are able to use regular expressions to manipulate or searct text files.
Key Knowledge Areas
know how to use regular expressions with grep. Able to use sed to manipulate files.
4.5 Use the vi editor
Maps to LPI
1.103.8 Perform basic file editing operations using vi
Description
Candidates are able to edit with the vi editor.
Key Knowledge Area
Know how to navigate with and use the modes (command, insert and last line).
5. Filesystems
5.1 Create partitions and filesystems
Maps to LPI
1.104.1 Create partitions and filesystems
1.104.2 Maintain the integrity of filesystems
Description
Candidates are able to configure disk partitions and then create filesystems on media such as hard disks. This includes the handling of swap partitions.
Key Knowledge Areas
Use various mkfs commands to set up partitions and create various filesystems, including ext2, ext3, reiserfs, vfat and xfs. Verify the integrity of filesystems. Monitor free space and inodes. Repair simple filesystem problems.
5.2 Mounting and unmounting filesystems
Maps to LPI
1.104.3 Control mounting and unmounting filesystems
Description
Candidates are able to configure the mounting of a filesystem.
Key Knowledge Areas
Manually mount and unmount filesystems.
Configure filesystem mounting on bootup.
Configure user mountable removeable filesystems such as tape drives, floppies and CDROMs.
5.3 Disk quota
Maps to LPI
1.104.4 Managing disk quota
Description
Candidates are able to manage disk quota for users
Key Knowledge Areas
Know how to setup disk quota for a filesystem.
5.4 File permissions to control access to files
Maps to LPI
1.104.5 Use file permissions to control access to files
Description
Candidates are able to control file access through the proper use of permissions.
Key Knowledge Areas
Manage access permissions on regular and special files as well as directories.
Use access modes such as suid, sgid and the sticky bit to maintain security.
Use the group field to grant file access to workgroups.
Basic knowledge of ACL.
Know how to change the default file creation mode of the shell.
5.5 Manage file ownership
Maps to LPI
1.104.6 Manage file ownership
Description
Candidates are able to edit user and group ownership of files and directories.
Key Knowledge Areas
Know how to manage access permissions on files and directories.
5.6 Create and change hard and symbolic links
Maps to LPI
1.104.7 Create and change hard and symbolic links
Description
Candidates are able to create and manage hard and symbolic links to a file.
Key Knowledge Areas
Know how to create links and identify hard and symbolic links.
5.7 Find system files and place files in the correct location
Maps to LPI
1.104.8 Find system files and place files in the correct location
Description
Candidates are able to search, identify file location and directory and familiar with the Hilesystem Hiearchy Standard (FHS).
Key Knowledge Areas
Know how to use the tools to search for files and directories. Know the important files and directories as defined in FHS.
6. X Windows System
6.1 Install & configure X11
Maps to LPI
1.110.1 Install & Configure X11
Description
Candidates are able to install and configure X server
Key Knowledge Areas
Know how to configure the video card, monitor and font server.
6.2 Setup a display manager
Maps to LPI
1.110.2 Setup a display manager
Description
Candidates are able to setup and customize a display manager.
Key Knowledge Areas
Know how to enable the display manager, configure XDM and GDM.
6.3 Install & Customize a Window Manager Environment
Maps to LPI
1.110.4 Install & Customize a Window Manager Environment
Description
Candidates are able to customize a system-wide desktop environment and/or window manager.
Key Knowledge Areas
Know how to customise window manager menus and the x-terminal. Able to export the X display.
Certified Linux Administrator 02 (CLA 02)
Main Objective
Candidate is able setting up Linux computers for deployment of network services
Target Participant
Anyone who needs to perform the following in a day-to-day work;
- Basic skill to perform scripting and basic networking services task
- Knowledge experience in networking
- Configure and manage networking for Linux
- Manage software and system customization for Linux
Pre-requisite
- Pegawai Teknologi Maklumat (PTM)/skim F or minimum of 6 month relevant working experience
- Have attended the following compulsory trainings:
- Preferably to have also undergone the following trainings:
- Linux Fundamentals – Usage of commonly used Linux commands.
- Linux Network Administration - Practical Linux Installation for Networking, user management and software management
- Can perform basic network installation on Linux
- Know basic Unix/Linux commands to manage networking for Linux
- Can perform system customization for Linux
CLA 02 Path

Criteria to Pass CLA 02
- The candidates are required to have met the following to be eligible to pass the CLA02 certification.
- Have completed CLA 02 training.
- The certification test comprises of 2 parts. Candidates are required to completed the following test successfully:
- Part A, practical lab work – required 80% score to pass
- Part B, written (short answer and/or multiple choice questions) – required 60% score to pass
- The validity of all test and report is 3 months from the 1st test
Re-sits CLA 02
In the event that the candidates fail any parts of the test, refer to the following:
- Candidate who fail any part of the test may apply to re-sits for that part only
- Candidates who exceed the validity period of the test must re-sit for all parts of the test
- Re-sits are done at the availability of the test centres
- Candidates must register at the test centres
- Recommended cooling period is 1 month before test can be taken again
Domain Details
The following is provided as a guide for candidate to prepare to sit for the certification.
Each domain contains the description of the domain objectives. This will give a guidance on the objective of the domain. Details of the domain is shown as the “Key Knowledge Areas”.
This will assist the candidates to prepare with specific topics to meet the domain objectives.
1. The GNU/Linux Shell Environment
1.1 Customize and use the shell environment
Domain Objective
Candidates should be able to customize shell environments to meet users needs. Candidates should be able to modify global and user profiles.
Key Knowledge Areas
- Set environment variables (e.g. PATH) at login or when spawning a new shell.
- Write BASH functions for frequently used sequences of commands.
- Set command search path with the proper directory.
1.2 Customize or write simple scripts
Domain Objective
Candidates should be able to customize existing scripts, or write simple new BASH scripts.
Key Knowledge Areas
- Use command substitution.
- Perform conditional mailing to the superuser.
- Correctly select the script interpreter through the shebang (#!) line.
2. Administrative Tasks
2.1 Manage user and group accounts and related system files
Domain Objective
Candidates should be able to add, remove, suspend and change user accounts.
Key Knowledge Areas
- Add, modify and remove users and groups.
- Manage user/group info in password/group databases.
- Create and manage special purpose and limited accounts.
- Focus on practical scenario based
2.2 Automate system administration tasks by scheduling jobs
Domain Objective
Candidates should be able to use
cron or
anacron to run jobs at regular intervals and to use
at to run jobs at a specific time.
Key Knowledge Areas
- Manage cron and at jobs.
- Configure user access to cron and at services.
3. Timing Protocol
3.1 Maintain system time
Domain Objective
Candidates should be able to properly maintain the system time and synchronize the clock via NTP.
Key Knowledge Areas
- Set the system date and time.
- Set the hardware clock to the correct time in UTC.
- Configure the correct timezone.
- Basic NTP configuration.
- Synchronising system time with the time server
3.2 Mail Transfer Agent (MTA) basics
Domain Objective
Candidates should be aware of the commonly available MTA programs and be able to perform basic forward and alias configuration. Other configuration files are not covered.
Key Knowledge Areas
- Examine the Postfix configuration file
- Setting up a simple MTA
- Knowledge of commonly available MTA programs (postfix and sendmail) (no configuration)
4. Networking Fundamentals
4.1 Fundamentals of internet protocols
Domain Objective
Candidates should demonstrate a proper understanding of TCP/IP network fundamentals.
Key Knowledge Areas
- Demonstrate an understanding network masks.
- Knowledge of the differences between private and public "dotted quad" IP-Addresses.
- Setting a default route.
- Knowledge about common TCP and UDP ports
- Knowledge about the differences and major features of UDP, TCP and ICMP.
- Knowledge of the major differences between IPv4 and IPV6.
4.2 Basic network configuration
Domain Objective
Candidates should be able to view, change and verify configuration settings on client hosts.
Key Knowledge Areas
- Manually and automatically configure network interfaces
- Basic TCP/IP host configuration.
- Virtual IP
4.3 Basic network troubleshooting
Domain Objective
Candidates should be able to troubleshoot networking issues on client hosts.
Key Knowledge Areas
- Manually and automatically configure network interfaces and routing tables to include adding, starting, stopping, restarting, deleting or reconfiguring network interfaces.
- Change, view, or configure the routing table and correct an improperly set default route manually.
- Debug problems associated with the network configuration.
4.4 Configure client side DNS
Domain Objective
Candidates should be able to configure DNS on a client host.
Key Knowledge Areas
- Demonstrate the use of DNS on the local system.
- Modify the order in which name resolution is done.
5. Basic Security Management
5.1 Understand the security mechanisims in GNU/Linux
Domain Objective
Candidates will be introduced to the concepts of Discretionary Access Contraol (DAC) vs Mandatory Access Control (MAC) mechanisims.
Key Knowledge Areas
- Basic understanding of how GNU/Linux systems security mechanism
- The usage of sudo and permission delegation
5.2 Setup host security
Domain Objective
Candidates should know how to set up a basic level of host security.
Key Knowledge Areas
- Awareness of shadow passwords and how they work.
- Turn off network services not in use.
- Understand the role of TCP wrappers.
5.3 Secured remote communication
Domain Objective
The candidate should be able to use public key techniques to secure data and communication.
Key Knowledge Areas
- Perform basic OpenSSH 2 client configuration and usage.
- Understand the role of OpenSSH 2 server host keys
- Perform basic GnuPG configuration and usage.
- Understand SSH port tunnels (including X11 tunnels).
Certified OpenOffice.org and Linux Desktop (COOOL)
Main Objective
Candidate is able to use OpenOffice.org (OOo) to create and edit basic spreadsheet, presentation and document files; know the Linux desktop tools to manage files.
This certification acknowledges that the candidate is able to:
- Carry out basic operations for spreadsheet, presentation and document files.
- Be able to perform basic OpenOffice.org configurations.
- Be able to perform basic OpenOffice.org troubleshooting.
- Be able to use the Linux desktop tools to manage folders and files.
Target Participant
- Those who need to support implementation of OpenOffice.org on Linux or MS Windows.
- Anyone who will create and manage large, complex word processing projects.
- Anyone who will use spreadsheet editing, data handling, functions and analysis features.
- Anyone who will plan and design effective presentation with more impact.
Pre-requisite
Have attended the following compulsory training :
- Using OpenOffice.org Effectively
Preferably to have also undergone the following trainings :
- Linux Desktop & OpenOffice.org
or
- Introduction to OpenOffice.org
Have used the 3 components of OpenOffice.org for a minimum of 3 months.
Can perform basic OpenOffice.org configuration:
- Add user data
- Change the print settings
- Change the language
COOOL Path
Criteria to Pass COOOL
- Part A, practical lab work – required 80% score to pass
- Method: Candidates will be given a list of task to complete with regards to the 3 main component of OpenOffice.org only.
- Part B, written (multiple choice answers) – required 60% score to pass
- Method: 50 Questions with multiple choice answers is given to the candidate to complete. This will cover OpenOffice.org and Linux desktop.
- The validity of all test is 3 months from the 1st test
Re-sits COOOL
In the event that the candidates fail any parts of the test, refer to the following:
- Candidate who fail any part of the test may apply to re-sits for that part only
- Candidates who exceed the validity period of the test must re-sit for all parts of the test
- Re-sits are done at the availability of the test centres
- Candidates must register at the test centres
Domain Details
The following is provided as a guide for candidate to prepare to sit for the certification.
Each domain contains the description of the domain objectives. This will give a guidance on the objective of the domain. Details of the domain is shown as the “Key Knowledge Areas”.
This will assist the candidates to prepare with specific topics to meet the domain objectives.
1. General
Domain Objective
Candidates are able to configure the general areas, not exclusive of any particular component of OpenOffice.org.
Key Knowledge Areas
Know about tasks can be performed from any area of OOo. This includes general settings, options, file and style management.
2. Word processing
2.1 Printing & Editing
Domain Objective
a)Candidates are able to use advanced text editing features, paragraph and style options or template formatting and layout options.
Key Knowledge Areas
a)Covers collaborative editing features which allow to work as a team on large, complex word processing projects.
b)Use printing features to customize printed outputs.
2.2 Layout
Domain Objective
a)Candidates are able to create and modify master documents and sub-documents, table of contents, document sections, multiple column layouts and column breaks.
Key Knowledge Areas
a)Know about master documents, table of content and layout.
2.3. Document Organization
Domain Objective
a)Candidates are able to manage access to document by bookmarks, indexes, cross-references, field codes, footnotes and endnotes.
Key Knowledge Areas
a)Know the advanced table features to merge and split cells in a table, convert tabbed text into a table, sort data and perform calculations in a table, use advanced form features to create, edit and protect forms, insert, edit, format and link text boxes, create and modify a chart from a table or pasted worksheet within a document and position a chart within a document.
b)Know how to add and modify password protection to a document.
2.4. Special Tools
Domain Objective
a)Candidates are able to use advanced mail merge and macro features
Key Knowledge Areas
a)Know to edit and sort a data source and/or merge documents with a data source using merge criteria. Know to use macro features to record, run and copy macros and assign a macro to a button on the tool bar.
3. Spreadsheets
3.1. Editing
Domain Objective
a)Candidates are able to use data manipulation tools within the spreadsheet.
Key Knowledge Areas
a)Know to use sub-total features to calculate key subtotals instantly and to create what-if tables to display outcomes based on variable scenarios and conditional formatting options to apply different formats to selected data within a spreadsheet or use paste special options to remove formula from data and to transpose data for presentation purposes.
3.2. Data Handling
Domain Objective
a)Candidates are able to use advanced data handling options
Key Knowledge Areas
a)Know how to sorting multiple columns, use querying/filtering, use the linking tool to link data or charts within a worksheet, between worksheets, between spreadsheets or into a word processing document.
3.3. Functions
Domain Objective
a)Candidate are able to use arithmetic, date, logical and lookup functions
Key Knowledge Areas
a)Know to use date/time functions, mathematical functions, statistical functions, text functions, logical functions, financial functions, lookup and reference functions and available database functions to extract precise information from the data.
3.4. Analysis
Domain Objective
a)Candidate are able to use the data analysis tool.
Key Knowledge Areas
a)Know how to create and edit pivot tables or dynamic cross tab reports, create a variety of scenarios to produce instant reports, use auditing tools to show formula used
3.5. Special Tools
Domain Objective
a)Candidate are able to record and run simple macros
Key Knowledge Areas
a)Know how to assign a custom button to a macro on a tool bar.
4. Presentation
4.1. Slides
Domain Objective
a)Candidate are able to customize, merge and save presentations.
Key Knowledge Areas
a)Know how to customize the layout of presentations, merge presentations, merge word processed documents into presentations and save slides into different formats.
4.2. Pictures, Images and Drawn Objects
Domain Objective
a)Candidate are able to manipulate, edit and apply images and drawn objects.
Key Knowledge Areas
a)Know how to manipulate, edit and apply effects to images, pictures and drawn objects in your presentation.
4.3. Charts/Graphs
Domain Objective
a)Candidate are able to create and manipulate chart
Key Knowledge Areas
a)Know how to create and manipulate charts to create professional-looking advanced presentations.
4.4. Multimedia
Domain Objective
a)Candidate are able to use sound and video in presentations
Key Knowledge Areas
a)Know how to use sound and video in presentations or introduce and modify animations in presentations to add visual impact.
4.5. Managing Presentations
Domain Objective
a)Candidate are able to use slide show control tools
Key Knowledge Areas
a)Know how to use slide show control tools to hyper link to other presentations, documents, spreadsheets or Websites from a presentation. Apply different slide transition options and settings and create customized shows.
5.Linux Desktop
5.1.Using the Desktop
Domain Objective
a)Candidates are able to use Linux platform
Key Knowledge Areas
a)Know to navigate and create files and folders, menu panels, starts menu, shutting down and logging in and out.
b)Know common Linux Desktop and features
5.2.File System
Domain Objective
a)Candidate are able to modify the file system in Linux
Key Knowledge Areas
a)Know to arrange, create and edit files and folder permission. Using file manager to start nautilus and changing views. Able to use text editor(GEDIT).