RHCSA
Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)
The Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA, exam EX200) is a performance-based certification that tests the ability to perform essential RHEL system administration tasks in a live environment. Candidates complete real tasks on a running RHEL system with no multiple-choice questions — results are auto-graded. RHCSA is the foundational Red Hat credential and a prerequisite for all higher Red Hat certifications including RHCE and RHCA.
RHCSA Exam Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) |
| Governing Body | Red Hat |
| Number of Questions | 20 |
| Time Limit | 3.5 hours |
| Passing Score | 70% (210/300 points) |
| Exam Fee | $400 USD |
| Category | IT Certifications |
| C3RT App Available On | iPhone, iPad, and Mac |
| Official Source | Red Hat official website ↗ |
RHCSA Content Areas and Domains
Domain areas are sourced from the Red Hat content outline.
Topics Covered
- ✓ Linux Essential Tools — file management, text processing, grep, awk, sed
- ✓ Bash Shell Scripting — conditionals, loops, functions, cron jobs
- ✓ System Boot Process — GRUB2, targets, emergency mode troubleshooting
- ✓ Partition Management — fdisk, parted, LVM (pvcreate, vgcreate, lvcreate, lvextend)
- ✓ File System Creation — mkfs, mount, /etc/fstab, swap space
- ✓ Service Management with systemd — enable, start, stop, journal
- ✓ Network Configuration — nmcli, nmtui, static IPs, hostname
- ✓ Firewall and SELinux — firewall-cmd, getenforce, semanage, restorecon
- ✓ User and Group Management — useradd, groupadd, sudo, password policies
- ✓ Container Management — podman, skopeo, systemd container units
How C3RT Helps You Pass the RHCSA
Adaptive Practice
Questions adapt to your weak areas automatically so every study session on the RHCSA is time well spent.
Diagnostic Mocks
Full-length mock exams timed to the real RHCSA format with detailed score breakdowns by topic.
Mistake Bank
Every wrong answer is saved for targeted re-drill. The system resurfaces your mistakes until they stick.
Native on iOS & Mac
Built with SwiftUI, not a web wrapper. Instant load, offline support, hardware-speed rendering.
RHCSA Frequently Asked Questions
What does RHCSA stand for?
RHCSA stands for Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA). It is administered by Red Hat.
Who administers the RHCSA?
The Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) (RHCSA) is administered by Red Hat. For official information, visit the Red Hat website.
How many questions is the RHCSA?
The RHCSA consists of 20 questions. Candidates are given 3.5 hours to complete the exam.
What is the passing score for the RHCSA?
The passing score for the RHCSA is 70% (210/300 points), as set by Red Hat. Scoring methodology and passing standards may be updated periodically. Always verify current requirements with the governing body.
How much does the RHCSA exam cost?
The RHCSA exam fee is $400 USD. This fee is set by Red Hat and may vary by testing centre, region, or membership status. Additional fees for registration or rescheduling may apply.
How is the RHCSA exam graded?
The RHCSA is auto-graded — Red Hat's automated system checks whether each task was completed correctly on the live RHEL system after the exam. There are no multiple-choice questions. You need a score of 210 out of 300 points (70%) to pass. Results are delivered within 3 business days.
What RHEL version does the RHCSA exam use?
The current RHCSA exam (EX200) uses Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9. Red Hat periodically updates the exam to the current major RHEL version. Preparation should focus on RHEL 9 commands and features including dnf package management, podman containers, and nmcli network configuration.
How long should I study for RHCSA?
Most candidates spend 60–120 hours preparing, with the majority of time in hands-on lab practice. A free RHEL Developer Subscription (from developers.redhat.com) provides full access to RHEL 9 for practice. Understanding LVM management, SELinux troubleshooting, and firewalld configuration is critical.
Is RHCSA harder than Linux+?
Yes — RHCSA is a performance-based exam on a live system, while CompTIA Linux+ is multiple choice and multiple response. RHCSA is RHEL-specific and requires hands-on task completion under time pressure. However, RHCSA is highly valued by employers and commands a significant salary premium over Linux+.
C3RT is a native iOS and macOS exam preparation platform covering the Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) (RHCSA), a IT Certifications certification, administered by Red Hat. C3RT is not affiliated with or endorsed by Red Hat. Certification names and trademarks are the property of their respective organisations. For official exam registration, eligibility requirements, and content outlines, visit the Red Hat official website ↗ .