LPIC-1 101-500
LPIC-1 Exam 101-500
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Cheat sheet
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ExploreAbout this exam
LPIC-1 is the first certification in the multi-level Linux professional certification program of the Linux Professional Institute (LPI). It validates a candidate's ability to perform maintenance tasks on the command line, install and configure a computer running Linux, and configure basic networking. There are no prerequisites, and the certification is awarded only after passing two separate exams, 101 and 102. Both are currently version 5.0, with exam codes 101-500 and 102-500. Each exam runs 90 minutes and contains 60 multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions. The certification is valid for five years.
Exam 101 covers system architecture; Linux installation and package management; GNU and Unix commands; and devices, Linux filesystems and the Filesystem Hierarchy Standard. Exam 102 covers shells and shell scripting; user interfaces and desktops; administrative tasks; essential system services; networking fundamentals; and security.
Preparation should centre on the published exam objectives, which list key knowledge areas together with the files, terms and utilities you are expected to recognise. Every objective carries a weighting value, and objectives with higher weights are covered with more questions, so weights are the most reliable guide for dividing study time. This page is independent study material and is not affiliated with LPI.
What you'll study
About LPIC-1 101-500 preparation
How many questions are on each LPIC-1 exam, and how long do I get?
Each exam is 60 questions completed in 90 minutes, mixing multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank items. Because the 101 and 102 exams are separate sittings, plan for two 90-minute sessions rather than one long test.
Do I need prerequisites before registering for exam 101-500?
No. LPI states there are no prerequisites for this certification. The only requirement for becoming certified is passing both the 101 and 102 exams, so you can book the first exam without holding any earlier credential.
Must I pass both exams, or does one count on its own?
Both are required. The objectives state that to be certified LPIC-1, the candidate must pass both the 101 and 102 exams. Passing a single exam does not award the certification, though it does demonstrate that half of the requirement is met.
Which objective version should I study from?
Version 5.0, which corresponds to exam codes 101-500 and 102-500. Older 4.x objectives describe a different exam, so check the version on any book or course before you buy it. Translations of the version 5.0 objectives are available in several languages.
How long does the certification stay valid?
Five years. LPI also points candidates to options for extending the certification beyond that five-year validity period, so it is worth checking the renewal options before your expiry date approaches.
What languages can I take the exam in?
At VUE test centres: English, German, Japanese, Portuguese (Brazilian), Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional) and Spanish (Modern). Online via OnVUE the list is shorter: English, German, Japanese, Portuguese (Brazilian) and Spanish. Pick your delivery method with that difference in mind.
What does the exam cost?
The overview page does not publish a single global fee; it links to exam pricing for your country instead. Check the pricing page for your region before scheduling, and note that vouchers are purchased separately from the exam appointment.
What is the passing score, and what happens if I fail?
The published overview does not state a passing score or a retake policy, so confirm both directly with LPI or your test provider before booking. Budget time and money for a possible second attempt rather than assuming one sitting is enough.
In what order should I study the exam 101 topics?
Work through the objectives in order but weight your time by the published values. Objectives such as 103.1, 103.3, 103.4 and 103.5 carry weight 4, while 102.3 and 102.6 carry weight 1, and higher-weighted objectives receive more questions.
Which single failure mode sinks candidates most often?
Skipping the utilities lists. Each objective names specific files, terms and utilities such as fdisk, blkid, ldd, xargs and journalctl, and questions are built around recognising and using those exact tools. Reading concepts without practising the named commands leaves gaps that weights alone will not reveal.