Red Hat Certified Security Specialist — RHCSS

An RHCSS certification may be earned by a Red Hat® Certified Engineer (RHCE®) who has demonstrated deeper capabilities in networking services security, directory services, authentication, and SELinux policy management. An IT professional who earns an RHCSS certification has met the security requirements for today's enterprise environment.

Prerequisites

To become certified as an RHCSS, an RHCE has to demonstrate the following:

  • Use of cryptographic tools in Red Hat Enterprise Linux® that can secure network services, including DNS, SMTP, and POP/IMAP

  • File encryption using GPG to secure files

  • Providing more secure network file sharing using Kerberos and NFSv4

  • Configuration of a Kerberos realm

  • Configuration of Red Hat Directory Server to provide a centralized directory with access control

  • Configuration of Red Hat Enterprise Linux clients to authenticate using various mechanisms, including Kerberos, LDAP, and Microsoft Active Directory

  • Customizing the default SELinux Targeted Policy implemented in Red Hat Enterprise Linux to address functional issues and needs

  • Specifying particular SELinux policies and enforcing modes

  • Implementing custom SELinux policies

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Certification program requirements:

  • Only a current RHCE is eligible to earn an RHCSS credential.

  • To be awarded an RHCSS, a current RHCE must pass the following 3 expertise exams:

    • Red Hat Enterprise Security: Network Services Expertise Exam (EX333)

    • Red Hat Enterprise Directory Services and Authentication Expertise Exam (EX423)

    • Red Hat Enterprise SELinux Policy Administration Expertise Exam (EX429)

  • All expertise exams are performance-based, meaning that candidates must perform tasks on a live system, rather than answering questions about how one might perform those tasks.

  • The hands-on nature of these exams make real-world experience a critical facet of preparation.

  • See recertification policies for more information regarding the current window for all credentials.

AUDIENCE

The RHCSS certification is designed for:

  • RHCEs who need to demonstrate that they have the security requirements required for today's enterprise environment.

  • RHCEs who are on the path to being awarded an Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA) credential.

BENEFITS

Benefits to earning a Red Hat certification:

  • Recognition in the industry

  • Increased customer confidence

  • Proof of knowledge and skills

  • Certification verification tool for employers

  • Use of the certification logo on business cards

  • Ability to access multiple Red Hat Certificated Professional online communities (like Facebook and LinkedIn)

  • Access to Red Hat Certification Central website

    • Download certification logo

    • Purchase Red Hat Certification gear

    • Red Hat Certified Professionals forum

    • Online profile listed under your certification number

    • Red Hat Certified Professional job search

  • Special offers on training and events

RECOMMENDED TRAINING

In preparation to earn an RHCSS, Red Hat recommends the following training courses:

[To achieve certification, students must pass these Exams]

Red Hat Enterprise Security: Network Services Expertise Exam (EX333)
Performance-based expertise exam that tests the knowledge and skill regarding enterprise security network services.

Red Hat Enterprise Directory Services and Authentication Expertise Exam (EX423)
Performance-based expertise exam that tests the knowledge and skill regarding enterprise directory services and authentication.

Red Hat Enterprise SELinux Policy Administration Expertise Exam (EX429)
Performance-based expertise exam that tests the knowledge and skill regarding enterprise SELinux policy administration.