How Do You Prepare for Red Hat’s Containers Exam (EX180/EX188)?

Table of Contents

• What Is the EX180/EX188 Exam?
• Key Skills Tested
• Prerequisites and Who Should Take It
• Exam Format and Structure
• Building an Effective Study Plan
• Recommended Study Resources
• Hands-On Practice Tips
• Study Resources Table
• Exam Day Tips
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is the EX180/EX188 Exam?

The Red Hat Certified Specialist in Containers (EX180/EX188) exam tests your ability to manage containers using Red Hat’s container tools, focusing on Podman, Buildah, and Skopeo. Containers are lightweight, portable units that package applications with their dependencies, making them ideal for consistent deployment across environments. The EX180/EX188 is part of Red Hat’s certification path, aligning with the Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) and serving as a foundation for advanced certifications like the Red Hat Certified Specialist in Containers and Kubernetes (EX280).

The exam is performance-based, meaning you’ll perform real-world tasks in a live environment rather than answering multiple-choice questions. It’s designed for professionals working in DevOps, system administration, or application development roles.

Key Skills Tested

The EX180/EX188 exam focuses on practical container management skills. You’ll need to demonstrate proficiency in the following areas:

• Container Creation and Management: Building and running containers using Podman and Buildah.
• Container Images: Creating, modifying, and managing container images, including pushing/pulling from registries.
• Container Storage: Configuring persistent and temporary storage for containers.
• Container Networking: Setting up networking for containers to communicate with each other or external systems.
• Troubleshooting: Diagnosing and fixing common container-related issues.
• Security Practices: Applying security measures like running containers as non-root users and managing permissions.

These skills are tested in a hands-on environment, ensuring you can apply them in real-world scenarios.

Prerequisites and Who Should Take It

Red Hat does not mandate formal prerequisites for the EX180/EX188, but familiarity with Linux system administration is highly recommended. Basic knowledge of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) commands and concepts will make preparation easier. The exam is ideal for:

• System administrators transitioning to containerized environments.
• Developers learning to build and deploy containerized applications.
• DevOps professionals aiming to specialize in container technologies.

Beginners with some Linux experience can succeed with dedicated study, while those with RHCSA certification will find the exam more approachable.

Exam Format and Structure

The EX180/EX188 is a hands-on, performance-based exam lasting about 2-3 hours. You’ll work in a Red Hat Enterprise Linux environment, completing tasks like building containers, managing images, and configuring storage. The exam tests practical skills, not theoretical knowledge, so hands-on practice is critical.

Key details:

• Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours
• Format: Performance-based tasks in a live RHEL environment
• Tools: Podman, Buildah, Skopeo, and RHEL command-line utilities
• Passing Score: Typically around 70% (210/300), though exact thresholds may vary

The exam simulates real-world scenarios, requiring you to think critically and work efficiently under time constraints.

Building an Effective Study Plan

Preparing for the EX180/EX188 requires a structured approach. Here’s a step-by-step plan to guide you:

• Understand the Objectives: Review the exam objectives on Red Hat’s website to know exactly what’s tested.
• Set a Timeline: Plan for 2-3 months of study, dedicating 5-10 hours per week based on your experience.
• Learn Core Tools: Focus on mastering Podman, Buildah, and Skopeo through tutorials and practice.
• Practice Regularly: Set up a lab environment to simulate exam tasks, such as building and running containers.
• Review and Reflect: After practice sessions, analyze mistakes and revisit weak areas.
• Simulate Exam Conditions: Practice tasks under time constraints to build confidence and speed.

Consistency is key. Break your study sessions into manageable chunks, balancing theory and hands-on practice.

Recommended Study Resources

A variety of resources can help you prepare for the EX180/EX188. Here are the best options:

• Red Hat Training: Enroll in DO180 (Introduction to Containers, Kubernetes, and Red Hat OpenShift) for structured learning.
• Podman Documentation: Study the official Podman documentation for in-depth command references.
• Red Hat Learning Community: Join Red Hat’s forums or Reddit’s r/redhat for tips and peer support.
• Online Labs: Use platforms like KodeKloud or Red Hat’s interactive labs for hands-on practice.
• Free Tutorials: Watch YouTube tutorials or read blogs on Podman and Buildah for practical insights.
• Books: “Podman in Action” by Red Hat Press is a great resource for container management.

Combine these resources to build a well-rounded understanding of container technologies.

Hands-On Practice Tips

Since the EX180/EX188 is performance-based, hands-on practice is non-negotiable. Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Set Up a Lab: Install Red Hat Enterprise Linux or Fedora on a virtual machine to practice with Podman and Buildah.
• Build Containers: Create containers from scratch, modify images, and push them to a registry like Quay.io.
• Test Networking: Configure containers to communicate over custom networks and troubleshoot connectivity issues.
• Practice Storage: Set up persistent storage for containers and experiment with volume management.
• Simulate Failures: Intentionally break containers (e.g., misconfigure settings) and practice troubleshooting.
• Use Real-World Scenarios: Deploy sample applications, like a web server, in containers to mimic exam tasks.

Aim to practice daily, even for 30 minutes, to build muscle memory with key commands.

Study Resources Table

Exam Day Tips

To perform your best on exam day, follow these tips:

• Read Instructions Carefully: Each task has specific requirements; don’t rush.
• Manage Time: Allocate time per task and move on if stuck to maximize points.
• Double-Check Work: Verify container configurations and test functionality before submitting.
• Stay Calm: If a task fails, troubleshoot systematically rather than panicking.
• Use Documentation: The exam allows access to man pages and official documentation—use them wisely.

Approach the exam with confidence, knowing your preparation has equipped you for success.

Conclusion

The Red Hat Certified Specialist in Containers (EX180/EX188) exam is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your skills in container management, a critical area in modern IT. By mastering tools like Podman, Buildah, and Skopeo, you’ll be well-prepared for roles in DevOps, system administration, or application development. Preparation requires a blend of theoretical study, hands-on practice, and strategic time management. With resources like Red Hat’s DO180 course, online labs, and consistent lab practice, you can build the skills needed to pass the exam and advance your career. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced professional, this certification is a stepping stone to thriving in the world of cloud-native technologies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the EX180/EX188 exam?

It’s a performance-based certification exam by Red Hat, testing skills in container management using Podman, Buildah, and Skopeo.

Who should take the EX180/EX188?

System administrators, developers, and DevOps professionals interested in container technologies.

Do I need prior certifications for EX180/EX188?

No, but basic Linux knowledge or RHCSA certification is recommended.

How long is the EX180/EX188 exam?

The exam lasts approximately 2-3 hours and is performance-based.

What tools are tested in the EX180/EX188?

Podman, Buildah, Skopeo, and RHEL command-line utilities.

How much does the EX180/EX188 exam cost?

It costs around $400, though prices may vary by region.

Is the EX180/EX188 exam hands-on?

Yes, it involves practical tasks in a live RHEL environment.

What is Podman?

Podman is a daemonless container management tool, similar to Docker, used in Red Hat environments.

What is Buildah?

Buildah is a tool for building and modifying container images without a daemon.

What is Skopeo?

Skopeo is a tool for managing, inspecting, and copying container images between registries.

How long should I prepare for the EX180/EX188?

2-3 months of consistent study and practice, depending on your experience.

Can I take the EX180/EX188 exam online?

Yes, Red Hat offers remote proctoring for the exam.

Does the exam include Kubernetes?

No, EX180/EX188 focuses on container management, not Kubernetes orchestration.

How do I practice for the EX180/EX188?

Set up a RHEL or Fedora lab, use Podman and Buildah, and practice with online labs like KodeKloud.

Is the EX180/EX188 recognized by employers?

Yes, especially in organizations using Red Hat solutions or container technologies.

Can I retake the EX180/EX188 if I fail?

Yes, after a 7-day waiting period and paying the exam fee again.

What is the DO180 course?

It’s Red Hat’s official training for EX180/EX188, covering containers and OpenShift basics.

Does EX180/EX188 cover container security?

Yes, it includes tasks like running containers as non-root users and managing permissions.

Is EX180/EX188 a prerequisite for other Red Hat certifications?

It’s not required but complements certifications like EX280 or RHCE.

Where can I find the exam objectives?

The official objectives are listed on Red Hat’s website under the EX180/EX188 exam page.