How to Prepare for RHCSA Exam on RHEL 10 [Complete Guide]

Table of Contents

• What Is the RHCSA Exam?
• RHCSA Exam Objectives for RHEL 10
• Creating an Effective Study Plan
• Hands-On Practice Tips
• Recommended Study Resources
• Exam Day Tips
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the RHCSA Exam?

The RHCSA exam (EX200) is a hands-on, performance-based certification test that evaluates your ability to perform real-world system administration tasks on RHEL 10. Unlike multiple-choice exams, this one puts you in front of a live RHEL system, where you’ll solve practical problems under time constraints. It’s designed to test skills like user management, file system configuration, and security setup—core tasks for any Linux admin. Passing the RHCSA proves you’re ready to handle RHEL systems in professional environments, making it a valuable credential for IT careers.

The exam lasts 2.5 hours and requires you to complete tasks on a live system. You’ll need a score of 210 out of 300 (70%) to pass. Since RHEL 10, released in May 2025, introduces new features like enhanced SELinux and container tools, the exam reflects these updates, so preparation is key.

RHCSA Exam Objectives for RHEL 10

The RHCSA exam for RHEL 10 focuses on practical skills across several key areas. Red Hat updates these objectives to reflect new features in RHEL 10, such as improved container management with Podman and enhanced security tools. Below is a table summarizing the main objectives, based on Red Hat’s official guidelines.

Key Areas Explained

User Management: You’ll need to create users with home directories (useradd -m username), set passwords (passwd username), and manage groups (groupadd groupname). You may also configure sudo access by editing /etc/sudoers.

File Permissions: Understand how to set read, write, and execute permissions using chmod 755 file (owner full access, others read/execute) or manage advanced access with setfacl for specific users.

Storage Management: Be ready to create partitions with fdisk, format them with mkfs.ext4, and manage Logical Volume Manager (LVM) for flexible storage using pvcreate, vgcreate, and lvcreate.

Security: Know how to set SELinux to enforcing or permissive mode (setenforce) and troubleshoot with audit2allow. Configure firewall rules with firewall-cmd and secure SSH access.

Containers: RHEL 10 emphasizes containerization, so practice running containers with podman run and managing images with podman pull.

Creating an Effective Study Plan

Preparing for the RHCSA requires a structured approach, especially since it’s hands-on. A 12-week study plan works well for most candidates, balancing theory and practice. Here’s a week-by-week breakdown to keep you on track:

• Weeks 1-2: Learn the Basics
  • Get comfortable with the RHEL 10 terminal and basic navigation commands like ls, cd, pwd, and find.
  • Practice file management: create files with touch, copy with cp, move with mv, and delete with rm.
  • Learn to view file contents with cat, less, and more.
• Weeks 3-4: User and Permission Management
  • Create and manage users (useradd -m username, passwd) and groups (groupadd, usermod -aG).
  • Set file permissions with chmod (e.g., chmod 644 file) and ownership with chown.
  • Configure access control lists with setfacl for fine-grained permissions.
• Weeks 5-6: System and Network Configuration
  • Configure network interfaces with nmcli (e.g., nmcli con add type ethernet).
  • Set hostnames with hostnamectl and time zones with timedatectl.
  • Manage services using systemctl start, systemctl enable, and check status with systemctl status.
• Weeks 7-8: Storage and Package Management
  • Create partitions with fdisk, format with mkfs.ext4, and mount with mount.
  • Learn LVM: create physical volumes (pvcreate), volume groups (vgcreate), and logical volumes (lvcreate).
  • Install and update software with dnf install and dnf update.
• Weeks 9-10: Security and Containers
  • Configure SELinux modes (getenforce, setenforce) and troubleshoot with audit2allow.
  • Manage firewall rules with firewall-cmd --add-service=http and make them persistent.
  • Run containers with podman run -d nginx and manage images with podman images.
• Weeks 11-12: Practice and Review
  • Take practice exams to simulate real conditions (e.g., KodeKloud or Red Hat practice labs).
  • Review weak areas, focusing on complex tasks like LVM or SELinux.
  • Practice time management: aim to complete tasks in 10-15 minutes.

Tip: Study 2-3 hours daily, splitting time between reading, videos, and hands-on practice. Adjust the plan based on your experience level—beginners may need 16 weeks, while those with Linux experience can shorten it to 8.

Hands-On Practice Tips

The RHCSA is all about doing, not just knowing. Here’s how to build practical skills:

• Set Up a Lab: Install RHEL 10 on a virtual machine using VirtualBox, KVM, or VMware. Get a free developer subscription from Red Hat for non-production use.
• Simulate Exam Tasks: Practice scenarios like creating a user with specific permissions, setting up a firewall, or resizing an LVM volume.
• Stick to the Terminal: The exam doesn’t allow graphical tools, so master commands like nmcli and firewall-cmd.
• Time Yourself: Practice completing tasks within 10-15 minutes to build speed and confidence.
• Break and Fix: Intentionally misconfigure settings (e.g., break SELinux rules) and practice troubleshooting with logs (/var/log/audit/audit.log).
• Use man Pages: Get comfortable with man command for quick syntax lookup, as it’s available during the exam.
• Automate Tasks: Write simple shell scripts to automate repetitive tasks, as scripting can save time in the exam.

Recommended Study Resources

Quality resources are critical for success. Here’s a curated list to guide your RHCSA preparation:

• Official Red Hat Training: Enroll in RH124 (System Administration I) and RH134 (System Administration II) courses, which align with RHCSA objectives.
• Books: “RHCSA/RHCE Red Hat Linux Certification Study Guide” by Michael Jang and Alessandro Orsaria (check for RHEL 10 updates).
• Online Courses: Platforms like Linux Academy, Udemy, or Pluralsight offer RHCSA-focused video courses.
• Practice Labs: Use KodeKloud, Red Hat’s Interactive Learning Portal, or LinuxCBT for hands-on practice.
• Red Hat Documentation: Free, detailed guides on RHEL 10 commands and configurations at docs.redhat.com.
• Community Forums: Join Reddit’s r/redhat, LinuxQuestions.org, or Red Hat’s community forums for peer support and tips.
• Man Pages and Help: Use man and info commands for quick reference on RHEL 10 systems.

Exam Day Tips

When exam day arrives, stay calm and focused with these strategies:

• Read Instructions Carefully: Each task may have multiple steps, so understand requirements before starting.
• Manage Time: With 2.5 hours, aim to spend 10-15 minutes per task. Skip tough tasks and return later if needed.
• Verify Configurations: Check your work (e.g., systemctl status sshd for services or lsblk for partitions) before moving on.
• Use man Pages: Don’t hesitate to look up syntax with man or command --help.
• Reboot When Required: Some tasks, like SELinux or LVM changes, may need a reboot to take effect. Use reboot if instructed.
• Stay Calm: If a task feels overwhelming, take a deep breath, move on, and revisit it with fresh eyes.
• Bring ID: Arrive early with a government-issued ID for check-in at the testing center.

Conclusion

Preparing for the RHCSA exam on RHEL 10 is a journey that combines learning, practice, and strategy. By understanding the exam objectives, following a structured study plan, and dedicating time to hands-on practice, you’ll build the skills needed to pass with confidence. From mastering basic commands to configuring complex systems like LVM and SELinux, this guide has laid out a clear path to success. Use quality resources, practice in a lab environment, and approach exam day with a calm, focused mindset. With dedication, you’ll earn your RHCSA certification and open doors to exciting opportunities in Linux administration. Good luck, and happy studying!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the RHCSA exam?

The RHCSA (EX200) is a hands-on certification exam testing your ability to perform system administration tasks on RHEL 10.

How long is the RHCSA exam?

The exam lasts 2.5 hours and involves completing practical tasks on a live RHEL 10 system.

What score do I need to pass the RHCSA?

You need a score of 210 out of 300 (70%) to pass the RHCSA exam.

Do I need prior Linux experience for the RHCSA?

Some Linux knowledge helps, but beginners can pass with dedicated study and hands-on practice.

Is the RHCSA exam on RHEL 10 different from RHEL 9?

Yes, RHEL 10 includes new features like enhanced SELinux and Podman, which are reflected in the exam objectives.

Can I use graphical tools in the RHCSA exam?

No, the exam is terminal-based, so you must use commands like nmcli or firewall-cmd.

How do I set up a practice lab for RHCSA?

Install RHEL 10 on a virtual machine using VirtualBox or KVM with a free Red Hat developer subscription.

What is SELinux, and why is it important for the exam?

SELinux is a security module for access control. You’ll need to configure and troubleshoot it for the exam.

How do I practice container tasks for RHCSA?

Use podman to run, manage, and troubleshoot containers in a RHEL 10 lab environment.

What is LVM, and will it be on the exam?

LVM (Logical Volume Manager) allows flexible storage management. You’ll likely need to create or resize volumes.

Can I use man pages during the exam?

Yes, man pages and command --help are available for reference during the exam.

How much time should I spend studying?

Aim for 12 weeks of study, with 2-3 hours daily, split between theory and hands-on practice.

Are there practice exams for RHCSA?

Yes, platforms like KodeKloud and Red Hat’s Interactive Learning Portal offer RHCSA practice labs.

What’s the best book for RHCSA on RHEL 10?

“RHCSA/RHCE Red Hat Linux Certification Study Guide” by Jang and Orsaria is a solid choice, pending RHEL 10 updates.

Do I need to take Red Hat’s training courses?

They’re recommended (RH124, RH134) but not mandatory. Self-study with books and labs can also work.

How do I configure a firewall for the exam?

Use firewall-cmd to add services (e.g., firewall-cmd --add-service=http) and make rules persistent.

What happens if I fail the RHCSA exam?

You can retake it after a waiting period (check Red Hat’s policy). Review weak areas and practice more.

Can I take the RHCSA exam remotely?

Yes, Red Hat offers remote testing options. Check their website for details and requirements.

How do I troubleshoot SELinux issues in the exam?

Use audit2allow to analyze logs in /var/log/audit/audit.log and generate policies.

Where can I find more RHCSA resources?

Visit Red Hat’s documentation, r/redhat on Reddit, or platforms like KodeKloud and Udemy for study materials.