Which Tools and Technologies Are Covered in the Red Hat Containers Exam?

Table of Contents

• Overview of the Red Hat Containers Exam
• Tool 1: Podman
• Tool 2: Buildah
• Tool 3: Skopeo
• Technology 1: Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
• Technology 2: Container Concepts and Standards
• Technology 3: SELinux for Container Security
• Tools and Technologies Summary Table
• Preparing to Use These Tools
• Real-World Applications
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Overview of the Red Hat Containers Exam

The Red Hat Certified Specialist in Containers (EX180/EX188) is a performance-based exam that tests your ability to manage containers in a Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) environment. Unlike theoretical exams with multiple-choice questions, this one requires you to complete real-world tasks, such as building, running, and securing containers. The exam focuses on Red Hat’s container tools Podman, Buildah, and Skopeo—and related technologies like RHEL and SELinux. It’s designed for system administrators, developers, and DevOps professionals who want to demonstrate their container management skills without diving into Kubernetes orchestration, which is covered in other Red Hat exams like EX280.

The exam lasts 2-3 hours and is conducted in a live RHEL environment, making hands-on familiarity with the tools critical. By mastering these technologies, you’ll be equipped to handle containerized workloads in enterprise settings.

Tool 1: Podman

Podman is the star of the EX180/EX188 exam, serving as Red Hat’s primary tool for managing containers. It’s a daemonless container engine, meaning it doesn’t rely on a background service like Docker’s daemon, which enhances security and simplifies operations.

What you’ll do with Podman:

• Run containers using commands like podman run to launch applications.
• Manage container lifecycles, including starting, stopping, and removing containers with commands like podman start, podman stop, and podman rm.
• Inspect container details, such as ports, volumes, and environment variables, using podman inspect.
• Configure container networking and storage to ensure applications function correctly.
• Troubleshoot issues by checking logs with podman logs or debugging configurations.

Why it’s important: Podman is central to the exam because it’s Red Hat’s preferred tool for container management, offering a secure, lightweight alternative to Docker that aligns with enterprise needs.

Tool 2: Buildah

Buildah is a specialized tool for building and customizing container images. Unlike Podman, which focuses on running containers, Buildah is designed to create the images that containers are built from, offering flexibility for custom application needs.

What you’ll do with Buildah:

• Create container images from scratch or modify existing ones using commands like buildah bud (build using Dockerfile).
• Add software, libraries, or configurations to images to meet specific requirements.
• Work with containerfiles (similar to Dockerfiles) to define image builds.
• Push images to registries like Quay.io or Docker Hub using buildah push.
• Optimize images for size and security by removing unnecessary components.

Why it’s important: Buildah allows you to tailor container images for specific applications, a critical skill for creating efficient, secure workloads in production environments.

Tool 3: Skopeo

Skopeo is a versatile tool for managing container images, focusing on tasks like copying, inspecting, and syncing images between registries. It’s particularly useful for working with external image repositories.

What you’ll do with Skopeo:

• Copy images between registries or local storage using skopeo copy.
• Inspect image metadata, such as layers and configurations, with skopeo inspect.
• Sync images across multiple registries to ensure availability.
• Verify image integrity and compatibility for specific environments.

Why it’s important: Skopeo streamlines image management, enabling you to distribute and verify container images efficiently, which is crucial for enterprise workflows.

Technology 1: Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)

The EX180/EX188 exam is conducted in a Red Hat Enterprise Linux environment, so familiarity with RHEL is essential. RHEL is a robust, enterprise-grade Linux distribution that underpins Red Hat’s container tools.

What you’ll do with RHEL:

• Use Linux commands to navigate the file system, manage permissions, and install software.
• Configure system settings to support container operations, such as storage and networking.
• Troubleshoot system-level issues that impact containers, like resource limits or service conflicts.
• Integrate container tools with RHEL’s ecosystem for seamless operations.

Why it’s important: RHEL provides the foundation for running containers in enterprise environments, and understanding its commands and configuration is key to exam success.

Technology 2: Container Concepts and Standards

The exam tests your understanding of core container concepts and standards, such as the Open Container Initiative (OCI). These concepts provide the foundation for working with containers effectively.

What you’ll learn:

• Container basics, like how containers differ from virtual machines (they share the host OS kernel).
• OCI standards for container images and runtimes, ensuring compatibility across tools.
• Container storage concepts, including volumes and bind mounts for persistent data.
• Container networking models, like bridge and host modes, for communication.

Why it’s important: A solid grasp of container concepts ensures you can apply tools like Podman and Buildah effectively, making your workflows portable and standardized.

Technology 3: SELinux for Container Security

SELinux (Security-Enhanced Linux) is a security module in RHEL that enforces mandatory access controls. The exam tests your ability to use SELinux to secure containers.

What you’ll do with SELinux:

• Configure SELinux policies to restrict container access to system resources.
• Run containers as non-root users to reduce security risks.
• Troubleshoot SELinux-related issues, such as permission denials, using tools like audit2allow.
• Ensure containers comply with enterprise security requirements.

Why it’s important: SELinux is a critical component of RHEL’s security model, ensuring containers run securely in enterprise environments.

Tools and Technologies Summary Table

Preparing to Use These Tools

To succeed in the EX180/EX188 exam, you need hands-on experience with these tools and technologies. Here’s how to prepare:

• Set Up a Lab: Install RHEL or Fedora on a virtual machine to practice with Podman, Buildah, and Skopeo.
• Study Podman: Master commands like podman run, podman ps, and podman logs through tutorials and practice.
• Practice Buildah: Build custom images using containerfiles and experiment with layering software.
• Use Skopeo: Practice copying images between registries like Quay.io and inspecting their metadata.
• Learn RHEL Basics: Familiarize yourself with Linux commands for file management, permissions, and system configuration.
• Understand SELinux: Study SELinux modes and policies to secure containers effectively.
• Take Training: Enroll in Red Hat’s DO180 course for structured learning on container tools.

Aim for 2-3 months of consistent study, with daily practice to build fluency with these tools.

Real-World Applications

The tools and technologies covered in the EX180/EX188 have direct applications in real-world scenarios:

• DevOps Pipelines: Use Podman and Buildah to automate container builds and deployments in CI/CD workflows.
• Enterprise Deployments: Leverage RHEL and SELinux to deploy secure containers in production environments.
• Image Management: Use Skopeo to manage images across registries for distributed teams.
• Application Development: Build custom images with Buildah to support specific application requirements.
• Troubleshooting: Apply Podman and RHEL skills to diagnose and fix container issues in live systems.

These skills are highly valued in roles like DevOps engineer, system administrator, and cloud architect.

Conclusion

The Red Hat Certified Specialist in Containers (EX180/EX188) exam tests your proficiency with a powerful suite of tools and technologies—Podman, Buildah, Skopeo, RHEL, container standards, and SELinux. These tools enable you to create, manage, and secure containers, making you a valuable asset in the world of cloud-native computing. By mastering these technologies, you’ll be equipped to handle real-world tasks like deploying applications, managing images, and ensuring security in enterprise environments. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced professional, this certification offers a clear path to success in containerized workflows. With dedicated practice and study, you can ace the exam and boost your career in IT.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Red Hat Containers Exam?

It’s a performance-based exam (EX180/EX188) testing container management skills using Red Hat tools.

What is Podman?

Podman is a daemonless container engine for running and managing containers, similar to Docker.

What is Buildah used for?

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

What does Skopeo do?

Skopeo manages container images by copying, inspecting, and syncing them across registries.

Why is RHEL important for the exam?

RHEL is the operating system used in the exam environment, hosting container tools.

What is SELinux?

SELinux is a security module in RHEL that enforces access controls for containers.

Does the exam cover Kubernetes?

No, it focuses on container management, not Kubernetes orchestration.

How long is the EX180/EX188 exam?

It lasts 2-3 hours and involves hands-on tasks.

What skills do I need for the exam?

Container management, image building, storage, networking, and security skills.

Is the exam beginner-friendly?

Yes, with basic Linux knowledge and practice, beginners can succeed.

How much does the exam cost?

It costs around $400, varying by region.

Can I take the exam online?

Yes, Red Hat offers remote proctoring for the exam.

What is a containerfile?

A containerfile is a script (like a Dockerfile) used by Buildah to define image builds.

How do I practice for the exam?

Set up a RHEL or Fedora lab and practice with Podman, Buildah, and Skopeo.

Is the certification recognized by employers?

Yes, especially in organizations using Red Hat solutions or containers.

What is the DO180 course?

It’s Red Hat’s training course covering container tools for EX180/EX188 preparation.

Does the exam test container security?

Yes, it includes tasks like running non-root containers and using SELinux.

Can I retake the exam if I fail?

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

How long should I prepare for the exam?

2-3 months of consistent study and hands-on practice.

Where can I find exam objectives?

Red Hat’s website lists the official objectives for EX180/EX188.