Canonical is a company that needs no introduction (proceeds to introduce it); it is the company behind Ubuntu, which has been a key driving force in the open source space. It is responsible for making Linux accessible to millions of people worldwide, from desktop machines to cloud infrastructure.
Now, the firm is taking another significant step forward. 💪📈
They have officially launched Canonical Academy, a new certification platform designed to help professionals validate their Linux and Ubuntu skills through practical, hands-on assessments.
Ubuntu Academy: What's on Offer?
Focusing on real-world scenarios, Canonical Academy aims to foster practical skills rather than theoretical knowledge. The end goal? Getting professionals ready for the actual challenges they will face on the job.
The learning platform is already live with its first course offering, the System Administrator track (with three certification exams), which is tailored for anyone looking to validate their Linux and Ubuntu expertise.
Whether you are breaking into the tech sector, advancing in your current role, or formalizing skills you've already developed on the job, this track is designed with you in mind.
The exams use cloud-based testing environments that simulate real workplace scenarios. Each assessment is modular, meaning you can progress through individual exams and earn badges for each one. Complete all the exams in this track to earn the full Sysadmin qualification.
The platform offers self-paced learning. You can study and prepare for exams without fixed course deadlines. The certification exams themselves are timed.
Talking about this, Adrianna Frick, Academy Team Lead at Canonical, added that:
Canonical Academy grounds its qualifications in realistic professional applications. Current, technical professional needs are the foundation of our development process, from the earliest identification of critical job skills for the target occupation, to the design of realistic custom cloud exam environments, to the industry expert code review of every hands-on item.
What Exams are Available?
The System Administrator track currently has four examinations:
- Using Linux Terminal 2024 is available now for everyone.
- Using Ubuntu Desktop 2024 is available for beta testing.
- Using Ubuntu Server 2024 is also available for beta testing.
- Managing Complex Systems 2024 is currently under development.
All current exams are based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. The badges you earn indicate which Ubuntu LTS version the exam is aligned with. Canonical has already planned course updates for the upcoming Ubuntu 26.04 LTS; these are expected to arrive in September 2026.
Canonical is also looking for community members to contribute as beta testers and subject-matter experts (SME). If you are interested in helping shape the platform or want to get started with your certification, you can visit the Canonical Academy website.
Seeing that we are on the topic, we, It's FOSS, are also working on a line-up of courses, so be sure to check out our Courses page!
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