Exam Comparison
RHCE vs RHCSA
Comparing the Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) and the Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA). Both fall under IT Certifications. Both are covered by the DevOps Cert Exam Prep: Docker, RHCSA & ITIL 4 app.
The Bottom Line
The RHCSA is the mandatory first step, you cannot hold the RHCE without it. RHCSA certifies core Linux system administration; RHCE adds automation with Ansible on top. Every Red Hat path starts at RHCSA; continue to RHCE when automation is part of your job.
RHCE vs RHCSA: At a Glance
| Detail | RHCE | RHCSA |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) | Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) |
| Governing Body | Red Hat | Red Hat |
| Number of Questions | 20 | 20 |
| Time Limit | 4 hours | 3.5 hours |
| Passing Score | 70% (210/300 points) | 70% (210/300 points) |
| Exam Fee | $400 USD | $400 USD |
| Category | IT Certifications | IT Certifications |
| C3RT App | DevOps Cert Exam Prep: Docker, RHCSA & ITIL 4 Soon | DevOps Cert Exam Prep: Docker, RHCSA & ITIL 4 Soon |
Content Areas Compared
RHCE Domains
- Be Able to Perform All RHCSA Tasks
- Understand Core Components of Ansible
- Install and Configure an Ansible Control Node
- Configure Ansible Managed Nodes
- Script Administration Tasks Using Ansible Playbooks
- Create and Work with Roles
- Use Advanced Ansible Features (templates, filters, lookups)
RHCSA Domains
- Understand and Use Essential Tools
- Create Simple Shell Scripts
- Operate Running Systems
- Configure Local Storage
- Create and Configure File Systems
- Deploy, Configure, and Maintain Systems
- Manage Basic Networking
- Manage Users and Groups
- Manage Security (firewalld, SELinux)
- Manage Containers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between RHCE and RHCSA?
Both are hands-on, performance-based exams, you complete real tasks on live systems, not multiple choice. The RHCSA (Red Hat Certified System Administrator) covers essential administration: users, storage, LVM, SELinux, networking, containers with Podman, and systemd. The RHCE (Red Hat Certified Engineer) builds on it, and in its current form is centered on automation, writing and running Ansible playbooks to configure systems at scale. RHCE status formally requires a current RHCSA.
Can I take both the RHCE and the RHCSA?
RHCE presumes and includes RHCSA, holding "both" is just the completed pair. For Linux-platform careers (and RHEL-heavy enterprise or government shops in particular), RHCSA → RHCE remains one of the most respected practical certification ladders in IT because the exams prove you can actually do the work.
Which should I take first, RHCE or RHCSA?
RHCSA first, structurally required, and rightly so: automating systems you cannot administer manually is a house without foundations. Sit the RHCE when your work involves managing more machines than you can reasonably touch by hand, which in modern Linux operations is almost immediately.
Does C3RT cover both the RHCE and the RHCSA?
C3RT is building apps for both the RHCE and the RHCSA. Both will be available on iOS and Mac.
The Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) (RHCE) is administered by Red Hat. The Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) (RHCSA) is administered by Red Hat. C3RT is not affiliated with either organisation. Certification names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.