RHCSA Exam 2025: Top Google Questions Answered

Objective

Planning to earn your Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) certification but overwhelmed by conflicting information online? You're not alone. Every month, thousands of IT professionals search for answers about the RHCSA exam—from difficulty levels to passing strategies. This guide answers the most-searched RHCSA questions with accurate, up-to-date information about RHCSA EX200 v10, based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 10. Whether you're wondering "Is RHCSA worth it in 2025?" or "What's new in RHCSA 10?", we've got practical insights to help you succeed.

Question 1: Is RHCSA Certification Worth It in 2025?

Absolutely yes. The RHCSA remains one of the most valued Linux certifications in the IT industry. It serves as the foundation for system administration across all Red Hat products.

Why RHCSA EX200 v10 Matters

Industry Recognition:
Red Hat Enterprise Linux powers critical infrastructure at Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and cloud providers. RHCSA certification proves you have real-world skills that enterprises need. Many regulated industries—banking, government, and healthcare—mandate Red Hat-certified professionals to maintain compliance.

Career Impact:

• System administrator, DevOps, and SRE roles increasingly require RHCSA
• Certified professionals typically earn 10-20% more than non-certified peers
• Opens doors to cloud infrastructure, Kubernetes, and OpenShift roles
• Required prerequisite for Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) certification
• Meets DoD 8570 directive requirements for government IT positions

RHEL 10 Relevance:
Released in May 2025, RHEL 10 brings modern tools including Flatpak application management, expanded systemd timer functionality, AI-powered Lightspeed assistance, post-quantum cryptography support, and improved automation with system roles. These align with current enterprise needs.

Question 2: How Hard is the RHCSA EX200 v10 Exam?

The RHCSA difficulty depends on your hands-on Linux experience and preparation quality. Unlike multiple-choice certifications, this is a performance-based exam requiring real administrative tasks.

What Makes It Challenging

• Performance-Based Format:
  You complete real administrative tasks on a live RHEL 10 system. There's no guessing—configurations must work correctly. Each task is scored individually, and configurations must persist after reboot without intervention.
• Time Pressure:
  You'll tackle 15-20 practical tasks in 3 hours, averaging 7-10 minutes per task including troubleshooting and verification.
• Limited Resources:
  Internet access is not provided during the exam. You cannot bring notes, books, or any electronic documentation. Only system documentation (man pages, info, and files in /usr/share/doc) is available.

Difficulty by Experience Level

Question 3: What is the RHCSA EX200 v10 Exam Format & Requirements?

Exam Details (EX200 v10)

What to Expect During the Exam

• Work on pre-configured RHEL 10 virtual machines
• Clear task instructions for 15-20 administrative challenges
• Tasks are scored individually—partial credit possible
• Automated validation of your configurations
• Configurations must persist after system reboot
• Results reported within 3 U.S. business days via Red Hat Certification Central

Remote Testing Requirements

Red Hat offers remote proctored exams using a bootable USB environment with webcam monitoring. Requirements include:

• Compatible system that can boot from USB
• Working webcam and microphone
• Stable internet connection
• Private, quiet testing space

Question 4: What Topics Are Covered in RHCSA EX200 v10 Syllabus?

The RHCSA EX200 v10 exam covers ten core domains based on the official Red Hat exam objectives. Here's the complete breakdown:

Domain 1: Essential Tools

• Access a shell prompt and issue commands with correct syntax
• Use input-output redirection (>, >>, |, 2>, etc.)
• Use grep and regular expressions to analyze text
• Access remote systems using SSH
• Log in and switch users in multiuser targets
• Archive, compress, unpack files using tar, gzip, and bzip2
• Create and edit text files
• Create, delete, copy, move files and directories
• Create hard and soft links
• List, set, and change standard ugo/rwx permissions
• Locate and use system documentation (man, info, /usr/share/doc)

Domain 2: Software Management UPDATED

• Configure access to RPM repositories
• Install and remove RPM software packages
• Configure access to Flatpak repositories NEW
• Install and remove Flatpak software packages NEW

Domain 3: Shell Scripting

• Conditionally execute code (if, test, [], etc.)
• Use looping constructs (for, etc.) to process file and command line input
• Process script inputs ($1, $2, etc.)
• Process output of shell commands within a script

Domain 4: Operating Running Systems

• Boot, reboot, and shut down a system normally
• Boot systems into different targets manually
• Interrupt the boot process to gain access to a system
• Identify CPU/memory intensive processes and kill processes
• Adjust process scheduling
• Manage tuning profiles
• Locate and interpret system log files and journals
• Preserve system journals
• Start, stop, and check the status of network services
• Securely transfer files between systems

Domain 5: Local Storage Configuration

• List, create, delete partitions on GPT disks
• Create and remove physical volumes
• Assign physical volumes to volume groups
• Create and delete logical volumes
• Configure systems to mount file systems at boot by UUID or label
• Add new partitions, logical volumes, and swap non-destructively

Domain 6: File System Management

• Create, mount, unmount VFAT, ext4, and xfs file systems
• Mount and unmount network file systems using NFS
• Configure autofs
• Extend existing logical volumes
• Diagnose and correct file permission problems

Domain 7: System Deployment & Maintenance UPDATED

• Schedule tasks using at and cron
• Schedule tasks using systemd timer units NEW
• Start and stop services; configure automatic startup at boot
• Configure systems to boot into a specific target automatically
• Configure time service clients
• Install and update software packages from repositories
• Modify the system bootloader

Domain 8: Networking

• Configure IPv4 and IPv6 addresses
• Configure hostname resolution
• Configure network services to start automatically at boot
• Restrict network access using firewalld and firewall-cmd

Domain 9: User & Group Management

• Create, delete, and modify local user accounts
• Change passwords and adjust password aging
• Create, delete, and modify local groups and memberships
• Configure privileged access (sudo)

Domain 10: Security CRITICAL

• Configure firewall settings using firewall-cmd/firewalld
• Manage default file permissions
• Configure key-based authentication for SSH
• Set enforcing and permissive modes for SELinux
• List and identify SELinux file and process context
• Restore default file contexts
• Manage SELinux port labels
• Use boolean settings to modify system SELinux settings

Question 5: How to Prepare for RHCSA EX200 v10 Effectively?

Follow this structured three-phase approach for optimal results.

Phase 1: Learn Fundamentals (2-4 weeks)

Recommended Study Resources:

• Red Hat's official RHEL 10 documentation
• RH124 (Red Hat System Administration I) course materials
• RH134 (Red Hat System Administration II) course materials
• RHCSA study guides updated for EX200 v10
• LinuxCert.GURU's structured learning path

Focus Areas:

• Understand concepts behind commands, not just syntax
• Master Flatpak application management (new topic)
• Learn systemd timer unit creation (new topic)
• Become fluent with man pages navigation

Daily commitment: 1-2 hours of focused study

Phase 2: Hands-On Practice (3-4 weeks)

Lab Environment Setup:

1. Download RHEL 10 (free with Red Hat Developer subscription)
2. Create multiple VMs for testing different scenarios
3. Use LinuxCert.GURU's interactive labs for guided practice
4. Practice in command-line only environment (no GUI)

Critical Practice Area: Flatpak Commands NEW IN v10

# Add Flatpak repository
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

# Search for available applications
flatpak search application-name

# Install application from repository
flatpak install flathub org.gnome.Calculator

# List installed Flatpak applications
flatpak list

# Update all Flatpak applications
flatpak update

# Remove a Flatpak application
flatpak uninstall org.gnome.Calculator

# List configured remotes
flatpak remotes

Critical Practice Area: Systemd Timers NEW IN v10

# Create a service unit file
sudo vim /etc/systemd/system/backup.service
[Unit]
Description=Daily Backup Service

[Service]
Type=oneshot
ExecStart=/usr/local/bin/backup.sh

# Create corresponding timer unit file
sudo vim /etc/systemd/system/backup.timer
[Unit]
Description=Daily Backup Timer

[Timer]
OnCalendar=daily
Persistent=true

[Install]
WantedBy=timers.target

# Enable and start the timer
sudo systemctl daemon-reload
sudo systemctl enable --now backup.timer

# Verify timer is active
sudo systemctl list-timers --all

# Check timer status
sudo systemctl status backup.timer

LVM Practice Workflow

# Create physical volume
sudo pvcreate /dev/sdb

# Create volume group
sudo vgcreate vg_data /dev/sdb

# Create logical volume
sudo lvcreate -L 5G -n lv_storage vg_data

# Create filesystem
sudo mkfs.xfs /dev/vg_data/lv_storage

# Create mount point and mount
sudo mkdir /mnt/storage
sudo mount /dev/vg_data/lv_storage /mnt/storage

# Add to /etc/fstab for persistence (use UUID)
sudo blkid /dev/vg_data/lv_storage
echo "UUID=your-uuid /mnt/storage xfs defaults 0 0" | sudo tee -a /etc/fstab

# Extend logical volume
sudo lvextend -L +2G /dev/vg_data/lv_storage
sudo xfs_growfs /mnt/storage

SELinux Practice

# Check SELinux status
getenforce
sestatus

# Set SELinux context for custom web directory
sudo semanage fcontext -a -t httpd_sys_content_t "/web(/.*)?"
sudo restorecon -Rv /web

# Manage SELinux port labels
sudo semanage port -a -t http_port_t -p tcp 8080
sudo semanage port -l | grep http

# Configure booleans
getsebool -a | grep httpd
sudo setsebool -P httpd_can_network_connect on

# Troubleshoot SELinux issues
sudo ausearch -m AVC -ts recent
sudo sealert -a /var/log/audit/audit.log

Daily commitment: 2-3 hours hands-on practice

Phase 3: Mock Exams & Review (1-2 weeks)

Exam Simulation Strategy:

• Take LinuxCert.GURU's RHCSA mock exams
• Complete full 3-hour tests under exam conditions
• Use ONLY man pages and system documentation—no internet
• Reboot systems and verify configurations persist
• Complete at least 3-5 full simulations scoring above 210
• Review weak areas after each mock exam

Daily commitment: One 3-hour mock exam + 1 hour review

Total Study Time Estimates

Question 6: What Changed in RHCSA EX200 v10 vs v9?

Understanding the differences between RHCSA 9 and RHCSA 10 helps focus your preparation on the right areas.

Key Topics to Master for v10

• Flatpak (Biggest Addition):
  Modern application management is now explicitly tested. Master repository configuration, searching, installing, updating, and removing Flatpak applications. Understand the difference between system-wide and user-level installations.
• Systemd Timers:
  Move beyond traditional cron jobs. Understand how to create .timer and .service unit files, use OnCalendar expressions for scheduling, and manage timer persistence.
• Containers Simplified:
  Container management with Podman has been removed or significantly reduced in EX200 v10. If you studied extensively for Podman in v9, you can reduce that focus for v10.

Question 7: What Are Common RHCSA EX200 v10 Mistakes to Avoid?

Critical Exam Errors

1. Ignoring New RHEL 10 Topics
❌ Studying with RHCSA 9 materials only
✅ Focus on Flatpak and systemd timers—they're new requirements for v10

2. Poor Time Management
❌ Spending 30+ minutes on one stuck task
✅ Allocate 7-10 minutes per task maximum; move on and return if time permits

3. Not Testing Configurations
❌ Editing /etc/fstab without verifying with mount -a
✅ Always test configurations before moving to the next task

4. Forgetting Persistence
❌ Starting services but not enabling them for boot
✅ Use systemctl enable --now servicename for combined enable and start

5. GUI Dependency
❌ Relying on GUI tools (cockpit, nm-connection-editor) during practice
✅ Master command-line tools exclusively—the exam is CLI-only

6. Disabling SELinux
❌ Setting SELinux to disabled or permissive to "fix" issues
✅ Learn proper context management with semanage and restorecon—never disable

7. Underestimating Flatpak
❌ "Flatpak is probably minor, I'll skim it"
✅ Major topic for v10 worth significant points—master it thoroughly

8. Leaving Tasks Incomplete
❌ Leaving tasks 80% done and moving on
✅ Verify completion with relevant commands; partial credit is possible but not guaranteed

9. Not Using Man Pages Effectively
❌ Memorizing every command syntax
✅ Learn to navigate man pages quickly; practice using man -k keyword and section references

10. Skipping Reboot Verification
❌ Assuming configurations will persist
✅ Reboot and verify critical configurations during practice sessions

Question 8: What is the Best 4-Week RHCSA EX200 v10 Study Plan?

This intensive plan is designed for candidates with basic Linux knowledge (15-20 hours/week commitment).

Week 1: Users, Permissions & Flatpak

Topics:

• User and group administration (useradd, usermod, groupadd)
• Standard ugo/rwx permissions and special permissions (setuid, setgid, sticky)
• Access Control Lists (ACLs) with getfacl/setfacl
• NEW: Flatpak repository configuration and application management

Practice Goals:

• Complete 20+ user/group creation scenarios
• Master Flatpak remote add/install/remove operations
• Practice 15+ ACL configuration exercises

Week 2: Networking, Firewall, SELinux & Timers

Topics:

• Network configuration with nmcli (IPv4 and IPv6)
• Firewall configuration with firewall-cmd
• SELinux contexts, booleans, and port labels
• NEW: Systemd timer unit creation and management

Practice Goals:

• Configure 15+ network interface scenarios
• Create 5+ working systemd timers from scratch
• Complete 10+ SELinux troubleshooting scenarios

Week 3: Storage, LVM & System Recovery

Topics:

• Disk partitioning (GPT with gdisk/parted)
• LVM creation, extension, and management
• Filesystem creation and mounting (XFS, ext4, VFAT)
• Swap configuration
• NFS mounting and autofs
• Boot process troubleshooting and GRUB modification

Practice Goals:

• Complete 10+ full LVM workflows from disk to mount
• Practice 15+ volume resize operations
• Master root password reset and rescue mode

Week 4: Mock Exams & Final Review

Activities:

• Daily mock exams on LinuxCert.GURU
• System recovery and rescue mode practice
• Shell scripting review (loops, conditionals, input processing)
• Weak area reinforcement based on mock exam results

Success Criteria:

• Complete 5+ full mocks scoring 210+ points
• Finish mock exams in under 2.5 hours
• All configurations persist after reboot verification

Question 9: What Are the Essential RHCSA EX200 v10 Commands?

Master these command categories for exam success:

Flatpak Management NEW IN v10

flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo
flatpak search application-name
flatpak install flathub org.application.name
flatpak list
flatpak update
flatpak uninstall org.application.name
flatpak remotes

Systemd Timers NEW IN v10

systemctl list-timers --all
systemctl enable --now mytimer.timer
systemctl status mytimer.timer
systemctl daemon-reload

User & Group Management

useradd -m -s /bin/bash -u 1500 username
usermod -aG wheel,developers username
passwd username
userdel -r username
groupadd -g 2000 groupname
chage -l username
chage -M 90 -W 7 username

Networking with nmcli

nmcli con show
nmcli con add type ethernet con-name eth0 ifname eth0 ip4 192.168.1.10/24 gw4 192.168.1.1
nmcli con mod eth0 ipv4.dns "8.8.8.8 8.8.4.4"
nmcli con up eth0
nmcli con down eth0
hostnamectl set-hostname server.example.com

Firewall Configuration

firewall-cmd --state
firewall-cmd --get-active-zones
firewall-cmd --permanent --add-service=http
firewall-cmd --permanent --add-port=8080/tcp
firewall-cmd --permanent --add-source=192.168.1.0/24 --zone=trusted
firewall-cmd --reload
firewall-cmd --list-all

SELinux Management

getenforce
setenforce 1
sestatus
semanage fcontext -a -t httpd_sys_content_t "/custom/web(/.*)?"
restorecon -Rv /custom/web
semanage port -a -t http_port_t -p tcp 8080
semanage port -l | grep http
getsebool -a | grep httpd
setsebool -P httpd_can_network_connect on

Storage & LVM

lsblk
fdisk -l
gdisk /dev/sdb
pvcreate /dev/sdb1
pvdisplay
vgcreate vg_data /dev/sdb1
vgdisplay
lvcreate -L 5G -n lv_app vg_data
lvdisplay
mkfs.xfs /dev/vg_data/lv_app
mkfs.ext4 /dev/vg_data/lv_data
lvextend -L +2G /dev/vg_data/lv_app
xfs_growfs /mnt/app
resize2fs /dev/vg_data/lv_data

Services & Scheduling

systemctl start|stop|restart|status servicename
systemctl enable --now servicename
systemctl disable servicename
systemctl is-enabled servicename
systemctl list-unit-files --type=service
crontab -e
crontab -l
at now + 5 minutes
atq

File Permissions & ACLs

chmod 755 filename
chmod u+s filename
chmod g+s directory
chmod +t directory
chown user:group filename
chown -R user:group directory
setfacl -m u:username:rwx filename
setfacl -m g:groupname:rx filename
setfacl -d -m u:username:rwx directory
getfacl filename

System Recovery & Boot

grubby --default-kernel
grubby --info=ALL
grubby --set-default /boot/vmlinuz-version
systemctl get-default
systemctl set-default multi-user.target
systemctl isolate rescue.target
journalctl -b
journalctl -u servicename

Question 10: Remote vs Testing Center – Which Should I Choose?

Remote Testing

Advantages:

• Take the exam from home or office
• More flexible scheduling options
• Familiar environment may reduce anxiety
• No travel time or costs

Requirements:

• Bootable USB environment provided by Red Hat
• Webcam and microphone for proctoring
• Private, quiet room without interruptions
• Stable internet connection
• System capable of booting from USB

Testing Center

Advantages:

• Controlled, distraction-free environment
• Technical issues handled by staff
• No home setup requirements
• Reliable hardware and connectivity

Considerations:

• May require travel
• Less scheduling flexibility
• Unfamiliar environment

Conclusion: Your Path to RHCSA Success

The RHCSA EX200 v10 exam tests real-world Linux administration skills directly applicable to enterprise environments. Success requires three key factors:

1. Hands-on practice with RHEL 10—theory alone won't prepare you for performance-based tasks
2. Mastery of new topics including Flatpak application management and systemd timer units
3. Effective time management during the 3-hour practical exam

Your Action Plan

Start your RHCSA EX200 v10 preparation today with LinuxCert.GURU — featuring comprehensive labs, realistic mock exams, and expert-designed practice scenarios covering all official exam objectives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I pass RHCSA EX200 v10 with no Linux experience?
A: Yes, with 10-14 weeks of intensive study and consistent hands-on practice. Focus on practical exercises over theory. LinuxCert.GURU offers beginner-friendly labs to build skills progressively.

Q: How much does the RHCSA exam cost?
A: The exam typically costs $400-$500 USD, varying by region and delivery method. Check Red Hat's official pricing for your location. One free retake is included if you don't pass on the first attempt.

Q: Does RHCSA certification expire?
A: Yes, certifications are valid for 3 years from the date of passing. You'll need to recertify by passing a current version of the exam or a higher-level certification (like RHCE) to maintain active status.

Q: What if I fail the exam?
A: You receive one free retake after a 14-day waiting period. Use your score report to identify weak areas and practice more with mock exams before reattempting.

Q: Can I use Google or external resources during the exam?
A: No. Internet access is not provided during the exam. You can only use man pages, info, and documentation in /usr/share/doc that ships with the system.

Q: Is remote testing available for RHCSA?
A: Yes, Red Hat offers remote proctored exams using a bootable USB environment with webcam monitoring. Ensure your system meets the technical requirements before scheduling.

Q: What version of RHEL is used in the current exam?
A: As of the August 2025 syllabus update, the RHCSA EX200 exam is based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10.

Q: Are containers (Podman) still tested in RHCSA v10?
A: Container management has been removed or significantly simplified in RHCSA EX200 v10 compared to v9. Focus on the new topics (Flatpak, systemd timers) instead.

Q: How quickly do I get my results?
A: Official scores are typically reported within 3 U.S. business days through Red Hat Certification Central. Red Hat does not authorize examiners or training partners to report results directly.

Q: Is RHCSA required for RHCE?
A: Yes, you must be a current RHCSA to earn or maintain RHCE certification. RHCSA serves as the foundational credential for the Red Hat certification track.