Cisco Networking Academy Adopts Course Aligned to LPI Linux Essentials Certificate

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- As Linux technology adoption continues to rise across industries, so too does the demand for a skilled workforce. In response to this need for those with strong Linux skills, the Cisco Networking Academy recently announced the global availability of a course developed by the Network Development Group (NDG) that makes mastering the basics of Linux accessible to students worldwide.

Aligned to the Linux Professional Institute's (LPI) Linux Essentials Professional Development Certificate, the NDG Linux Essentials course covers the fundamentals of the Linux operating system with an emphasis on the command line. The course features an embedded Linux terminal window to allow students to get hands-on practice with the material; increasing student engagement and knowledge retention.

"LPI is proud to support this new Linux course offering from the Cisco Networking Academy and our partner NDG. The ability to bring quality, hands-on Linux training to the global community will help further many global open source initiatives and give more Linux users the opportunity to prepare themselves for a professional career," said Jim Lacey, CEO of the Linux Professional Institute.

The course's availability within the Cisco NetSpace Learning Management System will help academic institutions quickly integrate open source education into their curriculum by providing an offering that eliminates the need for additional hardware to develop a Linux computer lab.

"We designed this course to help learners develop and document Linux knowledge by completing the LPI vendor-neutral Linux Essentials certificate program. Our learn-by-practice material helps students learn topics that are often intimidating or difficult to master," said Rich Weeks, president of NDG. "By providing an integrated lab environment in the course, we've made it easier for academic institutions to quickly on-board an introduction to Linux course while enabling instructors to focus on lectures and mentoring students. NDG is excited to work with Cisco and LPI to help learners develop Linux knowledge important to career success," he added.

The NDG Linux Essentials course is now available to all Cisco Networking Academies worldwide. For more information on becoming a Cisco Networking Academy please visit: https://www.netacad.com/web/about-us/get-involved/become-an-academy

About the Linux Professional Institute:

The Linux Professional Institute (LPI) is dedicated to providing a global framework, industry leadership and other services to enhance, develop and further lifelong professional careers in Linux and Open Source technologies. LPI's leading vendor-independent Linux certification program is supported by a global affiliate network that has helped deliver over 350,000 certification exams worldwide. Established as a non-profit in 1999, LPI is supported by the IT and educational communities, enterprise customers, and government entities.

About NDG:

Network Development Group, www.netdevgroup.com, helps academic institutions teach information technology job skills aligned to industry certifications. Network Development Group (NDG) develops technology to help academic institutions deploy complex hands-on learning environments important for student success.

About Cisco Networking Academy:

With 9,000 academies in 170 countries, and over 5 million students to date, Cisco Networking Academy is the largest and longest-running corporate social responsibility program at Cisco. Networking Academy delivers a comprehensive learning experience to help students develop information and communication technology (ICT) skills for entry-level career opportunities, continuing education, and globally recognized career certifications. To learn more, visit: www.netacad.com.

Media Contact:

Emily Kurze
Marketing and PR
Linux Professional Institute
916.357.6625
ekurze@lpi.org

SOURCE Linux Professional Institute