Novell structured the SUSE Certified Linux Administrator (CLA) track to measure day-to-day operational competence. Rather than testing abstract Linux theory, the exams focus strictly on the proprietary tools and specific configurations native to SLES.
Candidates choose their exam based on the operating system version deployed in their workplace. The 050-720: SUSE Certified Linux Administrator 11 exam tests proficiency with SLES 11. It covers user management, file system configuration, and process control.
The subsequent 050-733: SUSE Certified Linux Administrator 12 exam targets the major architectural changes introduced in SLES 12. This version replaced the traditional SysV init system with systemd and introduced new default file systems and networking tools. Passing the 050-733 exam requires candidates to understand these specific transitions and manage system processes under the updated architecture.
Technical Scope and Exam Structure
Both exams consist of multiple-choice questions completed within a 90-minute time limit. Candidates must score at least 70 percent to pass.
The 050-720 exam tests core administrative duties. You must know how to configure network services, manage storage, and apply security patches. The exam also expects familiarity with YaST, the native SUSE setup and configuration tool used to manage software and system settings. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to navigate the command line to schedule tasks and modify file permissions.
The 050-733 exam shifts focus to the SLES 12 ecosystem. You must demonstrate the ability to schedule processes, delegate privileges, and manage networking with the Wicked framework introduced in this release. The test also covers Snapper, a tool used to manage file system snapshots, reflecting the shift toward Btrfs as the default file system in SLES 12.
Value in Legacy Environments
Modern cloud infrastructure often runs on newer distributions, but enterprise IT moves slowly. Many financial institutions, healthcare providers, and manufacturing firms still operate mission-critical applications on SLES 11 and SLES 12. These companies require administrators who understand the specific quirks of these older releases.
Holding a Novell-era SUSE certification signals to hiring managers that you understand the exact infrastructure they are trying to maintain or migrate. It proves you can troubleshoot a systemd failure on SLES 12 or manage a legacy storage array on SLES 11 without relying on modern abstraction layers.
When a company plans a migration from SLES 11 to a contemporary operating system, they rely on engineers who understand both ends of the bridge. An engineer with the 050-720 credential knows exactly where legacy configuration files reside and how legacy permissions were structured, preventing data loss during the transition.