Security Essentials
Exam Code: 020-100
Validates foundational security knowledge for computers, networks, connected devices, on-premises services, cloud services, personal data and digital identity.
- Exam Breakdown
- Domain Breakdown
- Access Breakdown
Exam Overview
The 020-100 exam is version 1.0 of LPI’s distribution-neutral examination for standalone.
- Exam Code: 020-100
- Level: Essentials certificate
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Passing Score: 500 on LPI’s 200–800 scale.
- Number of Questions: 40
Exam Structure
The 020-100 exam follows the current official 020 syllabus and measures knowledge through a proctored computer-based assessment.
- Question Types: Multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank items may be used according to LPI exam design.
- Number of Questions: 40
- Hands-On or Performance-Based Items: LPI does not identify a hands-on lab component.
Exam Policies
Before completing 020 exam registration, review LPI voucher, identification, appointment and retake policies.
- Rescheduling: Online Proctored exams can be rescheduled up to 30 minutes before check-in. Test Center exams can be rescheduled up to 48 hours before the scheduled appointment.
- Cancellation: Online Proctored exams can be cancelled up to 30 minutes before check-in. Test Center exams can be cancelled up to 48 hours before the scheduled appointment.
- Retake Policy: Wait seven days after the first attempt. After a second or subsequent attempt, wait 30 days. Different versions of the same exam count as the same exam.
- Retake Fee: A new attempt requires the full 020 exam fee unless an active promotion or voucher specifically includes another attempt.
Certification Validity and Renewal Options
Passing the 020-100 exam earns or completes the Security Essentials credential when all stated prerequisite requirements are met.
- Validity: Lifetime.
- Renewal Options: No renewal is required; the Essentials certificate is valid for life.
Exam Fee
- Base Fee: The current U.S. list price for the 020 exam fee is USD 120; LPI pricing varies by country.
- Taxes: Local VAT, GST or similar charges may apply, so the final 020 certification cost depends on country and checkout currency.
- Example (India): At 18% GST on the USD list price, the illustrative total is USD 141.60 (USD 120 + USD 21.60 GST); use the India price displayed by LPI or Pearson VUE at checkout.
Prerequisites
Before attempting the 020-100 exam, review these requirements:
- None; anyone may take the exam.
- Candidates should use practical Linux or open source experience appropriate to the exam level, even where no formal prerequisite applies.
- The current exam objectives and their weights are the authoritative preparation scope.
Exam Topics
The official 020 syllabus covers these principal areas:
- Security concepts, threats, vulnerabilities and risk
- Encryption, certificates and secure communications
- Device, operating-system and application security
- Network, wireless and cloud-service security
- Identity, authentication and account protection
- Privacy, data handling, backups and incident awareness
Intended Audience
The 020-100 exam is relevant to learners and professionals such as:
- Junior Security Analyst
- IT Support Technician
- Security Support Associate
- Help Desk Analyst
- Systems Support Specialist
- Cybersecurity Trainee
- Linux, open source, infrastructure and technology professionals
Career Opportunities
Passing this exam can support progression toward roles such as:
- Junior Security Analyst
- IT Support Technician
- Security Support Associate
- Help Desk Analyst
- Systems Support Specialist
- Cybersecurity Trainee
Average Salary (Approximate)
Approximate ranges are based on current Glassdoor market data for Linux systems-administration roles. Salaries vary depending on experience, employer, location, job role, and industry.
- United States: approximately $107,000–$165,000 USD per year
- India: approximately ₹3,00,000–₹7,00,000 INR per year
- United Kingdom: approximately £32,000–£49,000 GBP per year
- UAE: approximately AED 93,000–AED 193,000 per year for comparable systems-administration roles
Exam Delivery Options
During 020 exam registration, select an official option available for the exam and language:
- Pearson VUE Test Center – Take the exam at an authorized Pearson VUE testing center.
- Pearson OnVUE – Take an eligible exam remotely where LPI lists the selected exam version and language as available online.
- Online Rules: Use a compatible computer, webcam, microphone, stable connection and private space, then complete Pearson VUE’s identity and system checks.
- Test Center Rules: Arrive at least 15 minutes early with two current signed forms of identification, including one with a photo, and store prohibited personal items.
Exam Registration
Follow these steps to complete 020 exam registration:
- Visit the official registration page: Pearson VUE – LPI https://www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/lpi.html
- Create or confirm an LPI ID and ensure the profile details match the identification that will be presented.
- Purchase the appropriate voucher or schedule through Pearson VUE, then choose the exam code, language, date and delivery method.
- Review the final 020 exam fee, taxes, voucher validity, identification rules and appointment policy before confirmation.
After Passing the Exam
After passing the 020-100 exam, use the LPI account to verify the result and credential progress:
- Pearson VUE provides the score report, and LPI exam results generally appear in the candidate profile within 24 hours.
- Log in to the official LPI account portal: https://cs.lpi.org/caf/Xamman/candidate_area
- Download or verify the certificate and confirm the credential status in the LPI account.
Why the 020-100 Exam Is Worth It
- Validate vendor-neutral expertise across security concepts, threats, vulnerabilities and risk, encryption, certificates and secure communications, device, operating-system and application security
- Build a recognized Linux and open source certification pathway
- Demonstrate knowledge aligned with LPI’s weighted, job-relevant objectives
- Make the 020 certification cost a focused investment in practical technology capability
Prepare with actual exam questions
To strengthen your knowledge and approach exam day with confidence. We provide practice questions to help you understand the exam format and question patterns.
Access the Real Exam QuestionsContact our consultant today for personalized guidance.
Why Atmic networks?
- Atmic Networks is a trusted global provider of professional IT training and certification mentorship.
- We deliver regularly updated, industry-relevant content tailored to real-world demands.
- Our expert mentors bring hands-on experience to guide your learning journey.
- Our clients consistently achieve high success rates in their certification exams.
- Enjoy instant access to high-quality digital learning materials.
- We offer dedicated 24/7 customer support to assist you whenever you need it.
Top Reasons to Choose
Security Essentials
Build Skills That Transfer Across Distributions
The 020 syllabus focuses on portable Linux and open-source concepts, helping candidates demonstrate knowledge that is not limited to a single vendor platform.
Prove Structured, Job-Relevant Knowledge
The 020-100 exam maps to clear weighted objectives, giving employers and candidates a better understanding of the skills and capabilities being assessed.
Create Momentum for the Next Career Step
Whether used as a first credential, a certification component, or an expert specialization, the exam provides a clear milestone and a focused roadmap for continued learning.
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FAQ
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Are there unscored questions on the exam?
LPI does not publish an item-by-item scored or unscored breakdown. Candidates should answer every question and rely on the official weighted objectives for preparation.
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Does LPI require one specific Linux distribution?
No. LPI certifications are distribution-neutral, so candidates should understand portable concepts, commands and administration practices across common Linux environments.
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Are exam objective weights important?
Yes. LPI uses weights to indicate relative importance, so higher-weight objectives are represented by more questions and deserve proportionate preparation.
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Can I take another version to avoid the retake wait?
No. LPI treats different versions of the same exam as the same exam for retake-policy purposes.
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When should I create my LPI ID?
Create and verify it before scheduling. The personal details should match the identification used for Pearson VUE check-in so results can be associated with the correct profile.
