RedHat EX260 Exam Questions 2025

What is the Red Hat EX260 Exam, and What Will You Learn from It?

The Red Hat EX260 exam, officially known as the Red Hat Certified Specialist in Security: Linux, is designed for experienced system administrators who want to validate their ability to secure Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) systems.

This certification demonstrates your skills in managing system security using advanced tools and policies such as firewalls, SELinux, authentication, encryption, and auditing. It ensures that you can effectively implement security controls and best practices to protect enterprise Linux environments from unauthorized access and vulnerabilities.

The EX260 is also a core step toward achieving the prestigious Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA) credential.

Exam Snapshot

Prerequisites Before Taking the Red Hat EX260 Exam

Before attempting the EX260 exam, candidates should have:

• A valid RHCSA (EX200) certification or equivalent real-world experience with RHEL.
• Familiarity with Linux system administration, networking, and security fundamentals.
• Experience using SELinux, firewalld, SSH, and systemd security features.

Completing the Red Hat Security: Linux in Physical, Virtual, and Cloud (RH415) training course is highly recommended to gain hands-on experience with the topics covered in the exam.

Main Objectives and Domains You Will Study for EX260

The EX260 focuses on advanced security configuration, management, and auditing within Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems.

Topics to Cover in Each EX260 Exam Domain

1. System Security Management
   • Implement and manage firewalls using firewalld and nftables
   • Configure SSH access controls and key-based authentication
   • Manage password policies and user privileges
2. SELinux Management
   • Understand and configure Security-Enhanced Linux (SELinux)
   • Manage SELinux contexts, booleans, and modules
   • Troubleshoot and resolve SELinux access denials
3. Authentication and Access Control
   • Configure Pluggable Authentication Modules (PAM)
   • Integrate with LDAP, Kerberos, or Active Directory
   • Manage sudo policies and user access restrictions
4. Encryption and Data Protection
   • Encrypt storage devices using LUKS
   • Manage SSL/TLS certificates and secure network communications
   • Use GPG for data encryption and digital signing
5. System Auditing and Compliance
   • Configure and analyze audit logs with auditd
   • Implement system-wide auditing policies
   • Use SCAP and OpenSCAP tools for compliance and vulnerability scanning
6. Network Security
   • Manage TCP Wrappers and network port security
   • Secure services with firewall zones and policies
   • Monitor suspicious activity and system events

Changes in the Latest Version of the EX260 Exam

The RHEL 9 version of EX260 reflects modern enterprise security challenges.
Key updates include:

• New focus on nftables (replacing iptables)
• Expanded objectives for SCAP and OpenSCAP compliance scanning
• Enhanced SELinux troubleshooting scenarios
• Inclusion of systemd security features such as service hardening

These changes make the certification more relevant to today’s DevSecOps and hybrid infrastructure environments.

Register and Schedule Your Red Hat EX260 Exam

You can register for the EX260 exam directly through the Red Hat official website.
Choose between:

• In-person exam at an authorized Red Hat testing center, or
• Remote exam from your home or office (requires technical setup verification).

Once registered, you will receive setup instructions and preparation guidelines from Red Hat before your exam date.

Red Hat EX260 Exam Cost, and Can You Get Any Discounts?

The standard cost for the Red Hat EX260 exam is approximately USD $400, though it may vary by country.

You can save by purchasing:

• Red Hat Learning Subscription (RHLS) packages
• Exam + Training bundles
• Or through corporate and partner discounts

Get the most updated Red Hat EX260 exam questions from Cert Empire and practice with real-world security scenarios to boost your confidence before test day.

Exam Policies You Should Know Before Taking EX260

Before your exam, make sure you understand Red Hat’s key policies:

• Bring a valid government-issued ID.
• The exam is entirely hands-on, with no multiple-choice questions.
• Each task must be fully completed for points.
• Results are typically sent within 3 business days.
• Certification validity: 3 years, renewable through recertification or higher-level credentials.

What Can You Expect on Your EX260 Exam Day?

The EX260 exam takes place in a controlled, live RHEL environment. You’ll need to configure and secure systems according to specific scenarios.

Expect tasks such as:

• Enabling and troubleshooting SELinux
• Configuring firewalls and encryption
• Setting up auditing and compliance tools

This is a performance-based exam, so success depends on your ability to apply knowledge efficiently under time constraints.

Plan Your EX260 Study Schedule Effectively with 5 Study Tips

Tip 1: Build your own RHEL 9 lab environment to practice real-world configurations.
Tip 2: Practice SELinux and firewalld commands regularly.
Tip 3: Learn how to secure services, manage SSL/TLS, and encrypt data.
Tip 4: Review auditd and OpenSCAP tools for compliance automation.
Tip 5: Reinforce your readiness with Cert Empire’s verified Red Hat EX260 exam questions and hands-on practice materials.

Best Study Resources You Can Use to Prepare for EX260

• Red Hat Training: RH415 – Security: Linux in Physical, Virtual, and Cloud
• Red Hat Learning Subscription (RHLS)
• Cert Empire’s EX260 exam practice materials
• RHEL Security documentation
• Community forums, GitHub, and Ansible-based hardening playbooks

Career Opportunities You Can Explore After Earning EX260

The Red Hat Certified Specialist in Security: Linux (EX260) certification opens doors to advanced security-focused roles such as:

• Linux Security Administrator
• Security Engineer
• DevSecOps Specialist
• Systems Security Analyst
• IT Security Consultant

This certification is a strong differentiator for professionals responsible for protecting Linux-based systems in enterprise and cloud infrastructures.

Certifications to Go for After Completing EX260

Once you earn EX260, consider advancing with the following certifications:

• Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE – EX294)
• Red Hat Certified Specialist in Advanced Automation (EX447)
• Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA)
• CompTIA Security+ or CISSP for broader cybersecurity credentials
• Linux Foundation Certified Security Specialist (LFCS Security)

How Does EX260 Compare to Other Linux Security Certifications?

While certifications like CompTIA Security+ and CISSP focus on theoretical knowledge, Red Hat EX260 stands out for its hands-on, practical testing approach.

It validates not just your understanding of Linux security concepts, but your ability to implement and enforce them in real-world enterprise systems, a crucial skill employers value highly.

Get the most updated and realistic Red Hat EX260 exam questions from Cert Empire and prepare effectively to become a certified Red Hat Security Specialist on your first attempt.