About EX280 Exam
Overview of the Red Hat Certified OpenShift Administrator (EX280) Exam
The EX280 exam is more than just a test—it’s a performance-based certification focused on your ability to deploy, manage, and automate workloads on the Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform. This isn’t about multiple-choice guesses; it’s about real-time problem-solving inside a production Kubernetes cluster. The exam simulates the high-pressure tasks you’d face in a live enterprise environment, especially in hybrid setups that combine bare metal, public cloud, and virtual machines.
OpenShift has become essential to cloud native application development, and the Red Hat Certified Specialist in OpenShift Administration (EX280) is designed for professionals with hands-on experience with Red Hat Enterprise Linux and containers. It validates that you can configure, build, and maintain OpenShift clusters at scale, with a strong understanding of infrastructure, security, and container platform reliability.
What the EX280 Says About Your Capabilities
Passing this exam proves your ability to manage complex containerized environments using Red Hat OpenShift. It confirms you know how to access, create, and configure key resources, monitor container images, and control user applications in a live system. You’re expected to handle application services, components, and ongoing maintenance across diverse platforms, without relying on documentation or hand-holding.
This isn’t about passive knowledge. It’s about doing. Red Hat’s certification process emphasizes actual service delivery, not theoretical ideas. If you’re deploying apps, troubleshooting containers, or optimizing resource utilization, EX280 validates your readiness.
What You’ll Learn and Apply
Successful candidates walk away with advanced skills in Linux-based operating systems, scripting, and OpenShift cluster management. Red Hat structures the training to help you:
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Use oc, kubectl, and shell scripts with confidence
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Manage persistent storage, container images, and user permissions
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Handle Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) and OAuth integration
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Improve developer productivity with automation workflows
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Monitor logs, network routes, and system health metrics
These aren’t optional. They’re all required during the exam. You’ll be expected to troubleshoot, test, and fix issues in real time, just like a system administrator or site reliability engineer would in production.
Who Should Take This Certification?
This exam is ideal for professionals already comfortable with Red Hat Enterprise Linux, container platforms, and hybrid cloud tools. If you’re managing OpenShift clusters, writing automation scripts, or working with virtual machines across operating systems, EX280 can solidify your role in DevOps and infrastructure management.
Best suited for:
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Current Linux administrators using Red Hat technologies
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Engineers focused on containers, security, and automation
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Professionals transitioning into cloud-native or hybrid cloud roles
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Developers integrating services into OpenShift environments
It’s also relevant for anyone using Microsoft Azure or other public cloud providers with OpenShift on top. The exam reflects cross-platform realities of modern IT.
Red Hat’s Enduring Value in the Enterprise World
Even in 2025, Red Hat certifications hold weight across industries. From Red Hat Summit announcements to enterprise hiring pipelines, Red Hat Certified professionals remain in demand. The company’s focus on software, tools, and secure platforms like OpenShift ensures long-term relevance, especially in regulated sectors like finance and telecom.
Post-IBM acquisition, Red Hat OpenShift has expanded its role in the hybrid cloud strategy. It helps organizations deliver scalable services, whether they’re running on bare metal, virtual, or edge environments. If you’re aiming for stability, innovation, and seamless integration, Red Hat remains the gold standard.
Careers That Now Require EX280 Certification
With the rise of cloud-native apps and large-scale automation, roles like Platform Engineer, DevOps Specialist, and Infrastructure Automation Engineer increasingly require the EX280 certification. These positions reward proven ability with higher salaries and faster promotions.
Job Titles Listing EX280:
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OpenShift Administrator
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Platform Engineer
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DevSecOps Engineer
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Kubernetes Infrastructure Admin
Average Salary Ranges in the U.S. (2025):
Role | Salary Range |
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OpenShift Administrator | $95,000 – $120,000 |
DevSecOps Engineer | $110,000 – $140,000 |
Platform Engineer | $105,000 – $135,000 |
Kubernetes Admin | $100,000 – $130,000 |
Hiring managers want more than a title. They want someone who understands OpenShift, knows how to deploy, and can manage complex projects in fast-moving production environments.
Inside the EX280 Exam Environment
This is a hands-on test delivered via live lab. You’ll be using a kubeadmin account in a secured OpenShift cluster, with strict timing and zero room for error. Tasks are drawn from real-world development, management, and security scenarios.
Exam Specs:
Element | Details |
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Format | Live task-driven lab |
Duration | 3 hours |
Number of Tasks | 8 to 10 |
Passing Score | 210/300 |
Delivery | Remote or Testing Center |
Red Hat evaluates not only your final output but also your approach, your tools, and how you test each outcome. It’s as close as you’ll get to a job trial in certification form.
What You’ll Be Tested On
Most tasks in the EX280 revolve around real OpenShift administration challenges. You’ll deal with everything from network configuration and container image handling to application deployment and storage management.
Core Task Areas:
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OpenShift installation and diagnostics
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Access and role management
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App deployment, scaling, and routing
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Persistent volumes and PVC management
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Monitoring and incident response
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YAML syntax and error correction
You’ll need to not only understand Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform but also work across operating systems, validate resource status, and manage data flows efficiently under time pressure.
Curious about how OpenShift compares to Kubernetes in real-world use? Check out our in-depth blog on OpenShift vs Kubernetes, where we break down key differences, use cases, and why mastering OpenShift can give you an edge, especially if you’re preparing for the EX280 exam.
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