LPI · 2026 Edition
A complete preparation guide, edited by Johnson Ajibi, a network and security engineer with 12+ years' experience. Covers the exam format,all 5 blueprint domains, a week-by-week study plan, and proven tips for passing first time.
2–4 months
Prep time
Intermediate
Difficulty
40
Exam questions
Exam code
010-160
Full name
LPI Linux Essentials (010-160, v1.6)
Vendor
LPI
Duration
60 minutes
Questions
40 items
Domains covered
5 blueprint domains
Recommended experience
Foundational IT knowledge recommended
Typical prep time
2–4 months
Domain percentage weights are not currently available for this exam. The checklist below is still useful for planning your study.
Phase 1
Security And File Permissions
Tip: Start with the official Security And File Permissions objectives, then practise questions on it.
Phase 2
Finding Your Way ON A Linux System
Tip: Cover the Finding Your Way ON A Linux System objectives, then answer practice questions to confirm you can apply them.
Phase 3
The Power OF The Command Line
Tip: Cover the The Power OF The Command Line objectives, then answer practice questions to confirm you can apply them.
Phase 4
The Linux Operating System
Tip: Cover the The Linux Operating System objectives, then answer practice questions to confirm you can apply them.
Phase 5
The Linux Community And A Career IN Open Source
Tip: Finish with The Linux Community And A Career IN Open Source, then re-test your weakest earlier domain before a mock exam.
Study the official exam blueprint — weight percentages tell you exactly where to invest prep time.
Practise scenario-based questions regularly — every modern cert exam is scenario-heavy.
Use spaced repetition to retain what you've learned (Courseiva does this automatically).
Book your exam date once you're scoring 80%+ consistently on practice tests.
Review explanations for every wrong answer, not just the question — the 'why' is what makes it stick.
Apply everything in this guide with adaptive practice questions, detailed answer explanations, and domain analytics.