Do you have a trusted Red Hat specialist in your team? For close to two decades, Red Hat has honored certified individuals who embody creativity, diligence, and expertise in Red Hat technologies. Presently, the quest is on for the 2025 Red Hat Certified Professional of the Year!

Essential Details

• Deadline for submissions: Entries will be welcomed until 11:59 PM EST on November 30, 2024
• Nominations: Candidates can nominate themselves or you can share the application form with a colleague
• The reward: As the Red Hat Certified Professional of the Year, you will be acknowledged during the Red Hat Summit 2025, featured in a Red Hat success story video, and presented with a prestigious trophy. Your accomplishments will be showcased in Red Hat press coverage, including a mention in the official award press release, and promoted across the Red Hat website, social media, blog, and in the Red Hat Training and Certification newsletter. You will also acquire a digital badge to exhibit on social media or your CV and have the unique certification logo for use on business cards. Moreover, you will receive a one-year subscription to Red Hat Learning Subscription Premium (valued at $9,000), opportunities for speaking engagements, and potentially other prizes as determined by the judges

Considering applying? Here’s advice from last year’s champion

Gang Cheng, a Senior Infrastructure Engineer at Sopra Steria in Oslo, Norway, emerged as the 2024 Red Hat Certified Professional of the Year. Gang’s progression from an early interest in IT to attaining various esteemed Red Hat Certifications—including Red Hat Certified OpenShift Administrator and Red Hat Certified Engineer—highlights his dedication to open-source technologies and excellence in the IT domain.

Gang Cheng, 2024 Red Hat Certified Professional of the Year, Senior Infrastructure Engineer at Sopra Steria in Oslo, Norway

“Receiving the title of Red Hat Certified Professional of the Year has significantly expanded my global professional network, elevated my credibility in Linux and open-source technologies, and boosted my personal confidence. These advantages have led to new projects and clients as a consultant and have markedly contributed to my personal and professional growth.

Transitioning from a conventional system administrator role to a contemporary IT environment posed challenges due to the waning demand for traditional roles. Yet, Red Hat’s extensive learning resources and certifications aided me in keeping pace with emerging technologies, enhancing my marketability. As a consultant, Red Hat Certification remains invaluable for remaining ahead in the industry and crafting a robust personal profile.

As the Red Hat Certified Professional of the Year awardee, you get the opportunity to attend the Red Hat Summit. There, I was thrilled to discover the wide array of scenarios in which Red Hat products can be utilized. I had not fully grasped the breadth of their applications before, which has broadened my outlook on their potential uses. Open source has been exceedingly advantageous to my brand as an IT professional and to my career by granting me access to a diverse set of tools and resources that have enriched my professional journey.

For prospective Red Hat Certified Professional of the Year applicants: Do not fret if you do not possess every Red Hat certification—just submit your application. Concentrate on sharing your authentic experiences with Red Hat technologies. Actively engage in the Red Hat Learning Community by offering feedback and aiding others, and leverage your influence in your professional capacity to endorse Red Hat solutions.”

Beyond his technical accomplishments, Gang actively engages in the Red Hat Learning Community, stressing the significance of perpetual learning and knowledge dissemination. Gang’s recognition as the Red Hat Certified Professional of the Year underscores his impactful work and commitment to leveraging the Red Hat ecosystem and formulating innovative solutions.

What sets a contender apart?

Our panel of adjudicators seeks submissions that elucidate how Red Hat technology has greatly boosted efficiency and innovation while delivering tangible business results. Your submission should mirror your personality and integrity, and encompass specific instances of how Red Hat-certified skills have aided you:

• Attain success in your current role utilizing Red Hat solutions
• Enhance your organization’s or clients’ IT environments through Red Hat solutions
• Boost system performance in your organization or for your clients
• Augment system security using Red Hat solutions
• Deliver concrete outcomes to your organization utilizing Red Hat solutions

Our judging committee looks for submissions that delve into these areas and manifest a strong dedication to leveraging Red Hat technology to drive substantial enhancements and achievements.

Ready to present your case or share the application with a colleague?

Whether you are putting yourself forward or advocating for someone else, this is your moment to share a success story that you are proud of. Take the plunge and submit your nomination today!