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Red Hat · Linux & Systems · Expert

Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA) exam guide

Exam No single exam (RHCE plus 3 Specialist exams in one track)

Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA) is Red Hat's highest certification level. It is conferred automatically on candidates who hold an RHCE in a specialization plus three distinct Red Hat Certified Specialist credentials in that same specialization, proving deep hands-on expertise across a technology stack.

QuestionsSee official page
Time limitSee official page
Passing scoreSee official page
Exam feeSee official page
Valid forSee official page
DeliveryRed Hat remote exam (online) or authorized testing center

Format: Multiple performance-based hands-on exams. Fee note: Each exam priced separately; check Red Hat.

Who it's for

Senior Linux, OpenShift, Ansible or cloud-native engineers who already hold RHCE and want the top Red Hat credential.

What the exam covers

Enterprise Linux track: EX200 + EX342, plus 3 of EX210, EX260, EX358, EX362, EX403, EX415, EX436, EX442—
OpenShift track: EX280 + EX380, plus 3 of EX229, EX282, EX316, EX336, EX370, EX430, EX432, EX480—
Ansible track: EX200 + EX294, plus 3 of EX374, EX417, EX457, EX467—
Cloud-native applications track: EX188 + EX288, plus 3 of EX183, EX221, EX240, EX248, EX328, EX378, EX482—

A dash means the vendor does not publish a weight for that domain.

Eligibility & prerequisites

Required: An RHCE in the chosen specialization plus three distinct Red Hat Certified Specialist credentials in the same specialization. Some listed exams are retired; check Red Hat for currently available options.

Recommended: Several years of senior hands-on experience in the chosen Red Hat technology.

Keeping it active

RHCA stays current only while the underlying credentials are current; each Red Hat certification is current for 3 years, so you must keep enough constituent certifications current by passing new or updated exams.

Skills & careers

Skills it validates

  • Advanced RHEL performance tuning, security and high availability
  • OpenShift cluster administration and multicluster management
  • Advanced Ansible Automation Platform design
  • Identity management and troubleshooting
  • Enterprise storage and virtualization

Job roles

Senior Linux EngineerInfrastructure ArchitectOpenShift ArchitectAutomation ArchitectPrincipal Platform Engineer

Where it fits in your path

Planning a degree too? See how this cert earns college credit in the College Credit Navigator.

Build my study plan

  1. Month 1: Choose your track based on your job; confirm which specialist exams are currently available
  2. Months 2-3: First specialist exam with the matching Red Hat course or lab work
  3. Months 4-5: Second specialist exam
  4. Months 6-7: Third specialist exam
  5. Ongoing: Track expiry dates so all required credentials stay current at the same time

Make it yours: pick your exam date and weekly hours. We'll split your time by domain weight and give you a printable plan.

Exam-day tips

  • Plan the exam order so the three specialists stay current together
  • Pick specialists that match daily work - hands-on familiarity matters more than study time
  • Red Hat Learning Subscription bundles can reduce cost across multiple exams
  • Every exam is performance-based; practice on the exact product versions listed

Key terms for this exam

All 3 terms Study with thinQcards™

Frequently asked questions

How do I become an RHCA?

Hold RHCE in a specialization and pass three distinct Specialist exams in that same specialization; RHCA is then conferred automatically.

How long does RHCA take?

Typically 6-18 months after RHCE depending on exam pace.

Does RHCA expire?

It remains current while the underlying credentials are current (3 years each).

Is RHCA worth it?

It is rare and highly respected for senior Red Hat roles and consulting.

Which track should I choose?

Pick the one aligned to your work: Enterprise Linux, OpenShift, Ansible or cloud-native applications.

Official page: www.redhat.com. Reviewed November 2026. Vendors change fees and objectives, so confirm with the vendor before you book. Spot something out of date? Tell us.