Certificate Validity:
Until the release of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 (RHEL6), a certification holder remained current for two major releases. For example, an individual who earned their RHCE under Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3 (RHEL3) remained current until 60 days after the release of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 (RHEL5).

With the release of RHEL 6, a new three year calendar-based current window will be in effect for Red Hat Certified System Administrator(RHCSA) and Red Hat Certified Engineer(RHCE) certifications earned or re-certified on RHEL6. If an RHCSA and RHCE earned on RHEL6 passes a higher-level exam during that three –year period, Red Hat will reset the three-year current window to the date of the most recent exam.

These changes to the current window will ensure that employers can count on Red Hat Certified individuals to be able to demonstrate the skills needed for today’s technology. Validity and current status of an RHCE certificate will continue to be verified at Certification Central.

Currency policies for RHCSA/RHCE (RHEL6 and above)
RHCSA and RHCE certifications have a current window of three calendar years.
If an RHCSA under RHEL6 earns an RHCE, the current window is adjusted to the date one passes the RHCE exam (Ex300)
If an RHCE under RHEL6 passes an Expertise Exam, the current window is adjusted to the date one passes the Expertise Exam.

Validity of Certificates of Expertise:
Red Hat Certificates of Expertise earned on or after October 1, 2014 will be considered current for three (3) years from the date they are earned.

Red Hat Certificates of Expertise earned before October 1, 2014 will be considered current until October 1, 2017. Red Hat appreciates and acknowledges the professionals who have been earning Certificates of Expertise since 2005 and wants to ensure that the transition to the new policy is done in the least disruptive manner possible.