Gain the practical skills to automate, deploy and manage Linux environments using Ansible. This course is designed for professionals seeking real-world expertise and aligns closely with the Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE): EX294 exam.
Linux Automation with Ansible
Streamline your Linux systems using Ansible
This four-day, instructor-led course equips you with the skills to manage Linux configurations through Ansible automation. You’ll learn how to install, configure, and apply Ansible to automate essential functions, from managing users and services to handling configuration files and system updates.
Learning objectives
- Install and configure Ansible on Linux
- Write and run playbooks and ad-hoc commands
- Use roles, variables and templates
- Automate system admin tasks
- Apply Ansible best practices
- Manage configuration files securely
- Perform error handling and logging
What you’ll learn
Build a strong working knowledge of Ansible and gain confidence using it to automate Linux system administration. Through expert guidance and access to our live labs, you’ll learn how to manage servers from a single control point and streamline operations.
Introduction to Ansible
Discover how Ansible supports modern IT automation and why it has become a go-to tool for Linux system administrators. You’ll learn how Ansible communicates over SSH without agents, how its simple syntax and declarative structure streamline complex tasks, and how it integrates into wider DevOps workflows. This portion of the course introduces the key components of Ansible, including inventories, modules and playbooks, and sets the foundation for managing multiple systems with greater consistency and control.
Installing and configuring your Ansible environment
Gain experience setting up Ansible on both RHEL and Debian-based systems. You’ll understand how to configure the control node and remote clients, using SSH key-based authentication to enable secure, passwordless connections. The course introduces the Ansible configuration file and inventory setup, giving you the knowledge to define and group your managed hosts effectively, laying the groundwork for smooth automation across multiple systems.
Using variables, facts and templates
Learn how to make your Ansible automation more flexible and dynamic using variables and templates. You’ll discover how to define internal and external variables, structure lists and dictionaries, and use facts gathered from systems to inform task decisions. With conditions, you’ll tailor your automation to specific environments, while Jinja2 templates will help you generate custom configuration files, reducing repetition and improving consistency across deployments.
Advanced Ansible features
Take your Ansible skills further by learning how to build more robust and scalable automation. You’ll learn how to use Ansible Vault to encrypt sensitive data, set up detailed logging for better oversight, and handle errors gracefully to keep tasks on track. This course covers creating reusable roles to organise your playbooks, and using loops and conditionals to manage repetitive or complex tasks, helping you write cleaner, more efficient automation scripts that are easier to maintain and scale.
What’s included
- Four days of instructor-led training in a live virtual classroom
- Interactive hands-on labs
- All relevant course material
Key facts
Ideal for
Linux system administrators, DevOps teams and support staff looking to streamline operations using automation.
Prerequisites
Learners should have Linux system administration experience. Recommended courses include Red Hat 9 System Administration – Part 2 or equivalent.
Learning experience
Our experienced trainers and interactive labs create a focused, practical environment – so you can put theory into practice from day one.
FAQs
This course teaches you how to automate Linux administration using Ansible through live labs and practical tasks. Learn to manage systems efficiently and consistently from a central control point.
Is this course suitable for beginners?
The course is designed for professionals with prior Linux system administration experience. If you're new to Linux, we recommend starting with one of our foundation level courses. These include:
- Linux System Administration (LPI)
- Oracle Linux 9 Administration
- Red Hat 9 System Administration – Part 1 and Part 2
What is Ansible?
Ansible is an open-source automation tool used for configuration management, application deployment, and task automation across IT environments. It enables you to manage systems using simple, human-readable YAML files without needing to install agents on remote machines.
How does Ansible use SSH for automation?
Ansible connects to remote systems using SSH, allowing you to manage them securely without installing additional agents. During the course, you’ll set up SSH key-based authentication and learn how to use it to run automated tasks across multiple Linux systems.
Can I use Ansible to manage multiple Linux systems at once?
Yes, Ansible is built for managing many systems from one central point. This course teaches you how to define and structure your inventory file so you can control groups of systems simultaneously, making it easier to maintain consistency and reduce admin workload.
What our customers say
“A great course to get a full foundational learning of the basics of Ansible. I now understand the structure of playbooks and how to run them.”
Tom, Linux Automation with Ansible learner
“Tarn is an excellent instructor, enthusiastic and knowledgeable.”
Raymond, Developer - Government
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