The Shuttleworth Foundation represented the Linux Professional Institution (LPI) in South Africa from 2004 until the end of their affiliate relationship in February 2007.
The LPI is an international organisation that provides respected certification for Linux professionals. The Shuttleworth Foundation established an affiliate relationship with the Linux Professional Institute (LPI) that saw the Foundation being the official representative of the LPI in South Africa between 2004 and early 2007. The objective was to introduce an affordable, internationally recognised, distribution neutral Linux administrator certification to South Africa.
During this time the Shuttleworth Foundation focused on the delivery of the paper-based LPI exams in line with its mandate to support the broad-based adoption of open source software and related skills. As both the Foundation and the LPI's focus evolved, it was decided to allow another South African organisation to take up the affiliateship and expand its activities beyond the delivery of exams.
In February 2007 representation of the LPI was officially handed over to the Meraka Institute which concluded a Master Affiliate agreement with the LPI. Meraka now drives, among others, the LPI certification and exam activities in South Africa. The Shuttleworth Foundation continues to support the LPI as a reputable Linux certification and the Meraka Institute in its local representation.