The RHCSA exam tests candidates' ability to perform tasks across several categories including: using essential tools like the shell, managing processes and logs, configuring storage and file systems, deploying and maintaining systems, managing users and groups, and managing security features like the firewall and SELinux. Candidates are expected to complete tasks involving these areas without assistance, such as archiving and compressing files, mounting file systems, installing and updating packages, and configuring user accounts and firewall settings.