Basic GitHub experience
RecommendedGitHub designs the exam for people with foundational knowledge of Git, repositories, collaboration tools, project management and modern development practices. It suits developers and non-developers.
GitHub Foundations (GH-900)
Validates foundational knowledge of Git and GitHub, including repositories, collaboration, project management, automation, security and administration.
Summary
GitHub Foundations (GH-900) is GitHub's beginner certification, covering Git and GitHub basics. The exam checks your understanding of repositories, collaboration, automation and AI features, project tracking, security basics and the open-source community.
Good fit if
- You are new to Git and GitHub and want a structured start
- You work around repositories and want a recognized baseline
- You are a GitHub Education student and can take it free
Look elsewhere if
- You use GitHub daily and want CI/CD proof: GitHub Actions
- You want to show Copilot skill: GitHub Copilot
- You want cloud fundamentals: Azure Fundamentals or AWS Cloud Practitioner
Prerequisites
Cost
What holders say
Worth it when it is free
Candidates recommend taking it if you get it free through GitHub Education or an employer, and not paying yourself. One detailed review called the free official training the most valuable part.
A structured introduction more than a skills test
People who use GitHub daily say the exam tests product details such as plans, menus and terms more than real Git skill. They value the training paths more than the exam.
Some doubt about GitHub certifications as a whole
The 2023 launch at $200 per exam drew sharp criticism. The fee has since dropped, but some developers still see GitHub certifications as unnecessary if you use GitHub every day.
Renewal
GitHub Foundations does not expire.
- Validity
- No expiry
- Renewal requirement
- None
GitHub Foundations follows Microsoft's policy for fundamentals exams, which have no recertification.
GitHub Foundations certification page ↗Alternatives
GitHub Copilot$99 required · Intermediate
The next step if you use GitHub Copilot and want to prove you use it well.
GitHub Actions$99 required · Intermediate
The next step if you build CI/CD workflows on GitHub.
AZ-900$99 required · Entry
Microsoft's cloud fundamentals exam, a natural pairing if you work in the Microsoft ecosystem.
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner$100 required · Entry
The equivalent entry-level credential if your work centers on AWS.
FAQ
What is the GitHub GH-900 exam?
It is the exam for GitHub Foundations, GitHub's beginner certification. It covers Git and GitHub basics, repositories, collaboration, modern development tools, projects, security and administration basics, and the GitHub community.
How much does the GH-900 exam cost?
$99 in the US. The price depends on the country where you take the exam, and students in GitHub Education can take it free.
Is GitHub Foundations hard?
It is a beginner exam, but it tests GitHub the product more than Git commands. Expect questions on plans, roles, permissions and where features live, so spend time in the GitHub interface as well as the official training.
Does GitHub Foundations expire?
No. GitHub Foundations does not require renewal.
Is GitHub Foundations worth it?
It is worth taking if it is free for you or your employer pays. Many holders say the free official training is the most valuable part, so experienced GitHub users often skip paying for the exam.
Last updated October 2026