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) Exam Guide
Validates foundational knowledge of Git and GitHub, including repositories, collaboration, project management, automation, security and administration.
GH-900 tests whether you know what GitHub's core features do and when to use them: repositories, issues and pull requests, Actions, Copilot, Codespaces, Projects, permissions and security settings. Work through the two free official learning paths, use each feature in a real repository, then take the free practice assessment.
Understand the exam
Syllabus
Understand Git and GitHub basics25–30%
- Describe the purpose and benefits of version control
- Explain the difference between Git and GitHub
- Identify key Git concepts such as repositories, commits, and branches
- Describe GitHub accounts, organizations, and enterprise options
- Explain the GitHub Flow for collaboration
- Identify uses of Markdown for clear communication in issues and pull requests
- Recognize when to use GitHub Desktop and GitHub Mobile
Example scenario: A teammate edits files directly on the main branch and asks why reviews keep getting skipped. Which GitHub Flow steps would you suggest?
Work with GitHub repositories10–15%
- Describe the structure and key files of a GitHub repository
- Identify how to create, organize, and maintain repositories using templates and branches
- Explain how to add and manage files within a repository
- Describe repository insights, stars, feature previews, repository metrics dashboards, and dependency insights for improved visibility
- Recognize best practices for repository maintenance and collaboration
Collaborate using GitHub10–15%
- Describe how to use issues, pull requests, and discussions for collaboration
- Explain how to link pull requests to issues and manage templates, filters, and assignments
- Identify the purpose of notifications and how to configure them for workflow management
- Describe how to use Gists, Wikis, and GitHub Pages to document and share information
Apply modern development practices10–15%
- Describe the purpose and capabilities of GitHub Actions
- Identify how GitHub Copilot assists with AI-powered code suggestions, including Copilot agents, Agent Mode, and multi-model support
- Explain the differences between GitHub Copilot for Individuals, Business, and Enterprise
- Describe GitHub Codespaces and how to set up, customize, and use dev containers
- Explain when to use the github.dev editor and how it differs from Codespaces
Example scenario: A contractor needs to make a one-line documentation fix from a borrowed laptop. Would you suggest github.dev or a Codespace, and why?
Manage projects with GitHub5–10%
- Describe GitHub Projects and layout options
- Explain how to configure projects, labels, milestones, and workflows
- Identify how to use saved replies and assignees to streamline communication
- Describe how project insights can be used to track progress and productivity
Understand privacy, security, and administration10–15%
- Describe how to secure accounts with two-factor authentication (2FA) and passkeys
- Identify access permissions and roles for repositories and organizations
- Explain the purpose of Enterprise Managed Users (EMUs) and organization-wide Copilot policy management
- Describe repository privacy options, visibility settings, and branch protection rules
- Recognize how to manage organization settings, teams, and roles
Example scenario: An intern needs to label and close issues but must not push code. Which repository role fits?
Explore the GitHub community5–10%
- Describe the benefits of open source and GitHub Sponsors
- Explain how GitHub supports and advances open-source projects
- Identify how to follow users and organizations to stay informed about activity
- Describe the GitHub Marketplace and its purpose
- Explain how InnerSource applies open-source principles within organizations
- Recognize when to use forks, templates, and discoverable repositories to promote collaboration
Official GH-900 study guide · Skills measured as of January 2026
Format
- Duration
- 100 min
- Passing score
- 700 / 1000
- Delivery
- Test centre or online
- Languages
- English, Spanish, Portuguese, Korean, Japanese
Question types
Choose one answer, or select every correct option when the question says how many to pick.
CertUp example
A contributor wants to propose changes to a repository they do not have write access to. What should they do first?
Show answer
B. A fork gives the contributor their own copy to change, and they can then open a pull request back to the original.
Move items into the right places on screen, such as matching a file or feature to its purpose.
CertUp example
Match each repository file to its purpose.
Show answer
README → explains what the project is; LICENSE → states how others may use the code; CONTRIBUTING → explains how to contribute; CODEOWNERS → names who reviews changes to which files.
Eligibility and booking
Sign in to Microsoft Learn with a personal Microsoft account, then schedule through Pearson VUE. Exams booked with a work or school account are lost if you leave that organization.
Make a study plan
Start with the free practice assessment to see where you stand, then fill gaps with the official learning paths.
Most candidates spend 10–30 hours. Plan for the low end if you already use GitHub every day; add time if Git, pull requests or GitHub plans and roles are new to you.
- 1Understand the examRead the syllabus and format, check you’re eligible and pick a target date.1 h
- 3Learn the core conceptsWork through one main course or book, topic by topic.12 h
- 4Practice with mock examsTake timed practice tests and review every mistake.6 h
- 5Prepare for exam dayBook the exam and check the ID and delivery rules.1 h
Learn the core concepts
The two free official learning paths cover every domain. Use GitHub Docs for anything they cover lightly.
Best official starting pointGitHub Foundations Part 1 of 2Best for remaining domainsGitHub Foundations Part 2 of 2
Best video courseGH-900 exam prep: GitHub FoundationsUse the real interface Open each feature in a test repository as you study. The exam asks where settings live and what each role can do.
Practice with mock exams
Take the free official practice assessment first and last. Add one more question set if you want extra drilling.
GH-900 Practice Assessment
GitHub Foundations Practice Test (GH-900)GitHub Foundations Certification (GH-900) - Practice ExamsAre you ready?
- You score comfortably above the pass mark on the official practice assessment
- You can name what each repository role allows
- You can explain when to use Actions, Codespaces, github.dev and Projects
Prepare for exam day
Use the checklist for your delivery route.
Before testing from home
Before travelling to the test centre
- Run the Pearson VUE system test on the same computer and network you will use
- Check in between 30 minutes before and 15 minutes after your start time
- Use a closed, private room with a clear desk and no second monitor
- Have a government ID whose name exactly matches your certification profile
- Bring a government ID whose name exactly matches your certification profile
- Arrive early to complete check-in
- The exam lasts 100 minutes. Breaks are allowed but the clock keeps running, and you cannot return to earlier questions after a break.
- You see a pass or fail result at the end of the exam.
- If you fail, you can retake after 24 hours, then after 14 days, up to 5 attempts in 12 months.
Advice from exam takers
Study GitHub the product, not just Git
Passers say the exam leans on GitHub plans, account types, repository roles and feature locations far more than command-line Git. Candidates who treated it as a Git test scored close to the pass mark.
Click through the features yourself
Candidates who relied on videos alone found the exam harder than expected. Going through the tools in a real repository helped with questions about where settings live.
Expect some awkward wording
Candidates have flagged grammar slips and at least one disputed practice-assessment answer. If a question reads oddly, pick the answer that best fits GitHub's own docs and move on.