Certification Overview

GH-900 – GitHub Foundations Certification Exam

This exam validates your knowledge of GitHub fundamentals, including version control concepts, collaboration workflows, and core GitHub features.

📌 Important: There are no mandatory prerequisite exams required before taking the GitHub Foundations certification exam. However, Microsoft and GitHub recommend that candidates have basic familiarity with software development workflows and Git concepts before attempting the exam.

What GitHub Foundations Certification Validates

With the GitHub Foundations certification, you demonstrate the ability to:

• Understand Git and version control fundamentals
• Work with GitHub repositories and branches
• Manage commits, pull requests, and code reviews
• Collaborate with teams using GitHub workflows
• Understand GitHub Issues, Discussions, and project boards
• Use GitHub Actions for basic automation concepts
• Understand GitHub security and package management basics

These skills provide a strong foundation for working with GitHub-based development environments.

Track Details & Exam Requirements

🔹 Core Exam (Required)

GH-900 – GitHub Foundations Certification Exam

This exam focuses on the fundamental concepts of GitHub, collaboration workflows, and the GitHub ecosystem.

Exam Details

• Exam Code: GH-900
• Exam Duration: ~60 minutes
• Number of Questions: ~40–50 questions
• Exam Type: Multiple-choice and multiple-select questions
• Passing Score: ~700 / 1000 (scaled score)
• Delivery: Online proctored exam or test center
• Certification Validity: Typically about 2 years

Exam Domains

The GH-900 exam is divided into several key domains.

1. Introduction to Git and GitHub (≈22%)

Candidates must understand:

• Version control concepts
• Git fundamentals such as commits and repositories
• The purpose and benefits of GitHub
• Basic Git commands and workflows

2. Working with GitHub Repositories (≈30%)

Candidates should be able to:

• Create and manage repositories
• Use branches and commits
• Manage pull requests and code reviews
• Collaborate with contributors

3. GitHub Collaboration Features (≈18%)

This domain focuses on:

• GitHub Issues and project management tools
• Discussions and community collaboration
• Labels, milestones, and task tracking

4. GitHub Automation and DevOps Basics (≈12%)

Candidates must understand:

• Basic concepts of GitHub Actions
• Automation workflows
• Continuous integration and deployment concepts

5. GitHub Security and Administration Basics (≈18%)

This domain includes:

• Repository security practices
• Access control and permissions
• Dependency management basics
• Security alerts and vulnerability monitoring

Validity & Recertification

• The GitHub Foundations certification is typically valid for about 2 years.
• After passing the exam, candidates receive a digital certification badge issued through credential platforms such as Credly.
• Recertification may require retaking the exam or completing updated certification requirements when a new version of the exam is released.

Recommended Experience

There are no formal prerequisites required before taking the GH-900 exam. However, Microsoft recommends candidates have:

• Basic knowledge of Git and version control
• Familiarity with software development workflows
• Experience using GitHub repositories and collaboration features
• Understanding of basic DevOps concepts

This certification is generally considered entry-level (beginner).

Who Should Pursue GitHub Foundations Certification?

This certification is ideal for professionals such as:

• Beginner Software Developers
• DevOps Engineers starting with GitHub
• Students learning version control systems
• IT Professionals working with development teams
• Open-source contributors

Career Benefits

• Demonstrates foundational knowledge of GitHub workflows
• Validates understanding of version control and collaboration tools
• Helps beginners start a career in DevOps and software development
• Provides a strong foundation for advanced GitHub certifications
• Recognized credential within the GitHub and Microsoft ecosystem

Summary

The Microsoft GitHub Foundations Certification (GH-900) validates a candidate’s basic understanding of GitHub, version control, and collaboration workflows.

Key points:

• Requires one exam (GH-900)
• No prerequisite certification required
• Focuses on GitHub fundamentals and version control concepts

This certification is suitable for beginners who want to build a foundation before pursuing advanced GitHub certifications such as Administration, Actions, Copilot, or Advanced Security.