The GH-900: GitHub Foundations Exam is the entry-level certification designed to validate your understanding of GitHub’s core features and workflows. It focuses on the fundamental concepts of version control, collaboration, and repository management, making it an ideal starting point for beginners and professionals who are new to GitHub.
This certification proves your ability to work with repositories, branches, commits, and pull requests, while also testing your knowledge of collaboration tools like issues, discussions, and projects. For students, junior developers, or professionals transitioning into software development, GH-900 serves as a strong foundation for building more advanced GitHub and DevOps skills.
In this blog, we will walk through everything you need to know to prepare for the GH-900 exam—including the exam structure, key topics, preparation strategies, and hands-on practice tips to help you succeed on your first attempt.
Target Audience for the GH-900 Exam
The GH-900: GitHub Foundations Exam is designed for individuals who want to validate their basic GitHub knowledge and collaboration skills. It does not require advanced programming or deep technical expertise, making it an accessible entry point into the GitHub certification path.
This exam is ideal for:
- Students and Beginners
Those starting their journey in software development and looking to showcase their understanding of version control and GitHub workflows. - Junior Developers
Developers who want to strengthen their foundation in GitHub before advancing to more technical certifications like GH-100 or GH-200. - Professionals New to GitHub
Team members who are transitioning into roles where GitHub is used for collaboration and version control. - Project Contributors
Open-source contributors or collaborators who need to validate their ability to use repositories, pull requests, and issues effectively. - Non-Developers in Tech Teams
Roles like project managers, testers, or designers who use GitHub to track work and collaborate with developers.
By taking this exam, learners can build credibility in using GitHub’s fundamental tools and position themselves for more advanced certifications in the future.
Understanding the GH-900 Exam
Before starting your preparation, it is important to understand the structure and focus areas of the GH-900: GitHub Foundations Exam. As a beginner-friendly certification, this exam tests your knowledge of GitHub basics, collaboration features, and fundamental version control practices.
Exam Details
- Exam Name: GitHub Foundation
- Exam Code: GH-900
- Duration: 100 minutes
- Languages Available: English, Spanish, Portuguese (Brazil), Korean, Japanese
- Format: Multiple-choice questions
Recommended Experience
While no prior certification is required, candidates should have:
- Basic familiarity with Git concepts like version control and branching
- Some hands-on experience creating repositories and collaborating on GitHub
- An understanding of how teams use GitHub to track and manage work
Passing Score Expectations
The official passing score is not publicly disclosed, but aiming for 70–75% or higher on practice tests is a safe benchmark for readiness.
GH-900: GitHub Foundations Course Outline
The exam covers the following topics:
Domain 1: Overview of Git and GitHub (22%)
Understanding the basics of Git
- Explaining what Git is and why it is used
- Describe the basic Git workflow
- Understanding the concept of repositories
- Explaining the difference between local and remote repositories
- Initializing a Git repository
- Clone a repository
- Add and commit changes
- Push and pull changes
- Understanding branching and merging
- Creating a GitHub account
- Create and manage repositories on GitHub
- Understanding the GitHub interface
- Using GitHub issues and pull requests
Domain 2: Working with GitHub Repositories (8%)
- Configuring repository settings
- Set up repository permissions
- Using repository templates
Working with files in a repository
Domain 3: Learn About Collaboration Features (30%)
- Fork repositories
- Creating and managing pull requests
- Review and merge pull requests
- Using GitHub Actions for CI/CD
Using GitHub for project management
- Creating and managing issues
- Use labels, milestones, and projects
- Tracking progress with GitHub Projects
Domain 4: Understand Modern Development (13%)
- Understanding the principles of DevOps
- Using GitHub Actions for automation
- Implementing CI/CD pipelines
Using GitHub for code review
Domain 5: Overview of Project Management (7%)
- Creating and managing GitHub Projects
- Using project boards for task management
- Integrate GitHub Projects with issues and pull requests
Domain 6: Understand Privacy, Security, and Administration (10%)
- Set up branch protection rules
- Using security features like Dependabot
- Managing repository access and permissions
Administering GitHub organizations
Domain 7: Learn About the Benefits of the GitHub Community (10%)
Engaging with the GitHub community
- Participate in open source projects
- Using GitHub Discussions
- Contributing to community projects
GH-900: GitHub Foundations Exam Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
The GH-900: GitHub Foundations Exam is designed to test your grasp of essential GitHub concepts. Preparing well means combining conceptual learning with hands-on practice, so that you not only understand the theory but also feel confident navigating GitHub in real scenarios. Here is a structured roadmap to guide your preparation.
Step 1: Review the Exam Objectives
Start with the official exam guide. The GH-900 exam measures your knowledge across areas such as repositories, commits, branches, pull requests, collaboration tools, GitHub Actions basics, and permissions. Reviewing the blueprint early will help you identify your strengths and areas that require extra attention.
Step 2: Learn Git and GitHub Fundamentals
A solid foundation in Git and GitHub is essential. Focus on:
- Creating repositories and managing files
- Making commits and tracking version history
- Working with branches—creating, merging, and deleting them
- Opening and reviewing pull requests to collaborate effectively
These are the everyday tasks that you will perform regularly on GitHub, so mastering them is critical.
Step 3: Explore Collaboration Features
The GH-900 exam places importance on teamwork and collaboration. Practise using GitHub features such as:
- Issues – for tracking bugs, tasks, or project requirements
- Discussions – for knowledge sharing and decision-making
- GitHub Projects – for project planning and progress tracking
These tools are central to how modern teams work together on GitHub, so ensure you are comfortable using them.
Step 4: Get Familiar with GitHub Actions Basics
While the exam does not require advanced knowledge of automation, you should understand what GitHub Actions are and how they support workflows. Practise setting up a simple workflow—for example, running automated tests or builds when a pull request is created. This will give you practical insight into how automation enhances collaboration.
Step 5: Understand Security and Permissions
Security and governance are essential parts of GitHub. Learn about:
- Repository permissions (read, write, admin)
- Role assignments within teams and organisations
- Branch protection rules to maintain code integrity
- Repository visibility (public vs private)
Even at the foundations level, these concepts are critical to safe collaboration.
Step 6: Practise Hands-On with GitHub
The best way to prepare is to spend time on GitHub. Create personal repositories, simulate real-world workflows by raising pull requests, assign and resolve issues, and explore different features. The more you practise, the more intuitive GitHub will become.
Step 7: Use Study Resources
Support your preparation with a mix of reliable resources:
- GitHub Docs – the official and most comprehensive source
- GitHub Skills – beginner-friendly, interactive tutorials
- Learning Lab modules – guided learning for real scenarios
- Video courses and blogs – for extra clarity and practical tips
- Practice exams from Skilr – to familiarise yourself with the question style
Step 8: Revise and Take Mock Exams
In the final stage, focus on revision. Create summary notes or flashcards for key terms and workflows. Attempt practice exams under timed conditions to simulate the real test environment. Analyse your results, revisit weak areas, and refine your knowledge.
By following this step-by-step plan, you will not only prepare thoroughly for the GH-900 exam but also gain the confidence to apply GitHub fundamentals in real-world projects—laying a strong foundation for advanced certifications in the future.
How to Stay Motivated for the GH-900: GitHub Foundations Exam?
Preparing for the GH-900: GitHub Foundations Exam may seem simple compared to advanced certifications, but staying consistent is still key. Many learners begin with enthusiasm but lose momentum halfway. Here are some strategies to help you stay focused and motivated throughout your preparation:
- Set Weekly Goals
Break your preparation into small, manageable tasks. For example, dedicate one week to mastering repositories and branches, and another to practising pull requests and issues. Achieving small wins regularly helps maintain progress and confidence. - Create a Study Routine
Schedule fixed time slots for study and hands-on practice. Treat these sessions as important appointments. A regular routine builds discipline and prevents last-minute cramming. - Track Your Progress Visually
Use a checklist or a study tracker to mark off topics as you complete them. Watching your progress grow will keep you motivated and reduce exam anxiety. - Engage with the GitHub Community
Join forums, GitHub Discussions, or learner groups. Sharing your doubts, solving problems, and discussing workflows with others will not only help you learn but also keep you motivated through peer support. - Balance Study and Breaks
Long, unstructured study hours can lead to burnout. Instead, use focused study blocks (like 45–50 minutes of study followed by a 10-minute break). This keeps your mind fresh and improves retention. - Reward Your Milestones
After completing a challenging module or scoring well on a mock test, reward yourself with something enjoyable. Positive reinforcement helps sustain motivation over time.
By combining consistent study, community engagement, and regular rewards, you can stay motivated throughout your preparation and walk into the exam with confidence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though the GH-900: GitHub Foundations Exam is an entry-level certification, many candidates lose marks because of avoidable mistakes. Being aware of these pitfalls will help you prepare more effectively and approach the exam with confidence.
- Skipping Hands-On Practice
Reading guides and watching tutorials alone is not enough. The exam tests practical understanding, so make sure you create repositories, make commits, raise pull requests, and practise real collaboration tasks. - Ignoring Collaboration Features
Many candidates focus only on GitHub basics like commits and branches. Do not overlook issues, discussions, and GitHub Projects—these are equally important for demonstrating teamwork and project tracking skills. - Neglecting GitHub Actions Basics
While the exam does not dive deep into automation, it does cover the fundamentals of GitHub Actions. Skipping this area might cost you easy marks. - Forgetting Security and Permissions
Basic security concepts like repository visibility (public vs private), roles, and branch protections are often underestimated. These topics carry weight and reflect real-world responsibilities. - Cramming at the Last Minute
Trying to memorise everything just before the exam rarely works. A gradual, steady approach with regular revision will help you retain knowledge better.
By avoiding these mistakes, you can focus your preparation on what truly matters and give yourself the best chance of clearing the GH-900 exam on your first attempt.
Career Opportunities and Salary Expectations
The GH-900: GitHub Foundations certification is the first step in the GitHub certification path. While it is an entry-level credential, it helps you establish credibility in version control and collaborative development practices—skills that are essential across the software industry.
Career Opportunities
GH-900-certified professionals are well-suited for roles such as:
- Junior Developer – Applying GitHub fundamentals in daily coding tasks.
- Open-Source Contributor – Using GitHub effectively to collaborate on community-driven projects.
- Project Coordinator / Support Associate – Managing tasks, issues, and discussions in team environments.
- QA / Test Engineer – Tracking bugs, testing changes, and collaborating through GitHub workflows.
- Technical Student Intern – Showcasing fundamental GitHub knowledge when applying for internships or entry-level positions.
This certification also serves as a strong foundation for pursuing more advanced GitHub credentials such as GH-100 (Administration), GH-200 (Actions), and GH-500 (Advanced Security).
Salary Expectations
Since GH-900 is an entry-level certification, salaries vary based on role and experience. However, it can still give you an advantage when applying for jobs that require GitHub knowledge.
| Role | Avg. Salary (India) | Avg. Salary (Global) |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Developer | ₹4–8 LPA | USD 50,000–65,000 |
| GitHub Support Associate | ₹3–6 LPA | USD 45,000–60,000 |
| QA / Test Engineer | ₹5–9 LPA | USD 55,000–70,000 |
| Project Coordinator | ₹4–7 LPA | USD 50,000–65,000 |
| Open-Source Contributor* | Variable (project-based) | Variable (project-based) |
*Open-source contributors may earn through sponsorships, freelance work, or project-specific contracts.
While GH-900 alone may not guarantee a high salary, it strengthens your profile, demonstrates your ability to collaborate effectively on GitHub, and sets the stage for career growth through advanced certifications.
Conclusion
The GH-900: GitHub Foundations Exam is the perfect starting point for anyone looking to build a career in software development, DevOps, or collaborative project management. It validates your understanding of GitHub’s essential features—repositories, branching, pull requests, collaboration tools, and security fundamentals—giving you the confidence to work effectively in modern development environments.
By following a structured preparation plan, practising hands-on with GitHub, avoiding common mistakes, and staying consistent, you can clear this exam on your first attempt. While GH-900 is an entry-level certification, it lays the groundwork for advanced GitHub exams such as GH-100, GH-200, and GH-500, and it also strengthens your resume for internships, junior developer positions, and collaborative roles.
If you are beginning your journey with GitHub, the GH-900 exam is an investment in your future—it sets the foundation for long-term career growth in the software and DevOps world.
