Exam GH-900: GitHub Foundations is the entry-level GitHub certification. It checks that you understand Git and GitHub basics, repositories, issues and pull requests, GitHub Actions, GitHub Copilot (including agents and Agent Mode), Codespaces, Projects, security settings and open-source collaboration. It was rewritten in January 2026, and it suits students, freshers and non-developers who use GitHub.
Recruiters check GitHub profiles for almost every fresher software, DevOps and data role. This guide follows the official study guide: seven domains with weights, the Git commands to practise, a 3-week plan and 15 original practice questions.
Quick facts (Microsoft Learn, November 2026)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Exam | GH-900: GitHub Foundations |
| Level | Fundamentals; for developers, non-developers and students |
| Passing score | 700 |
| Skills measured | As of January 2026 (significant rewrite) |
| Price | Based on the country where you take the exam (Pearson VUE); students can often get discounts |
Read the official GH-900 study guide before booking.
Domains and weights
| Domain | Weight |
|---|---|
| Understand Git and GitHub basics | 25–30% |
| Work with GitHub repositories | 10–15% |
| Collaborate using GitHub | 10–15% |
| Apply modern development practices | 10–15% |
| Manage projects with GitHub | 5–10% |
| Understand privacy, security and administration | 10–15% |
| Explore the GitHub community | 5–10% |
What each domain covers
- Git and GitHub basics: why version control; Git vs GitHub; repositories, commits and branches; accounts, organisations and enterprises; the GitHub Flow; Markdown; GitHub Desktop and Mobile.
- Repositories: README, LICENSE, CONTRIBUTING, CODEOWNERS and SECURITY files; templates and branches; adding files; insights, stars and dependency insights.
- Collaboration: issues, pull requests and discussions; linking PRs to issues; templates, filters and assignments; notifications; Gists, wikis and GitHub Pages.
- Modern development: GitHub Actions; Copilot suggestions, Copilot agents, Agent Mode and multi-model support; Copilot Individual vs Business vs Enterprise; Codespaces and dev containers; github.dev vs Codespaces.
- Projects: GitHub Projects layouts; labels, milestones and workflows; saved replies; project insights.
- Security and administration: 2FA and passkeys; repository and organisation roles; Enterprise Managed Users and Copilot policies; visibility and branch protection; teams and settings.
- Community: open source and GitHub Sponsors; following people; GitHub Marketplace; InnerSource; forks and templates.
Git commands to practise
git clone https://github.com/<you>/portfolio.git
cd portfolio
git switch -c feature/add-projects # new branch
# ...edit files...
git add .
git commit -m "Add projects section"
git push -u origin feature/add-projects # then open a pull request on GitHub
git switch main && git pull # after the PR is merged| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Fork | Your own copy of someone else's repository, to propose changes |
| Clone | A local copy of a repository on your computer |
| Pull request | A request to merge your branch, with review and discussion |
| Branch protection | Rules such as "require a review before merging to main" |
| CODEOWNERS | File that automatically requests reviews from owners of certain paths |
| Codespaces | A full cloud development environment in the browser |
| github.dev | A lightweight browser editor (press "." on a repo); no terminal |
3-week study plan
| Week | Focus | Practice |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Git basics, GitHub Flow, repositories, key files, Markdown | Build a portfolio repo with a strong README; use branches and PRs |
| 2 | Issues, discussions, Projects, Pages, Actions, Copilot, Codespaces | Publish the portfolio on GitHub Pages; add a simple Actions workflow |
| 3 | Security, roles, branch protection, EMUs, open source, Marketplace; practice questions | Turn on 2FA or passkeys and branch protection; book the exam |
15 practice questions with answers
These are original practice questions written for this guide, not exam questions.
1. What is the difference between Git and GitHub?
Git is the version control tool; GitHub is a platform that hosts Git repositories and adds collaboration features.
2. What is the GitHub Flow?
Create a branch, commit changes, open a pull request, review, merge to main and deploy.
3. Which file explains what a repository is and how to use it?
README.md.
4. Which file automatically requests reviews from the right team?
CODEOWNERS.
5. You want to propose a change to an open-source project you can't write to. What do you do first?
Fork it, make the change on a branch and open a pull request.
6. A pull request should close an issue automatically when merged. How?
Use a keyword such as "Closes #42" in the PR description.
7. Where should open-ended questions and ideas go instead of issues?
GitHub Discussions.
8. You want a free website for your portfolio from a repository. Which feature?
GitHub Pages.
9. Which feature automates builds and tests on every push?
GitHub Actions.
10. You need a full development environment with a terminal in the browser. Codespaces or github.dev?
Codespaces. github.dev is a lightweight editor without a terminal.
11. Which AI tool suggests code and can work through tasks in Agent Mode?
GitHub Copilot.
12. Merges to main must require one approval and passing checks. What do you configure?
Branch protection rules (or rulesets).
13. What is the strongest way to secure a GitHub account?
Passkeys or two-factor authentication.
14. Where do you find third-party Actions and apps for GitHub?
GitHub Marketplace.
15. Teams inside one company share code openly across departments. What is this practice called?
InnerSource.
After GH-900
- Go further with GH-200 GitHub Actions, GH-300 Copilot or GH-500 Advanced Security.
- Practise Git interview questions and GitHub Actions interview questions.
- See live jobs for freshers.
Cloud Soft Solutions in Ameerpet, Hyderabad teaches Git, GitHub, DevOps and full-stack development for freshers with real-time projects. See the APEX program and all courses.
📞 Call +91 96660 19191 · WhatsApp · Flat No. 513, 5th Floor, Nilagiri Block, Aditya Enclave, Ameerpet, Hyderabad
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GH-900 good for freshers?
Yes. It is a fundamentals exam for developers, non-developers and students.
What is the GH-900 passing score?
700.
Which GH-900 domain has the most weight?
Understand Git and GitHub basics, at 25–30%.
When did GH-900 change?
It was significantly rewritten in January 2026, adding topics such as Copilot agents, Agent Mode, passkeys and Enterprise Managed Users.
Does GH-900 cover GitHub Copilot?
Yes. It covers Copilot suggestions, Copilot agents, Agent Mode, multi-model support and the Individual, Business and Enterprise plans.
What should I take after GH-900?
GH-200 (GitHub Actions), GH-300 (Copilot) or GH-500 (Advanced Security).
