What is the Microsoft GH-900 Exam?

The Microsoft GH-900: GitHub Foundations exam is an entry-level certification designed to validate a candidate’s knowledge of Git, GitHub, and modern software collaboration practices. It is maintained jointly by Microsoft and GitHub and serves as the official starting point for anyone wanting to build skills in source control, open-source collaboration, and GitHub’s ecosystem.

The Microsoft GH-900 exam measures your ability to:

• Understand how Git works as a version control system (repositories, commits, branches, merges).
• Use GitHub’s collaboration tools such as pull requests, issues, forks, and project boards.
• Apply modern DevOps practices with GitHub Actions for automation and CI/CD.
• Manage repository settings, security features, and permissions in GitHub.
• Recognize the value of the GitHub community and open-source contribution.

Unlike role-based certifications (e.g., Azure Administrator or Security Engineer), GH-900 focuses on foundational knowledge rather than deep technical specialization. It’s broad, covering the essentials of version control, collaboration, DevOps culture, and security, giving beginners a solid grounding in GitHub workflows that professionals use daily in modern software development teams.

Who should take Microsoft GH-900 exam?

Typical candidates, roles, and experience level for Microsoft GH-900 exam:

• Anyone migrating into a tech role or working in environments using GitHub heavily, including open source contributors. Experience level: little or no professional GitHub usage is acceptable; hands-on, practicaI exposure helps a lot.
• Students, fresh graduates or individuals who are new to software development tools and version control systems.
• DevOps, system administrators or software devs at entry-level who want to formalize and verify their GitHub skills for collaboration, version control, pull requests, CI/CD fundamentals.
• Project managers, team leads, quality assurance, educators or trainers who need to understand or teach GitHub collaboration workflows, repository settings, basic security, code reviews.

Prerequisites and recommendations

Official Prerequisites:

• There are no formal prerequisites such as prior certifications or strict experience requirements. The course and exam are intended for beginners.
• Having a GitHub account is required.

Practical recommendations:

• Study via Microsoft Learn materials, hands-on labs, practice assessments
• Basic familiarity with version control concepts (commits, branches, merging). Even if theoretical, some hands-on is helpful.
• Some experience working with GitHub: creating repositories, forking, pull requests, managing issues.
• Practice with collaboration workflows (reviewing & merging pull requests), basic CI/CD (via GitHub Actions) if possible.
• Use GitHub features like Issues, Projects, Markdown, security tools like Dependabot, branch protection.

Exam objectives and domains

The Microsoft GH-900 exam is divided into 7 domains, each with a weighted percentage. The skill areas are:

• Introduction to Git and GitHub — 22%
• Working with GitHub Repositories — 8%
• Collaboration Features — 30%
• Modern Development — 13%
• Project Management — 7%
• Privacy, Security, and Administration — 10%
• Benefits of the GitHub Community — 10%

Objective details by domain

Domain 1: Introduction to Git and GitHub (22%)

• Explain what Git is and why it is used.
• Describe the basic Git workflow.
• Understand the concept of repositories (local vs remote).
• Work with basic Git commands: initialize, clone, add, commit, push, pull.
• Understand branching and merging.
• Navigate the GitHub UI: creating an account, creating/managing repos, using issues & pull requests.

Domain 2: Working with GitHub Repositories (8%)

• Manage repository settings (permissions, templates).
• Work with files: add, edit, delete, understand versioning.
• Use GitHub Desktop for file management (optional features).

Domain 3: Collaboration Features (30%)

• Fork repositories.
• Create, manage, review, merge pull requests.
• Use GitHub Actions for CI/CD (basic workflows)
• Create and manage issues. M
• Use labels, milestones, and projects for tracking and planning.

Domain 4: Modern Development (13%)

• Understand DevOps principles and how GitHub supports them.
• Use GitHub Actions for automation and CI/CD pipelines.
• Conduct code reviews; use code review tools and best practices.

Domain 5: Project Management (7%)

• Create and manage GitHub Projects (boards, Task tracking).
• Use project boards and integrate with Issues, pull requests.

Domain 6: Privacy, Security, and Administration (10%)

• Set up branch protection rules
• Use security features like Dependabot (dependency scanning, vulnerability detection).
• Manage repository access and permissions.
• Administer GitHub organizations, teams, membership.

Domain 7: Benefits of the GitHub Community (10%)

• How GitHub’s community features can help you: contribution, collaboration, discovering projects.
• Understand what GitHub Community means: open source, inner source, collaborating beyond your immediate team.

What changed in this version of Microsoft GH-900?

Since GH-900 is relatively new (released around mid-2025), it replaced older GitHub certification paths. Some key changes / what’s new:

• Certified credentials now have validity period of two years
• Exam is now delivered via Pearson VUE starting July 1, 2025.
• Formalization of new GitHub exam categories: GH-900 (Foundations), GH-100 (Administration), GH-200 (Actions), GH-300 (Copilot), GH-500 (Advanced Security). GH-900 is the base.
• More emphasis on collaboration features, GitHub Actions, security tools etc in the foundation exam than older basic certificates.

Registration and scheduling

• You schedule GH-900 via Microsoft Learn → Certification → GitHub Foundations → “Schedule exam” button.
• Exam is delivered by Pearson VUE (online proctored or in-test center) in many regions.
• Use a Microsoft Learn profile (preferably personal Microsoft Account, not only a work/school AAD) to avoid losing records

Pricing and vouchers

The Microsoft GH-900 exam fee varies by country/region. Microsoft states “Price based on the country or region in which the exam is proctored.”

Some training providers include the exam voucher in their course packages (so paying for training can bundle the exam).

There are sometimes student or academic discounts via GitHub Student Developer Pack or other programs. For example, some reports say through the GitHub Student Pack the exam was provided free or with voucher in certain times

Policies you should know

• Once scheduled, exam rescheduling or cancelling follows Microsoft / Pearson VUE policies.
• Make sure your identification matches exactly what you register with (legal name etc.).
• If applying accommodations (disability etc.), do so ahead of scheduling.
• Microsoft allows a retake. If you fail an exam, you can typically retake after a waiting period.

Scoring and results

Passing score is not publicly detailed as a raw number, but many reports and training providers suggest around 70%. (Note: not officially confirmed, but consistent with other Microsoft “900-level” exams).

The Microsoft GH-900 certification is valid for two years, after which you need to renew.

After finishing exam, results are delivered immediately (for multiple-choice type), with a score report showing domain-wise performance. Microsoft Learn profile will show the pass/fail and certificate.

Exam day and test experience

Two modes: in test center or online proctored (via Pearson VUE / OnVUE)

• For online: you’ll need a reliable internet connection, working webcam, identification, a quiet non-distracting place. Pre-check of system likely required.
• Allowed items: usually only IDs, maybe simple pens/paper if allowed by test center; no phones, no cheat aids.
• Time limit: 100 minutes.
• Number of questions: approximately 75 multiple choice and/or scenario types. Participants in Reddit said about 75 questions.
• Use time efficiently: answer easier ones first, mark harder ones to revisit; ensure you are familiar with domain weights so you don’t spend too much on low-weight domains. Practice assessments help.

Study plan and resources

Certification validity and renewal

The Microsoft GH-900 certificate is valid for two years from date of earning.

To renew: retake the exam or perhaps take a higher level GitHub exam (like GH-100 or others), depending on Microsoft’s current renewal policy. Keeping up with new GitHub features and updates helps.

Career outcomes after Microsoft GH-900 Exam

Job Titles that might benefit: Junior Developer, DevOps Engineer (entry), QA/Test Engineer, Project Coordinator, Technical Support, Open Source Contributor, Educator/Trainer.

In roles: helps you stand out when applying for roles that use GitHub heavily; shows you are comfortable collaborating, version control, basic CI/CD etc.

Salary ranges vary widely by location; in tech hubs, adding certification may give some premium particularly in junior roles. (Exact numbers depend on region.)

Related or next-step certifications

• GH-100: GitHub Administration — for those who want to become GitHub admins, manage orgs, enforce policies etc.
• GH-200: GitHub Actions — deeper dive / specialization into automation pipelines.
• GH-300: GitHub Copilot — focused on AI-assisted coding.
• GH-500: GitHub Advanced Security — for advanced security features.
• Other Microsoft/DevOps certifications (AZ-400, etc.) may overlap.

How this exam compares to similar certifications

Compared to something like AZ-900 (Azure Fundamentals) or SC-900 (Security, Compliance Fundamentals): GH-900 is more focused specifically on GitHub, version control and collaboration tools, rather than cloud or general security. Similar in being entry-level.

Compared to more advanced GitHub or DevOps certs (GH-200, GH-100, GH-500 etc): GH-900 is broader but less deep; it gives you foundational coverage rather than specialization.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I pass GH-900 without hands-on GitHub experience?

Yes, it’s possible to pass by studying theory since the exam covers many basic concepts and features. However, hands-on practice with Git commands and GitHub workflows (like branching, pull requests, and issues) makes the knowledge stick and increases your chances of scoring higher.

How many questions are there? What is the format?

The GH-900 exam typically has about 75 questions, which are a mix of multiple-choice and scenario-based items. Most questions test your understanding of GitHub features and workflows rather than requiring advanced technical tasks.

How long do I get to finish it?

You have 100 minutes to complete the exam. This time is usually enough, but it’s important to pace yourself — answer straightforward questions first, flag tougher ones for review, and keep track of domain weightings.

Is the exam free for students or available through the GitHub Student Pack?

Microsoft occasionally provides discounts or vouchers, and the GitHub Student Developer Pack has included free or reduced-cost access in the past. These offers vary by region and program availability, so students should always check the latest promotions before scheduling.