GitHub Certified: GitHub Foundations

GitHub Foundations is the most entry-level certification in the GitHub certification program, suitable for people with basic programming or IT background but limited GitHub experience. It covers Git fundamentals (clone, commit, push, pull), core GitHub features (Issues, Pull Requests, basic Actions), collaboration workflows, and open source concepts. If you have used Git CLI or GitHub web interface regularly, 2-3 weeks of preparation should suffice. Complete beginners should spend 1-2 weeks learning Git basics first.

The exam covers 7 domains: (1) Introduction to Git and GitHub (~10%); (2) Working with GitHub (~10%); (3) Collaboration Features (~15%); (4) Modern Development (~15%); (5) Project Management (~10%); (6) Privacy, Security, and Administration (~15%); (7) GitHub Community and Open Source (~25%, the largest domain). Focus your study on open source contribution workflows (Fork → Clone → Branch → PR) and GitHub security features (Dependabot, Secret Scanning).

GitHub certifications are valid for 3 years. Before expiration, you need to pass a Renewal Exam to extend your certification. Renewal exams are typically shorter than the initial exam and focus on new GitHub platform features and updates. GitHub will notify you via email before your certification expires. Stay current with the GitHub blog to keep up with platform changes for a smoother renewal process.

Open source is the largest domain (~25%), but actual contribution experience is not required. The exam tests conceptual knowledge: differences between open source licenses (MIT, GPL, Apache 2.0), how to contribute to projects via Fork + PR, the purpose of CONTRIBUTING.md and CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md, GitHub Sponsors, and InnerSource concepts. Reading contribution guides from well-known open source projects is a great way to build intuition.

GitHub Foundations covers broad knowledge across the GitHub platform (Git, collaboration, open source, security, project management) as an entry-level cert. GitHub Actions focuses deeply on CI/CD automation workflows (YAML syntax, runners, secrets, composite actions). Start with Foundations to build a comprehensive base, then pursue Actions for automation depth. The Foundations exam only touches on basic Actions concepts — it will not test complex workflow configurations.

The exam can be taken online proctored or at a PSI testing center. Online exams require a stable internet connection, webcam, and microphone — you cannot leave your seat during the exam. Questions include single-select and multi-select formats; multi-select questions indicate how many answers to choose. If you fail, you can reschedule after 24 hours with no limit on retake attempts, though each attempt requires paying the exam fee again.