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Leonardo Berlatto
Leonardo Berlatto

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How to Pass the GitHub Foundations Certification Exam

In the past weeks, I have earned the GitHub Foundations Certification. In this article, I'll share my journey from preparation to certification, the resources I used, and practical tips to help you succeed in this exam.

Why Get Certified?

GitHub has become a cornerstone of modern development workflows. Whether you're a developer, team lead, or student, the GitHub Foundations Certification demonstrates your ability to manage repositories, collaborate effectively in GitHub and use its tools efficiently. It's a way to enhance your resume and validate your skills.

Resources to Prepare

There are plenty of resources available to help you prepare for the GitHub Foundations Certification. These were my go-to materials:

  1. Microsoft Learn Module
    This beginner-friendly learning path is an excellent resource for mastering GitHub's core functionalities. Since I was already familiar with most of the content thanks to my hands-on experience with GitHub, I was able to skip certain sections while focusing on areas that added new insights or reinforced key concepts.

  2. GitHub Study Guide (PDF)
    The official study guide outlines the exam domains, including Git basics, repository collaboration, and advanced practices like GitHub Actions and Codespaces. It's a structured way to ensure comprehensive preparation.

  3. Practice Test Bundles
    Practice tests are my favorite way to simulate the exam environment and identify areas where you might need improvement. Platforms like Udemy offer well-structured courses that include mock exams with questions closely aligned to the GitHub Foundations Certification. I really recommend taking this one.

  4. Take the Exam in English
    Most of the resources and study materials available for the GitHub Foundations Certification are in English, and translations can introduce inconsistencies or confusing terminology. Taking the exam in English ensures alignment with the resources you've used to prepare, minimizing the risk of misunderstanding questions due to translation issues.

Tips for Success

To ace the GitHub Foundations Certification, keep these tips in mind:

  1. Focus on Hands-On Practice
    The exam emphasizes practical knowledge, so ensure you're comfortable with tasks like repository creation, branching, and pull requests. Use tools like the Microsoft Learn Module for interactive exercises and explore the features you didn't know about in the GitHub platform.

  2. Breath, Think and Use Your Time Wisely 
    You'll have 2 hours to complete 75 questions - which is more than enough. I know that right it may sound that it's a lot but a lot of questions can be answered in less than 30 seconds. Read carefully, eliminate incorrect options, and stay calm.

  3. Use All Types Available Resources
    Use the study guides and prep materials and to cover every aspect of the exam domains. If you're willing to pay a bit for practice test bundles, when the time comes you'll be even more prepared.

Results

After one week following the exam guides and exploring the whole GitHub ecosystem features, I started taking the practice tests. In my first attempt I got a solid 75% (which is enough to pass the real exam):

First result (75%) in practice tests

After each practice test (I did 4 in total), I noticed a steady improvement in my grades as I refined the areas where I needed more focus, but with each subsequent test, my confidence grew. By the time I completed the final practice test, I had achieved an 85% score.

Feeling well-prepared and confident, I decided to take the GitHub Foundations Certification Exam the very next day. The exam experience was smooth and I ended up scoring 80% on the test, officially earning my certification! 🎉

Badge certificate from credly.com

Whether you're new to GitHub or a seasoned user looking to formalize your expertise, the GitHub Foundations Certification is a great investment in your career. With the right preparation, hands-on practice, and confidence, you can for sure get it on your first try.

Pro tip: If you're a student and already have the GitHub Student Developer Pack, you can take it for free ;)

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