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GitHub Advanced Security Quick Facts
Prepare to validate your expertise in securing the software supply chain with GitHub Advanced Security. This exam overview helps you understand the key topics, exam focus areas, and essential domain objectives so you can approach your certification journey with clarity and confidence.
How does the GitHub Advanced Security Certification empower your development security journey?
The GitHub Advanced Security (GHAS) Certification demonstrates your deep understanding of integrating security directly within the developer workflow. You’ll learn how to configure and operate advanced capabilities like code scanning with CodeQL, secret scanning, and Dependabot to protect repositories proactively. This certification also confirms your ability to interpret results, remediate vulnerabilities, and adopt best practices that align development speed with secure delivery. It is ideal for developers, DevOps engineers, and security professionals who want to build trust and resilience into every stage of modern software development.
Who Should Earn the GitHub Advanced Security Certification?
The GitHub Advanced Security Certification (Exam GH-500) is designed for professionals who manage, protect, and optimize software development security using GitHub’s robust toolset. Ideal candidates include:
- Developers building secure applications with GitHub
- System Administrators and DevOps Engineers implementing advanced security automation
- Security Architects ensuring data integrity and risk mitigation within GitHub Enterprise
- Students eager to demonstrate professional-level GitHub security expertise
This certification validates your ability to implement GitHub Advanced Security (GHAS) features and promotes best practices that safeguard end-to-end code development workflows.
What Career Paths Can This Certification Support?
Earning the GitHub Advanced Security Certification can serve as a door-opener to roles in secure software engineering and DevSecOps. It is particularly useful for advancing in positions such as:
- GitHub Security Engineer
- Application Security Specialist
- DevOps Security Administrator
- Software Development Manager
- CI/CD Automation Engineer
In addition, it strengthens your credibility when transitioning into security-focused leadership roles or when implementing comprehensive security strategies across development pipelines.
What Is the Code and Format of the Exam?
The exam code is GH-500. It consists of multiple formats that test both theoretical knowledge and real-world understanding, including:
- Multiple-choice questions (one answer)
- Multi-select questions (multiple correct answers)
- Scenario-based and case questions
These formats ensure candidates can demonstrate both analytical reasoning and practical familiarity with GitHub Advanced Security features.
How Many Questions Are on the Exam?
The GH-500 exam includes 75 questions. Each question is crafted to test specific GitHub security concepts such as dependency management, secret scanning, code scanning, and workflow configuration. You’ll also see some scenario-based questions that simulate real-world decision-making within GitHub repositories.
How Much Time Do I Have to Complete the Exam?
You’ll have 100 minutes to complete all exam questions. Time management is important, but the exam is designed to give you ample opportunity to read, analyze, and respond to each question carefully. Many candidates find that pacing themselves per domain helps maintain focus throughout.
What Languages Is the GitHub Advanced Security Exam Offered In?
The GH-500 exam is available in several major languages, including:
- English
- Spanish
- Portuguese (Brazil)
- Korean
- Japanese
This ensures candidates worldwide can take the exam in their preferred language and demonstrate mastery in a familiar testing environment.
How Much Does the Exam Cost?
The GitHub Advanced Security (GH-500) exam costs $99 USD. Depending on your location, additional taxes may apply. This fee grants access to the certification process, exam administration, and a digital credential upon passing.
What Is the Minimum Passing Score?
To earn the certification, you must achieve at least a 70% passing score. Each question contributes to your total, and the exam uses a fair scoring model based on question weightings. You are not required to pass each domain—your total score determines success.
How Long Is the GitHub Advanced Security Credential Valid?
Your certification remains valid for 24 months. After that, you can renew it by retaking the GH-500 exam or earning a higher-level GitHub certification. Staying current ensures your credentials evolve alongside GitHub’s rapidly advancing security ecosystem.
What Are the Exam Domains and Their Weightings?
The exam focuses on five key domains that cover every major area of GitHub Advanced Security:
- Describe the GHAS security features and functionality
- Configure and use secret scanning
- Configure and use Dependabot and Dependency Review
- Configure and use Code Scanning with CodeQL
- Describe GitHub Advanced Security best practices, results, and corrective measures
These domains collectively evaluate your ability to identify vulnerabilities, configure security tools, and enforce best practices in real-world projects.
Are There Any Prerequisites?
There are no formal prerequisites for the GH-500 exam. However, having prior hands-on experience with GitHub repositories, security tools, and workflows will enhance your understanding. Microsoft and GitHub recommend completing relevant modules on GitHub Learning and Microsoft Learn for foundational knowledge before attempting the exam.
What Skills Are Tested in the GH-500 GitHub Advanced Security Exam?
You’ll be assessed on your ability to:
- Implement GitHub Advanced Security on repositories and organizations
- Configure secret scanning, push protection, and validity checks
- Manage vulnerabilities using Dependabot, Dependency Review, and SBOMs
- Configure and troubleshoot CodeQL workflows
- Apply CI/CD and security best practices to prevent vulnerabilities early
These topics align with day-to-day responsibilities in secure software development environments.
How Difficult Is the GitHub Advanced Security Certification?
The GH-500 certification is considered intermediate-level, striking a balance between foundational and advanced GitHub knowledge. With dedicated study, practice, and familiarity with GitHub’s security ecosystem, most candidates find it highly achievable and rewarding. It’s a perfect fit for professionals seeking to confirm their advanced GitHub security proficiency.
How Should I Prepare for the GitHub GH-500 Exam?
To prepare effectively, combine official GitHub resources with hands-on practice. Key preparation strategies include:
- Explore GitHub Learning Path and Microsoft Learn resources related to security and DevOps.
- Review GitHub Docs for configuration guidance on secret scanning, Dependabot, and CodeQL.
- Gain practical experience by enabling GHAS features in your own repositories.
- Take a high-quality GitHub Advanced Security practice exam that mirrors real exam conditions and includes detailed explanations, such as those offered on this site.
Consistent practice builds confidence and ensures you’re ready for both theoretical and applied exam questions.
How Is the GitHub GH-500 Exam Delivered?
You can take the exam in two convenient ways:
- Online proctored exam through Pearson VUE for remote convenience.
- In-person exam at any authorized Pearson VUE testing center.
Both options offer a secure and standardized testing experience. Choose whichever format best suits your schedule and environment.
What Are the Benefits of Becoming GitHub Advanced Security Certified?
This certification validates your expertise in securing the entire software delivery lifecycle and provides immediate credibility with employers and peers. Benefits include:
- Enhanced professional recognition in DevSecOps and software security fields
- Opportunities for promotions or new roles that involve GitHub Enterprise Security
- Demonstrated commitment to secure coding and proactive vulnerability management
It’s an investment in your long-term professional credibility in software security.
What Happens After I Pass the GitHub Advanced Security Exam?
After passing the GH-500 exam, you’ll receive an official digital certificate and badge from GitHub, verifying your accomplishment. You can display this on your LinkedIn profile, professional resume, and GitHub Developer Portfolio. You’ll also gain access to exclusive certification communities and continuing education opportunities.
What Learning Resources Are Recommended?
GitHub and Microsoft provide abundant free and subscription-based learning materials:
- GitHub Learning Path for GitHub Advanced Security
- Microsoft Learn training modules
- LinkedIn Learning videos on CI/CD and security practices
- GitHub Docs for configuration and deployment references
These resources ensure a well-rounded preparation experience through structured learning and hands-on practice.
How Can I Maintain My Knowledge After Certification?
Security technologies evolve quickly, and continued learning is key. You can stay current by:
- Following updates on the GitHub Security Blog
- Participating in GitHub community discussions
- Testing out new GHAS features as they become available
- Mentoring peers in secure repository management
This consistent engagement will help you retain practical expertise and stay ahead in the DevSecOps field.
How Is the GitHub Advanced Security Exam Structured?
The GH-500 exam includes scenario-based questions that measure real-world decision-making capabilities. Questions are distributed across the five domains, with higher weightings assigned to the hands-on configuration and troubleshooting areas. You’ll encounter single and multi-select options alongside simulated workflows that test applied reasoning.
Where Can I Register for the Official GitHub Advanced Security Exam?
You can register directly through the official GitHub Advanced Security certification page. There, you can schedule your exam, review identification requirements, and choose your preferred testing method. Once your registration is complete, you’ll receive detailed exam setup instructions.
Becoming GitHub Advanced Security Certified is a powerful way to showcase your expertise in securing modern development pipelines and integrating security throughout the software lifecycle. With preparation, practice, and persistence, you’ll earn a credential that highlights your ability to protect code, data, and applications with confidence.
