Free GitHub Foundations Exam for Verified Students

For a decade, GitHub's Student Developer Pack has given students access to the tools and platforms used by professional developers. Today, GitHub is extending that lineup with a new offer: verified students can now take the GitHub Foundations certification exam at no cost. The exam covers version control, collaboration, workflow automation, and core GitHub features, giving students a credential that reflects their hands-on skills.

The GitHub Foundations certification is designed for learners who are new to the GitHub platform. Its curriculum introduces fundamental concepts such as repository management, commits, branching, merging, and project management. You will also learn how to contribute to open source projects and how to work with markdown.

Step 1: Verify Your Student Status

To be eligible, you must be at least 13 years old and enrolled in a degree- or diploma-granting program. If that describes you, apply for the GitHub Student Developer Pack by submitting your application online. You will need to provide proof of current enrollment. The application process is tailored to each applicant, and the application interface and subsequent emails will guide you through the required next steps toward approval. Additional details are available in GitHub's FAQ.

Step 2: Prepare for the Exam

The GitHub Foundations exam tests foundational concepts related to collaborating, contributing, and working on GitHub. Exam topics include collaboration, GitHub products, Git basics, and working within GitHub repositories. To brush up on these areas, GitHub has curated a Foundations Experience page with study guides, prep courses, FAQs, and other resources. If you feel ready to skip straight to the exam, you can navigate directly to the Foundations Certification tile from there.

Step 3: Register and Take the Exam

Registration runs through GitHub's testing provider, PSI. Once there, choose View Available Tests and then select the GitHub Foundations exam to complete the purchase. For students, the voucher applies automatically at checkout.

Before you register, keep these details in mind:

  • The exam is non-proctored. You do not need to schedule a specific time or use video recording software. The exam is available at any hour, so you can take it whenever it fits your schedule.
  • Once you register, you have 60 days to take the exam. Registration triggers the start of your eligibility window.
  • If you know you cannot take the exam within that window, cancel it in advance; there is no penalty. If you do not cancel, your voucher is consumed, so be sure to review the prep materials before you register.

Step 4: Receive Your Credential

After you pass the exam, GitHub will send you an email confirming your credential, along with a Credly digital badge. Credly offers options for sharing your achievement on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X, making it easy to show your new credential to your network.

Beyond the Exam: GitHub Education

Verifying as a student with GitHub Education opens the door to more than just certification. Verified students get free access to GitHub Copilot for AI-assisted coding suggestions and a GitHub Pro account with enhanced access to GitHub Codespaces. You also join a global community of developers and can participate in GitHub-sponsored events run by Campus Experts, including hackathons, GitHub Field Days, and more.