GitHub Advanced Security Certification (GH-500) Practice Tests

What to Expect

The GitHub Advanced Security Certification (GH-500) exam has 60 questions and a 120-minute time limit. That works out to about 2 minutes per question. You need to score 70% or higher to pass. GitHub exams use a pass/fail model. The exams test practical knowledge of GitHub platform features, workflows, and best practices through scenario-based questions. You need working knowledge, not just theoretical understanding.

Testing and Delivery

GitHub certification exams are delivered through PSI, with online proctored and testing center options available. Exams are multiple-choice and scenario-based. Schedule through the GitHub Certifications portal linked from your GitHub profile.

Certification Renewal

GitHub certifications are valid for three years. Renewal requires retaking the current exam version or passing an updated renewal assessment when available. GitHub updates exam content to reflect new platform features.

The GitHub Security exam covers 7 domains. The heaviest domain is GitHub Advanced Security Best Practices at 20%, so prioritize your study time there. Understanding how these domains connect to real-world practice is more important than memorizing individual facts.

GitHub Advanced Security Best Practices (20%)

GitHub Advanced Security Best Practices at 20% is a substantial portion of the exam. You can't afford to be weak here. Focus on understanding the core concepts and common scenario patterns.

Use Code Scanning with CodeQL (20%)

Use Code Scanning with CodeQL at 20% is a substantial portion of the exam. You can't afford to be weak here. Focus on understanding the core concepts and common scenario patterns.

Configure and Use Code Scanning (15%)

Configure and Use Code Scanning accounts for 15% of questions. While not the heaviest domain, it can make the difference between passing and failing. Don't neglect it.

Configure and Use Dependency Management (15%)

Configure and Use Dependency Management accounts for 15% of questions. While not the heaviest domain, it can make the difference between passing and failing. Don't neglect it.

Configure GHAS Tools in GitHub Enterprise (10%)

Configure GHAS Tools in GitHub Enterprise covers 10% of the exam. It's a lighter domain, but easy points if you've studied it. A targeted review of key concepts should be sufficient.

Configure and Use Secret Scanning (10%)

Configure and Use Secret Scanning covers 10% of the exam. It's a lighter domain, but easy points if you've studied it. A targeted review of key concepts should be sufficient.

GHAS Security Features and Functionality (10%)

GHAS Security Features and Functionality covers 10% of the exam. It's a lighter domain, but easy points if you've studied it. A targeted review of key concepts should be sufficient.

Study Resources

GitHub provides free learning paths through Microsoft Learn and the GitHub Skills interactive courses. The official study guides outline exactly which features and workflows are tested. Hands-on experience with GitHub repositories, Actions, and security features is essential.

Preparation Strategy

Start by reviewing the official exam guide to understand exactly what's covered. Allocate your study time proportionally to domain weights: spend the most time on GitHub Advanced Security Best Practices (20%) and work down from there. Most candidates need six to twelve weeks of focused preparation depending on their existing experience.

Hands-On Practice

Reading alone won't get you through this exam. You need hands-on experience with the technology. Set up a lab environment, work through practical scenarios, and practice until the concepts feel natural. The exam tests application of knowledge, not just recall.

Time Management

With 2 minutes per question, pace yourself from the start. Don't spend more than three minutes on any single question during your first pass. Flag uncertain questions and return to them after completing the rest. A wrong answer and a skipped answer score the same, so never leave a question blank.

Reading Questions Carefully

Pay close attention to qualifier words like "most," "best," "least," and "first." These words change the correct answer entirely. Read every option before selecting your answer, even if the first option looks correct. Exam writers intentionally place plausible distractors early in the option list.

Practice tests are the most reliable predictor of exam readiness. Each practice test here follows the real GitHub Security exam format: 60 questions, 120-minute time limit, and questions distributed across all 7 domains according to the official exam weights.

Take your first practice test early in your study process to establish a baseline. Don't wait until you feel "ready" because that moment never comes. Use your scores by domain to identify weak areas, study those areas, then test again. Aim to consistently score above 80% on practice tests before scheduling your real exam.