Earning the GitHub Advanced Security certification has quickly become one of the most sought after goals for developers and security professionals in 2025. As software vulnerabilities evolve and source code becomes a critical target for attack, GitHub’s robust security tools are critical to securing development workflows. This certification validates your ability to manage and troubleshoot advanced security settings in repositories in real time using GitHub’s native features.
This powerful guide will take you on a journey through a practice test with actionable insights, emotional motivation, and preparation strategies that will help you walk into the exam room with complete confidence.
What is the GitHub Advanced Security Certification
The GitHub Advanced Security Certification tests your ability to implement secure code analysis manage secrets and configure security policies across organizational repositories. You must be able to demonstrate in-depth knowledge of:
- Code scanning and static analysis with CodeQL
- Secret scanning and remediation
- Dependency review and SBOM analysis
- Security policy configuration
- Integrating third-party security tools
- Setting up push protection and branch rules
Why GitHub Security Skills Matter Now More Than Ever
The landscape of cybersecurity has drastically shifted. Developers are no longer isolated from security responsibilities. With GitHub being a core DevOps platform organizations expect engineers to ensure security from the first line of code. Mastery in GitHub’s advanced security gives you:
- Higher credibility and job security
- Ability to lead secure SDLC practices
- Power to prevent breaches and mitigate risks
Getting Started with the Practice Test
Before diving into the test start by identifying your baseline knowledge. The practice test mirrors the real-world structure including multiple-choice scenario-based and command-line interpretation questions. Prepare to be tested on concepts like:
- Enabling security features via GitHub CLI
- Configuring CodeQL analysis for multiple languages
- Investigating alerts from secret scanning and resolving incidents
- Creating custom security workflows using GitHub Actions
Real World Practice Test Sample Questions
Question 1
You enable CodeQL scanning but no results appear after a push. What should you do first?
- Check Actions tab for failed workflows
B. Run codeql-run locally
C. Re-enable scanning in the repository settings
D. Reconfigure the webhook URL
Correct Answer: A
Question 2
Your GitHub Action leaks a private token. Which feature notifies you automatically?
- Dependabot
B. Secret Scanning
C. Code Scanning
D. Repository Audit Logs
Correct Answer: B
Mastering Exam Domains
CodeQL and Static Analysis
Using CodeQL allows you to write custom queries and detect vulnerabilities specific to your codebase. Learn to:
- Choose query packs based on the language
- Schedule scans for high-traffic branches
- Interpret findings and suppress false positives
Secret Scanning for Compliance
Secret scanning finds tokens passwords or credentials committed to your repositories. You need to:
- Configure patterns for custom secrets
- Remediate exposed credentials fast
- Use push protection for preemptive safety
Dependency Review and SBOM Insights
Dependency management goes beyond package. json. Learn to:
- Detect vulnerable dependencies
- Generate software bill of materials
- Automate updates with security pull requests
Security Policies and Workflow Control
Each repo has its risk profile. You must demonstrate:
- How to create security.md policies
- How to integrate workflows for PR scanning
- How to audit changes in branch protection settings
Study Tips That Actually Work
Build and Break Sandboxes
Spin up test repositories use dummy tokens and break workflows to see how alerts behave. Failure teaches security better than success.
Read GitHub Docs Daily
GitHub regularly updates its security toolchain. Stay updated with changes in CLI arguments query language improvements and new scanning rules.
Watch Community Walkthroughs
Follow GitHub Security Ambassadors and contributors who share advanced walkthroughs on LinkedIn YouTube and GitHub Discussions.
Benefits of Passing the Certification
- Recognition as a secure coding champion
- Increased chances of remote-first job roles
- Opportunities in DevSecOps cloud security and CI/CD automation
- Enhanced confidence when contributing to open-source
FAQs
Is there a prerequisite for this certification?
You must be familiar with GitHub repositories GitHub Actions and basic security concepts.
What is the format of the exam?
The exam includes 60 questions in a mix of multiple choice and real world scenario simulations.
How long should I prepare for the test?
Preparation varies but typically 3 to 4 weeks of hands on practice and reading should suffice for professionals.
Can I take the exam remotely?
Yes the certification can be taken online with proctoring software installed.
You’re not just learning tools that teach you how to think like a security-first developer. This practice test guide is designed to change the way you manage vulnerability stacks and view your own development. Success comes from mastery, not memorization.
Invest in your exploration of GitHub’s documentation and build your insights and trust on your journey. Passing the GitHub Advanced Security Certification could be the catalyst for your high-stakes secure development roles. Take your first practice test today and start building your expertise in one of the most important areas of security for modern development.
