GitHub Advanced Security (GH-500T00)
Training plan
Module 1: GitHub Advanced Security Part 1 of 2
- Introduction to GitHub Advanced Security
- Configure Dependabot security updates on your GitHub repo
- Configure and use secret scanning in your GitHub repository
- Configure code scanning on GitHub
Module 2: GitHub Advanced Security Part 2 of 2
- Identify security vulnerabilities in your codebase by using CodeQL
- Code scanning with GitHub CodeQL
- GitHub administration for GitHub Advanced Security
- Manage sensitive data and security policies within GitHub
Recommended prerequisite knowledge
- Extensive GitHub experience – Advanced understanding of GitHub repositories, workflows, and administration
- Software development background – Solid experience with development processes and version control
- Basic cybersecurity knowledge – Understanding of common security vulnerabilities and threats
- DevOps familiarity – Experience with CI/CD pipelines and development workflows
- Security fundamentals – Knowledge of application security principles and secure coding practices
- Command line proficiency – Comfort with Git commands and terminal operations
- Code review experience – Understanding of code quality and security review processes
- Infrastructure basics – Familiarity with cloud environments and deployment processes
Credentials and certification
Exam features
- Code: GH-500
- Title: GitHub Advanced Security
- Duration: 100 minutes
- Questions Format: Multiple-choice, multiple-answer, scenario-based
- Passing Score: 700 out of 1000
- Cost: $99 USD
Exam topics
- Describe the GHAS security features and functionality
- Configure and use secret scanning
- Configure and use dependency management
- Configure and use code scanning
- Use code scanning with CodeQL
- Describe GitHub Advanced Security best practices
- Configure GitHub Advanced Security tools in GitHub Enterprise
GitHub Advanced Security Training (GH-500)
The GitHub Advanced Security Training (GH-500) is ideal for anyone wanting to acquire a comprehensive understanding of advanced security implementation in GitHub software development projects. This course explores the use of GitHub Advanced Security (GHAS) as a complete security solution designed for development teams and security professionals. It covers key concepts, including GHAS security features, secret scanning, dependency management, code scanning with CodeQL, as well as best practices and configuration in GitHub Enterprise. This training is designed to provide users with essential knowledge and skills to use GHAS effectively while maximizing security impact and integrating security directly into the development process.
This training constitutes an essential step for those who want to master advanced security tools and pursue a career in application security and DevSecOps.
Why Take GitHub Advanced Security Training?
This training is designed to provide a clear overview of GitHub Advanced Security and its impact on modern software development security. Participants will learn how GHAS strengthens project security posture, identifies and addresses security vulnerabilities throughout the development lifecycle, and enables the creation of more secure and reliable software. Understanding integrated security principles is crucial in the current context where companies are rapidly adopting DevSecOps practices to remain competitive and secure in software development.
GitHub Advanced Security certification demonstrates your ability to effectively use GHAS security tools, apply application security best practices, and identify security strategies suited to enterprise development project needs.
Key Skills Taught in GitHub Advanced Security Training
Understanding GHAS security features and functionality. This part of the course explains the basic principles of GitHub Advanced Security, the benefits of its adoption in the security ecosystem, and how it supports companies’ security strategies.
Configuring and using secret scanning, including automatic detection of sensitive information and management of exposed secrets. You’ll learn how these features enable effective protection and reduce security risks within development teams.
Configuring and using dependency management, including identifying vulnerabilities in dependencies and implementing security policies. This module emphasizes how GHAS ensures software supply chain security while meeting industry standards.
Configuring and using code scanning. Participants will understand how to optimize static code analysis to identify security vulnerabilities and improve code quality.
Using code scanning with CodeQL, including creating custom queries and advanced security analysis. You’ll be able to advise teams on the best strategies for integrating CodeQL into their development processes.
Describing GitHub Advanced Security best practices to help organizations maintain optimal security posture, emphasizing operational efficiency, compliance, and collaboration between development and security teams.
Instructor-Led Training for Deep Understanding
GitHub Advanced Security Training (GH-500) is delivered by experienced instructors specialized in application security and DevSecOps who provide clear explanations, concrete examples, and practical exercises. Interactive sessions allow participants to ask questions, solve real security problems, and master advanced GitHub security tools.
This pedagogical approach ensures that participants acquire a deep understanding of the concepts covered and are well prepared to succeed in GitHub Advanced Security certification.
Target Audience
This training is ideal for :
- Security professionals wanting to understand advanced GHAS features and their impact on development environments
- People considering a career in application security or administration of DevSecOps security tools
- Managers and technical leaders wanting to better evaluate GHAS capabilities and implementation for their development team
- DevOps professionals who want to acquire deep expertise in GitHub security tools and enterprise best practices
Conclusion
With GitHub Advanced Security Training (GH-500), you’ll develop solid expertise in advanced security implementation and learn how GHAS can transform development environment security. Register today to begin your journey in application security and DevSecOps.
GH-500 Exam Success Strategies
Mastering the GH-500 certification requires more than technical knowledge – strategic preparation, effective time management, and optimal mental performance are equally crucial for success.
GH-500 Exam Statistics & Success Rates
- Average Pass Rate: 65-70% on first attempt (GitHub specialty level average)
- Most Common Score Range: 720-780 for passing candidates
- Average Study Time: 6-8 weeks for experienced security professionals
- Retake Rate: 25-30% of candidates require a second attempt
- Top Failure Areas: CodeQL query writing and custom rules (39%), secret scanning configuration and remediation (35%), dependency management and supply chain security (32%)
Study Method Comparison
| Study Approach | Duration | Pass rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Hands-on Practice Only |
4-5 weeks |
45-55% |
Experienced GitHub security admins |
|
Documentation + Practice |
6-7 weeks |
70-75% |
Methodical learners |
|
Training + Labs + Practice |
6-8 weeks |
85-90% |
Comprehensive preparation |
|
Practice Tests Only |
2-3 weeks |
35-45% |
Not recommended |
Strategic Study Approach
- Create a 6-8 week study timeline – Don’t cram for this specialty-level certification
- Follow the 70-20-10 rule – 70% hands-on practice with GitHub Advanced Security features, 20% reading documentation, 10% practice tests
- Focus on scenario-based learning – GH-500 emphasizes real-world security implementation over memorization
- Study in 90-minute focused blocks with 15-minute breaks to maximize retention
Common Exam Pitfalls to Avoid
- Don’t confuse GHAS security features – understand the distinct roles of secret scanning, dependency scanning, code scanning, and security advisories
- CodeQL query syntax and logic – know how to write custom queries, understand data flow analysis, and create security rules
- Secret scanning vs. push protection – distinguish between detection after commit and prevention before push
- Dependency management strategies – understand Dependabot alerts, security updates, and version updates configuration
- Code scanning workflow configuration – know how to set up GitHub Actions workflows, configure scanning frequency, and manage results
- Enterprise security policies – understand organization-level security settings, repository rulesets, and compliance requirements
Topic Weight Distribution
| Exam Domain | Weight | Focus Areas | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Configure and Use Secret Scanning |
20-25% |
Secret detection, push protection, custom patterns |
High |
|
Configure and Use Dependency Management |
20-25% |
Dependabot, security advisories, supply chain security |
High |
|
Configure and Use Code Scanning |
30-35% |
CodeQL, custom queries, workflow configuration |
Critical |
|
Use Code Scanning with CodeQL |
20-25% |
Query writing, data flow analysis, security patterns |
Critical |
|
Describe GHAS Best Practices |
10-15% |
Security policies, compliance, governance |
Medium |
Exam Day Time Management
- Allocate 90 seconds per question on average – this gives buffer time for complex scenarios
- Read case studies completely first before attempting related questions
- Flag uncertain questions and return to them – don’t get stuck on difficult items
- Reserve 15 minutes at the end for reviewing flagged questions and checking answers
Managing Exam Stress & Performance
- Get 7-8 hours of quality sleep the night before – avoid last-minute cramming
- Arrive 30 minutes early to settle in and complete check-in procedures calmly
- Use deep breathing techniques if you feel overwhelmed during the exam
- Trust your preparation – fundamentals exams test understanding, not memorization
Technical Preparation Tips
- Practice writing CodeQL queries extensively – master query syntax, data flow analysis, and custom security rules
- Master GHAS configuration in GitHub Enterprise – know how to enable and configure security features at organization and repository levels
- Understand secret scanning patterns – learn how to create custom patterns and configure push protection effectively
- Review dependency security workflows – understand how to manage Dependabot alerts, security updates, and vulnerability remediation
Final Week Preparation
- Take 2-3 practice exams to identify knowledge gaps and build confidence
- Review GitHub’s official documentation one final time
- Focus on administration and security concepts – these are often the most challenging areas
- Prepare your exam day logistics – route to test center, required identification, arrival time
Mental Preparation Strategies
- Visualize success scenarios – imagine yourself confidently answering questions
- Remind yourself of your hands-on experience – you’ve likely secured many GitHub repositories before
- Stay positive during difficult questions – every candidate faces challenging scenarios
- Remember that 700/1000 passes – you don’t need perfection, just solid competency
How to Schedule Your GH-500 Exam
- Official Testing Provider: Pearson VUE is GitHub’s authorized testing partner for GH-500
- Scheduling Process: Create a Pearson VUE account, search for “GH-500”, select your preferred test center and date
- Exam Cost: $99 USD (prices may vary by region and currency) – not included with training
- Scheduling Timeline: Book at least 2-3 weeks in advance for better time slot availability
- Rescheduling Policy: Free rescheduling up to 24 hours before your exam appointment
- Required ID: Government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license) matching your registration name exactly
Frequently Asked Questions about GitHub Advanced Security Training (FAQ)
You’ll learn GHAS security features, secret scanning and dependency configuration, using CodeQL for code analysis, as well as security best practices and configuration in GitHub Enterprise.
While basic knowledge of security and GitHub is recommended, the training covers fundamental concepts and progressively guides participants toward advanced GHAS usage.
The training covers secret scanning, dependency management, code scanning, CodeQL, and GitHub Enterprise configuration tools for comprehensive security.
Absolutely, this training covers all GitHub Advanced Security certification domains and prepares participants to succeed in the certification exam.
Yes, developers, security architects, and DevOps professionals can benefit from this training to understand security integration in their development workflows.
GitHub Advanced Security works with GitHub Enterprise Cloud and GitHub Enterprise Server. The training covers configuration best practices for different enterprise environments and optimal implementation strategies.
