Microsoft has launched a new kind of credential with no exam. Microsoft Pro Badge: GitHub Copilot became generally available on October 28, 2026, according to Microsoft’s Skills Hub blog. Instead of a test day, it measures how you use GitHub Copilot in your everyday work, and Microsoft says it comes “at no cost and without a separate exam or study guide.” It does not replace the GitHub Copilot certification exam (GH-300), which is still listed at 99 USD and 100 minutes.
Who this affects
- Developers who already use GitHub Copilot daily and want proof they can share, without studying for a test.
- People weighing the GH-300 exam: Microsoft says Pro Badge “works alongside” certifications. A certification shows you can solve problems in a role; the badge shows how you use one product in daily work.
- Company accounts: at launch you sign in with a personal GitHub account. Microsoft says Enterprise Managed User accounts are not supported yet but are a high priority.
What to do now
- Opt in. Nothing is calculated until you choose to take part. GitHub’s Verified Proficiency page lets you calculate your level.
- Know the levels. There are five: Beginner, Intermediate, Proficient, Advanced and Expert. At launch only the first three are live, and reaching Proficient earns the badge. Advanced and Expert are still in development; Microsoft says badges upgrade automatically when those levels launch.
- Expect a wait. Your level is estimated from your Copilot use over time across GitHub.com, your IDE, the CLI and mobile, so results may not appear right away. Microsoft says your raw code, prompts and intellectual property are never reviewed.
- Share if you want to. Results are private by default. You can claim a Credly badge and add it to LinkedIn.
Want a credential that hiring managers already recognize as well? Our GH-300 study guide and GH-300 cost guide cover the GitHub Copilot exam, and our list of free AI certifications covers other no-cost options.
Key dates
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| October 28, 2026 | Microsoft Pro Badge: GitHub Copilot generally available (Beginner, Intermediate and Proficient levels) |
| Not yet announced | Advanced and Expert levels and their badges (“our next priority”) |
| Not yet announced | Support for Enterprise Managed User accounts |
Source
- Microsoft Skills Hub blog: Introducing a credential based on real work, no test required (October 28, 2026)
- GitHub Learn: GitHub Copilot Verified Proficiency
- Microsoft Learn: GitHub Copilot certification (GH-300)
Checked against the Microsoft Skills Hub blog, GitHub’s Verified Proficiency page and the Microsoft Learn GH-300 page on October 29, 2026.
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- GitHub Copilot Certification (GH-300): Study Guide and 3-Week Plan
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Frequently asked questions
What is Microsoft Pro Badge: GitHub Copilot?
A free credential from Microsoft and GitHub, generally available since October 28, 2026. It measures how you use GitHub Copilot in everyday work instead of testing you with an exam.
Does the GitHub Copilot Pro Badge replace the GH-300 exam?
No. Microsoft says Pro Badge works alongside certifications. GH-300 is still offered at 99 USD for a 100-minute exam.
Which level do I need to earn the badge?
Proficient. There are five levels (Beginner to Expert); Advanced and Expert are still in development, and badges upgrade automatically when they launch.
Can I use my company GitHub account?
Not at launch. Microsoft says you sign in with a personal GitHub account and that Enterprise Managed User support is a high priority.
