My GitHub Administration Certification Experience: From Prep to Pass
EXAM EXPERIENCE
The Examination Marathon
The exam itself was akin to a marathon, presenting a total of 66 questions to be tackled within a two-hour window. This was no small feat.
The structure of the exam was comprehensive, assessing knowledge across a spectrum of topics that included:
- Enterprise Support: Understanding how to tailor GitHub to meet the needs of users and stakeholders.
- User Identity and Authentication Management: A crucial aspect of any administration role, requiring a detailed understanding of how to manage and authenticate user identities effectively.
- GitHub Deployment: Knowing the ins and outs of deploying, distributing, and understanding the pricing of GitHub.
- Access and Permissions: Mastery of membership-based permissions and access controls.
- Secure Development: Ensuring compliance and enabling secure development practices within the GitHub framework.
- GitHub Actions and Packages: A deep dive into managing Actions for CI/CD and mastering package management within GitHub.
The questions varied from direct queries to complex, scenario-based problems. Some required a simple recall of knowledge, while others demanded a strategic application of concepts in hypothetical situations. The practical, scenario-based questions were particularly challenging, requiring not just rote memory, but a comprehensive understanding and practical approach to problem-solving.
Exam Cost — Something to Keep in Mind:
The GitHub Administration exam used to cost $200 USD, but it’s been reduced to a more accessible $100 USD.
While it’s still a commitment, it’s great to see it become more affordable, especially when we compare it to the costs of advanced AW, Azure and CNCF exams, which can be offset with vouchers. This price change is definitely a win for those mapping out their certification paths and considering their budgets.
Smooth Sailing with PSI Exams
My interface with the PSI exam system was seamless, a testament to their well-oiled operation. From a swift and efficient checkout process to a stable exam platform, I encountered no technical difficulties, allowing me to concentrate fully on the exam questions. My checkout process took around 10min in total.
My Study Approach — What I Have Done
Diving Deep with Microsoft Learn
My adventure began in the comprehensive digital libraries of Microsoft Learn. The resources there, specifically tailored for GitHub, are a treasure trove for any learner.
The material, while voluminous, is invaluable. It was here that I spent countless hours digesting content, piecing together the intricate puzzle of GitHub’s vast functionalities. The specific collection that became my bible throughout this process can be found here:
Areas to Concentrate On:
- Understanding of GitHub Enterprise:Proficient in both GitHub Enterprise Cloud and Server versions.
- Integration and User Management:Deep understanding of SSO and SAML integrations.Effective strategies for user management.
- Support Structures:Knowledge of GitHub Support and GitHub Premium services.
Practical Insight: Combining Knowledge with Experience
My hands-on experience with GitHub Enterprise may not have covered every aspect of the platform, but it provided a touchstone for understanding its capabilities. Although my exposure to the full breadth of GitHub Enterprise features was limited, the experience I gained was crucial. It allowed me to approach the exam questions with a foundation of practical understanding.
By coupling this direct experience with a solid study of the concepts and a methodical, logical approach to problem-solving, I was able to navigate through the exam questions effectively. This blend of knowledge and hands-on exposure proved to be a powerful combination in tackling the certification successfully.
Celebrating Milestones and Embracing Community Feedback
As I reflect on the accomplishment of passing the GitHub Administration exam, I took a moment to share the news with my LinkedIn network. The outpouring of support and congratulations has been overwhelming and heartwarming. It’s a reminder that our professional journeys are shared experiences, buoyed by the encouragement and engagement of our peers.
You can see the post from here
A Call for Your Insights
Lastly, I invite you to share your own stories and experiences. Have you taken the GitHub Administration exam, or are you planning to? What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them? Your insights are incredibly valuable, and I welcome any feedback or discussions that could benefit others in our professional community.
Together, let’s continue to learn, share, and support each other in our collective pursuit of excellence.
