Want to show you know your way around AI-powered coding? With Codecademy Pro, GitHub Copilot certification prep is now included in your membership, so you can work toward your credential while enhancing your tech skills. 

GitHub created these certifications to bridge the gap between AI hype and real-world skill, explains Ochuko Onojakpor, a Technical Writer at GitHub and an experienced full-stack Python developer. “Too many people were shouting ‘AI is the future’ without knowing how to actually use it,” he says. “GitHub saw the need to bring structure. The certification helps people prove they’re not just experimenting, but they’ve taken time to understand how Copilot fits into real-world dev life.”  

Read on to learn more about GitHub Copilot, the benefits of certification, and how to use your Codecademy account to prepare.  

What is GitHub Copilot? 

GitHub Copilot is an AI-powered coding assistant that uses GPT technology to generate relevant code from natural language descriptions. Unlike standard autocomplete coding tools, it provides full code snippets, functions, or blocks tailored to your project. “Think of it like having someone who’s read every GitHub repo ever, quietly giving you tips while you’re in your zone,” Ochuko says. “But you’re still the one doing the work, Copilot just removes the repetitive tasks like typing boilerplate or Googling syntax for the 100th time.”  

Since its launch in 2022, GitHub Copilot and has become an essential tool for newbie devs and advanced programmers alike. Many devs credit the tool for improving speed and productivity, but its benefits go far beyond efficiency. Surveys show that GitHub Copilot enhances developer satisfaction by reducing frustration, conserving mental energy, and sharpening focus. Developers also report that it increases job fulfillment, helps them maintain their workflow, and lessens the burden of repetitive tasks, resulting in a more engaging and enjoyable coding experience. 

What is GitHub Copilot certification?  

The GitHub Copilot certification exam, which you can register for through Microsoft Learn, takes a deep dive into both the technical and practical aspects of using GitHub Copilot effectively in real-world development. It covers key skills like understanding how GitHub Copilot generates suggestions, selecting the right plan for different use cases, and crafting prompts that yield useful results. You also have to demonstrate your ability to apply GitHub Copilot across various development tasks, write and validate tests, ensure responsible AI usage, and adhere to GitHub’s privacy and ethical guidelines. 

Pass the exam, and you get a certificate that you can download as well as a digital badge that you can display on your LinkedIn profile.  

Who is GitHub Copilot certification for?  

Devs at every level can benefit from getting certified in GitHub Copilot. “If you’ve touched code this year, this cert is for you,” Ochuko says. That said, you should have a fundamental understanding of GitHub and some hands-on experience using GitHub Copilot features. (Good to know: Our free courses Learn Git & GitHub and Intro to GitHub Copilot are awesome starting points!)   

Junior devs who are eager to distinguish themself in a crowded job market can leverage GitHub Copilot certification to land their first role. A senior engineer might use the credential to demonstrate continued learning and innovation in annual reviews. For freelancers, holding GitHub Copilot certification could help win contracts from clients seeking developers fluent in the latest AI-powered workflows. Meanwhile, a technical lead could encourage certification to keep their whole team — from new hires to tech leads — consistently up to speed with emerging best practices.  

7 benefits of GitHub Copilot certification 

Prove your skills: The GitHub Copilot certification demonstrates to employers and clients that you know how to use AI tools responsibly and effectively in the development workflow. 

Stay ahead: Tech is changing fast, and employers want developers who can keep up. Knowing how to use GitHub tools like Copilot shows that you’re building with what modern teams use. 

Efficiency: GitHub Copilot handles repetitive tasks like typing boilerplate or Googling syntax, allowing you to focus on solving problems. 

Real-world application: The certification helps bridge the gap between hype and real-world skill, proving that you understand how Copilot fits into real-world development. 

Versatility: It’s beneficial for developers at every level — juniors, seniors, freelancers, and teams — helping them stay fresh and competitive. 

Responsible usage: The certification ensures you know how to prompt Copilot properly, review its suggestions, and fit them into real workflows without shipping subpar code to production. 

Privacy and ethics: Understanding GitHub’s privacy guidelines and responsible AI usage is crucial, and the certification covers these aspects.  

Study for GitHub Copilot certification 

Earning your GitHub Copilot certification is a chance to grow as a developer, stay ahead in tech, and work smarter with AI tools. By mastering GitHub Copilot and using it responsibly, you’ll be ready to solve complex problems and build impactful solutions.