Microsoft Launches Pro Badge for Proven Skills
Microsoft's new credential is earned through everyday product usage rather than a test, starting with GitHub Copilot.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Job Search
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Microsoft has launched the Pro Badge, a credential awarded by analyzing everyday product usage rather than requiring a test. The first Pro Badge is for GitHub Copilot and is earned by signing in at learn.github.com with a GitHub account.
Why it matters
The badge addresses requests for a simpler way to prove skills used in the flow of work without test preparation. It works alongside Microsoft Certifications and Applied Skills rather than replacing them.
Microsoft defines five proficiency levels, and a user must reach the proficient level to earn a Pro Badge. The advanced and expert levels remain undefined, and the scope of future badges is still unknown.
The players
Microsoft
Microsoft is a major technology company headquartered in Redmond, Washington, that develops software, cloud services, and certification programs.
GitHub
GitHub is a software development platform owned by Microsoft that hosts code repositories and developer tools such as GitHub Copilot.
The details
Microsoft's proficiency engine analyzes relevant product usage signals and evaluates them against a defined framework, automatically updating a user's proficiency level. Pro Badges can be added to LinkedIn profiles.
Timeline
Microsoft released the first Pro Badge for GitHub Copilot in late October 2026.
The Register published its report on the Pro Badge launch on November 5, 2026.
Roadmap
The Pro Badge extends Microsoft's existing Certifications and Applied Skills programs by offering a test-free path to recognized credentials. It signals a shift toward proving skills through demonstrated product use rather than exam performance.
Job seekers can add Pro Badges to LinkedIn profiles to show skills gained from everyday product use. The GitHub Copilot badge requires only signing in at learn.github.com with a GitHub account, with no test to prepare for.
The takeaway
Demonstrated product use can now count as a verifiable credential, so track how you use the tools you work with daily. Consider adding earned badges to your professional profiles alongside traditional certifications.
Further reading
Explore more on Job Search to see how employers and job seekers are approaching skill credentials.
More information
Sign in to earn the GitHub Copilot Pro Badge at the official GitHub learning site.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TheRegister.
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Do you think on-the-job skill badges should count as much as formal certifications?
