User learning pathways

First contact and early hands-on use: what Copilot is, where it can be used, and how it fits into everyday development.

The Intermediate level has moved beyond first contact, having now experimented with Copilot in different situations and surfaces. An Intermediate is familiar with web-based collaboration features, core IDE features, model management, agent configuration, customization options, and techniques for managing context.

The Proficient level represents a developer who can practically apply GitHub Copilot across typical scenarios, demonstrated through consistent hands-on usage across multiple repositories and extended periods. A Proficient user can use many web and IDE features, select appropriate models, and apply customizations to tailor Copilot for specific project needs. They have experimented with extended features and are aware of extensibility and integration options.

The Advanced level represents a practitioner who can design, orchestrate, and operate agentic AI workflows across the software development lifecycle. They define agent roles, boundaries, and success criteria; integrate tools and execution environments; coordinate multiple agents; manage memory, state, and evaluation; and apply governance, least-privilege access, human oversight, and operational safeguards. They can use these capabilities to advance their own work or support customer outcomes.