HubSpot Agency Partner Certification study plan

Define inbound marketing and explain the flywheel model in your own words, contrasting it with the traditional funnel.

List the four stages of the inbound methodology (attract, engage, delight, and the newer 'empower' stage if applicable) and give one HubSpot tool example for each.

Identify the core HubSpot Hubs (Marketing, Sales, Service, CMS, Operations) and match each to a typical client need.

Navigate the HubSpot Academy glossary to locate definitions for 10 key inbound terms (e.g., buyer persona, lifecycle stage, lead scoring).

Create a one-page cheat sheet summarizing inbound fundamentals and HubSpot product families.

Explain the buyer's journey stages (awareness, consideration, decision) and map content types to each stage.

Describe how to build a buyer persona using HubSpot's Make My Persona tool or a template, including demographic and psychographic attributes.

Outline the steps of an inbound campaign: goal setting, content creation, offer design, landing page, form, email follow-up, and reporting.

Differentiate between lead, marketing qualified lead (MQL), sales qualified lead (SQL), and opportunity in HubSpot lifecycle stages.

Draft a sample inbound campaign plan for a fictional B2B client, specifying content and offers per journey stage.

Demonstrate how to create and customize properties, property groups, and custom objects in HubSpot.

Explain the difference between lists (static and active) and workflows, and when to use each.

Set up a simple lead nurturing workflow with enrollment criteria and at least three email steps in a HubSpot sandbox account.

Describe HubSpot's reporting tools: dashboards, custom reports, and attribution reports, and identify one use case for each.

Compare HubSpot's Marketing Hub, Sales Hub, and Service Hub features across Starter, Professional, and Enterprise tiers.

Outline the standard client onboarding process, from signed contract to handoff, including kickoff call, access provisioning, and goal alignment.

Create a checklist for technical setup: domain connection, email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), tracking code, and user permissions.

Explain the importance of a discovery audit (website, content, CRM data) and list five audit items to review before implementation.

Demonstrate how to import contacts and companies into HubSpot, including deduplication and property mapping.

Draft a client kickoff meeting agenda that covers goals, roles, timeline, and success metrics.

Build a 30-60-90 day implementation roadmap for a new HubSpot client, specifying milestones and deliverables.

Explain how to set up a CRM pipeline with deal stages aligned to the client's sales process.

Describe the process for configuring HubSpot forms, landing pages, and email templates for a client's first campaign.

Identify common onboarding pitfalls (e.g., poor data quality, unclear ownership, scope creep) and propose mitigation strategies.

Create a client training plan for HubSpot users, including role-based training sessions and documentation.

Explain how to scope an inbound marketing engagement, including discovery questions, deliverables, and out-of-scope items.

Compare pricing models: project-based, retainer (monthly), and performance-based, and list pros and cons for agency and client.

Draft a retainer proposal that includes services, hours, reporting cadence, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

Describe how to handle scope changes and change orders professionally.

Calculate a sample retainer budget based on estimated hours and desired agency margin.

List the requirements and benefits of the HubSpot Solutions Partner Program, including tiers (e.g., Gold, Platinum, Diamond, Elite).

Explain the tier qualification criteria such as managed MRR, certifications, and customer retention.

Describe the co-marketing and sales resources available to partners (e.g., partner directory, co-selling, marketing funds).

Outline the annual partner program requirements and how to maintain or advance tier status.

Identify the steps to apply for the Solutions Partner Program and prepare a sample application checklist.

Review all domains using practice questions and flashcards, focusing on weak areas identified in prior weeks.

Simulate a client discovery call and scoping exercise, applying inbound, platform, and scoping knowledge.

Create a one-page summary of key concepts from each domain for quick reference.

Take a timed practice exam (if available) or self-assess with 50 questions across all domains.

Finalize a personal exam-day strategy, including time management and question-flagging approach.