A HubSpot account for software certifications
RecommendedThe Marketing, Sales and Service Hub certifications include practical exercises you complete in a HubSpot account. A free or trial account works.
HubSpot Academy Certifications
Validates knowledge of inbound, content, email and digital marketing, sales and revenue operations, and using HubSpot software.
Summary
HubSpot Academy certifications are free credentials in marketing, sales, service and HubSpot's own software, each with free video lessons and an online exam. Software certifications add graded practical exercises in a HubSpot account and last one year, while the others last two.
Good fit if
- You are new to marketing or sales and want free training
- You use HubSpot at work or want a job that does
- You want a free credential for one skill, such as email
Look elsewhere if
- You already run campaigns with real results: a portfolio of that work
- You want a proctored marketing exam: Meta Digital Marketing Associate
- Your employer runs Google Ads, not HubSpot: Google Ads
Salary & jobs
Prerequisites
Cost
What holders say
Easy to pass, so a low bar on its own
Candidates describe passing without watching the lessons or in a few hours, and one reply called it "just a digital paper" compared with Salesforce exams.
Rarely decides a hiring choice by itself
Marketers on job-hunting threads say the badge helps little on its own past entry level; hiring managers want to see real campaigns, reporting and decisions.
A good free start for beginners
A real-user review praises the Academy videos as well made and educational for beginners, and one marketing director says he has new team members complete Inbound Marketing in their first weeks.
Renewal
Software certifications are valid for one year. All other HubSpot certifications are valid for two years.
- Software certifications
- 1 year
- Other certifications
- 2 years
- Renewal requirement
- Pass the exam again
- Renewal fee
- Free
Each certification renews separately. When you recertify, the new validity period starts from that date.
HubSpot Academy certification support ↗Alternatives
Google Ads CertificationsFree required · Entry
Google's free certifications for running Google Ads campaigns.
Google Analytics CertificationFree required · Entry
Google's free GA4 certification for the measurement side of marketing.
Meta Certified Digital Marketing Associate$99 required · Entry
A paid, proctored entry-level marketing certification from Meta.
FAQ
Are HubSpot certifications free?
Yes. The lessons and exams are free, including retakes.
Which HubSpot certification should I get first?
Start with Inbound or Inbound Marketing for the core method. If your job uses HubSpot, add the Marketing Hub or Sales Hub software certification.
How long are HubSpot certifications valid?
Software certifications are valid for one year and all others for two years. Renew by passing the exam again; the new period starts on the day you recertify.
How long is the HubSpot certification exam?
You have up to three hours to finish once you start, in one sitting. If you fail or leave the page, the exam unlocks again after 12 hours.
Are HubSpot certifications worth it?
They are a useful free introduction and a common resume line for entry-level roles. On their own they carry little weight with hiring managers, who want to see real campaign work.
Last updated October 2026