HighLevel Certification Program: Is It Worth It? (2026 Guide)

The HighLevel certification program is the official way to prove you know how to build, run and fix HighLevel accounts. You pay a separate subscription, train in a private community, and pass a two-part exam. In return, you get a verified badge, a spot in the public directory and access to client leads.

But is it worth $97 a month? In this guide, I break down the cost, the exam, every badge, the real directory numbers and what certified admins say. As a result, you can decide in ten minutes whether it fits your agency or freelance plan.

What Is the HighLevel Certification Program?

HighLevel launched its Certified Admin program in October 2023. Since then, it has grown into a full ecosystem of courses, skill badges, a hiring directory and a private community.

In short, the certification is a credential for people who set up HighLevel for others. That includes agency owners, virtual assistants, automation freelancers and in-house CRM managers. For example, clients use it to tell a real expert apart from someone who watched a few videos.

It’s important to note that the program is not HighLevel University. HighLevel University is free training for every user. The certification, by contrast, lives in its own paid community with structured courses, exams and support.

Who runs it

The program is led by Alicia Pagano, Director of Certifications at HighLevel. Here is how she describes the impact:

HighLevel Certification Program Cost in 2026

The HighLevel certification program is billed separately from your HighLevel plan. In other words, a Starter, Unlimited or Pro subscription doesn’t include it. Here are the official prices:

Is $97 a month a lot?

Let’s do the math. A typical HighLevel setup project for a local business sells for $500 to $2,000. Similarly, a monthly support retainer often runs $300 to $1,500. So one client from the directory can pay for a full year of certification.

On the other hand, if you never pitch clients, the badge has little value. In that case, the free HighLevel University and YouTube tutorials are enough.

Disclosure: I may earn a commission if you enroll. Check the current price and terms on HighLevel’s page.

How to Get HighLevel Certified in 3 Steps

Getting certified is simple. In fact, HighLevel says most people finish in 7–10 days. The process has three stages:

The three steps to earn your HighLevel Certified Admin badge.

The Exam: Part A and the Live Proctor

The exam is what makes the HighLevel certification program credible. It isn’t a quiz you can click through. Instead, it has two parts.

Part A: the knowledge test

Part A is an online test inside the community. Specifically, it checks what you learned in the courses: automations, pipelines, calendars, messaging rules and account setup.

Part B: the Live Proctor exam

Part B is a live session with a HighLevel proctor. First, you book a time slot through HighLevel’s booking page. Make sure you use the same email as your certification subscription, because the team matches you by that address.

Notably, the live proctor step is required even if you don’t want a directory listing. HighLevel reported a 60% increase in people passing the live proctor exam in 2025 compared with the prior year.

Tips to pass the first time

• First, build a real sub-account while you study, not just watch videos.
• Practice workflows with triggers, waits, if/else branches and webhooks.
• Also, learn A2P 10DLC registration, because messaging compliance comes up often.
• Finally, set up a full funnel with a form, calendar and pipeline before booking Part B.

All HighLevel Certification Badges

The Certified Admin badge is the main credential. However, the HighLevel certification program also includes skill badges. They let you prove expertise in a niche and stand out in the directory.

Moreover, new courses and badges are added over time. So the list above may grow by the time you enroll.

HighLevel Certification Program Benefits and Directory Results

So, what do you actually get with the subscription? Here is the full list:

The directory in numbers

The directory is the biggest reason to join. Fortunately, HighLevel has shared real numbers from its own blog:

In addition, HighLevel reported more than 3,000 job requests in 2025 through August. More than 2,200 of those went straight to certified admin inboxes. Therefore, demand is real, although results depend on your profile, niche and response speed.

Disclosure: I may earn a commission if you enroll. Check the current price and terms on HighLevel’s page.

HighLevel Certification Program Testimonials

Numbers are helpful. However, stories show what it feels like. Here’s what certified admins share on HighLevel’s official certification pages:

Nikki adds that the program lets her travel the world while staying fully connected to her clients, her team and the community.

Yaakov’s client was an agency that partners with Yelp. That first retainer later grew into larger AI projects. In other words, a single directory lead can become a long-term account.

Outside HighLevel, the market tells a similar story. Many freelance job boards now list “GHL Certified Admin” as a requirement for VA and automation roles. As a result, the badge can also help you get hired, not just win clients.

Pros and Cons of the HighLevel Certification Program

Who Should Join the HighLevel Certification Program?

The HighLevel certification program is a good fit for some people and a waste of money for others. Use this table to decide:

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

After reviewing the official pages, the directory data and the testimonials, my verdict is clear. The HighLevel certification program is one of the best investments for anyone who earns money by building HighLevel accounts for others.

First of all, it’s cheap compared with a single client project. Also, it’s quick to finish. Most importantly, it plugs you into a lead source that sent over 1,100 opportunities to admins in a single month. Just remember that the badge opens doors, but you still need to answer leads fast and deliver great work.

If you’re ready, the next step is simple: enroll, block a week on your calendar, and book your live proctor exam as soon as you finish the courses.

Disclosure: I may earn a commission if you enroll. Check the current price and terms on HighLevel’s page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Prices, badges and program rules were checked on HighLevel's official pages in October 2026 and can change. Testimonials are from HighLevel's certification pages and are not typical-result promises.