Hubspot SEO Certification
HubSpot SEO Certification is a free HubSpot Academy course and exam that teaches SEO fundamentals such as keyword research, on-page optimization, backlinks, SERPs, auditing, and reporting.

Key takeaways
- Free, self-paced course with a recognized certificate.
- Covers keyword research, on-page SEO, backlinks, and reporting.
- Ideal for beginners; does not replace hands-on practice.
- Certificate can be added to LinkedIn and resumes.
This certification is a starting point for anyone new to SEO who wants a structured, free learning path.
What People Use It For
- Learn SEO fundamentals – Understand how search engines crawl, index, and rank pages.
- Build keyword research skills – Find and prioritize keywords for content.
- Optimize on-page elements – Improve titles, meta descriptions, headers, and content.
- Understand backlinks – Learn how to build and evaluate link profiles.
- Perform SEO audits – Identify issues and opportunities on a website.
- Track and report – Use tools like Google Analytics and HubSpot to measure organic traffic.
- Earn a credential – Add the certificate to your LinkedIn profile or resume.
How to Get Certified
- Create a HubSpot Academy account – Free registration at HubSpot Academy.
- Enroll in the SEO Training course – Navigate to the course page and start learning.
- Complete the video lessons – About 4 hours of content, self-paced.
- Pass the exam – 30-minute assessment with multiple-choice questions.
- Download your certificate – Available immediately after passing.
When Not to Start Here
- You need advanced technical SEO – The course focuses on fundamentals, not structured data, log files, or crawl budget.
- You want hands-on practice – The certification is theory-heavy; you'll need to apply concepts on real sites.
- You're an experienced SEO – The content is beginner-level and may not add new knowledge.
- You need a deep dive into a specific topic – For example, link building or keyword research alone.
Alternatives
| Certification | Provider | Cost | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google SEO Fundamentals | Coursera (UC Davis) | Free to audit, paid for certificate | Broader SEO theory and practice |
| Moz SEO Training | Moz | Free | Practical SEO with Moz tools |
| Yoast SEO Academy | Yoast | Free | WordPress-focused SEO |
Next step
FAQ
Is the HubSpot SEO Certification free?
Yes, the course and exam are completely free. You only need to create a HubSpot Academy account.
How long does the HubSpot SEO Certification take?
The course includes about 4 hours of video lessons. The exam takes about 30 minutes. You can complete it at your own pace.
Does the HubSpot SEO Certification expire?
HubSpot certifications may require renewal. Check the official course page for the latest recertification policy.
Can I add the HubSpot SEO Certification to my LinkedIn profile?
Yes, you can add the certificate to your LinkedIn profile under 'Licenses & Certifications'.
Related topics
Sources
- HubSpot Academy SEO Certification Course — Official course page for the certification, scope, and topics covered.
- HubSpot Academy Certifications Overview — Official description of the certification process: lessons, assessment, and certificate.
- HubSpot Blog: Your Guide to a Career in SEO — HubSpot’s own guidance on SEO skills, tools, and career relevance.
- HubSpot Blog: Become an SEO Expert — HubSpot’s overview of SEO skills and learning path, useful for contextualizing certification value.
Reviewed by Lucía Marín, Founding editor.