TLDR

• Local services are speed-driven and communication-heavy.
• Missed calls and slow follow-up cost real money.
• Certified Admins in this space focus on messaging, calls and automation.
• Voice Ai and A2P 10DLC Compliance are high-impact credentials here.
• This path fits admins who like execution, not theory.

Who this path is for

This path fits you if:

• you like fast-moving environments
• you are comfortable with SMS, calls and follow-up logic
• you prefer practical systems over long-term strategy decks

It does not fit you if:

• you want passive work
• you dislike dealing with lead flow
• you avoid phone-based workflows

How to Become a HighLevel Certified Admin | Choose your path, earn the right credentials and get listed

HighLevel Certification is not about collecting badges. It is about positioning yourself so future clients and agencies can actually find you in the Certified Admin Directory. This guide helps you choose a realistic path, earn the right credentials and get listed with intent.

HighLevel Playbooks and Marketing Automation for AgenciesZoltan Juhasz

Industries covered in this path

Local service businesses where speed is critical:

• Automotive (repair, detailing, dealerships)
• Home Services (HVAC, plumbing, roofing, cleaning)
• Beauty & Fashion (salons, clinics, studios)

Common trait:

If they do not respond fast, the lead goes to someone else.

How these businesses actually use HighLevel

As a Certified Admin in this category, you are not designing complex strategies.

You are building systems that:

• answer and route inquiries immediately
• follow up automatically when staff is busy
• reduce missed calls and forgotten messages

Typical setups include:

• centralized inbox for SMS and messaging
• automated follow-up sequences
• call handling and qualification
• appointment booking and reminders

Your work is operational, not theoretical.

Primary services you should focus on

From the directory service list, the strongest fit is:

Client Engagement & Communication

This is your core service.

It includes:

• SMS workflows
• inbox management logic
• follow-up timing rules
• call routing and escalation

Secondary service that supports it well:

• Automation & Integrations

Avoid listing services you do not want to deliver weekly.

Credentials that actually matter for this path

Voice Ai

Why it matters:

• many local services miss calls
• after-hours inquiries are common
• call handling is expensive without automation

Voice Ai supports:

• answering inbound calls
• capturing intent
• booking appointments
• reducing staff load

A2P 10DLC Compliance

Why it matters:

• SMS is a primary channel
• compliance issues break campaigns
• many businesses struggle with setup

This credential positions you as someone who can keep messaging reliable.

Lead Capture Systems

Helpful for:

• inbound forms
• missed-call text back
• basic qualification

Optional, not required.

What your real work looks like day to day

Expect to:

• configure inbox rules
• build and adjust workflows
• test response timing
• monitor message delivery
• fix edge cases when businesses change schedules

You are close to the business operation.
This is not hands-off work.

Language skills, when they help

Language matters in:

• bilingual regions
• dense local markets
• phone-heavy industries

If you genuinely support:

• French (Canada)
• Spanish
• Portuguese

List it.
If not, leave it out.

False language claims hurt trust fast.

Common mistakes future admins make in this path

• listing Paid Ads without wanting to run ads
• ignoring compliance until messages fail
• underestimating how much testing is required
• trying to serve too many industries

Clarity beats coverage.

Is this a good certification path for you?

Yes, if:

• you want repeatable setups
• you enjoy improving response speed
• you are comfortable with calls and messages

No, if:

• you want purely strategic work
• you dislike operational responsibility

Your next step

If this path fits:

1. choose Client Engagement & Communication as your primary service
2. plan to earn Voice Ai and A2P 10DLC Compliance
3. prepare real use cases before enrolling

Certification works best when you already know where you are going.

HowTo prepare for certification in local service niches

Step 1: Pick one local service industry
Step 2: Learn common inquiry patterns (calls, SMS, missed calls)
Step 3: Practice building response workflows
Step 4: Understand A2P messaging basics
Step 5: Enroll with a clear service focus

FAQ

What type of businesses hire admins in this category?

Automotive, home services and beauty businesses that rely on fast inbound response and appointment booking.

Is Voice Ai required to work with local services?

Not required, but increasingly expected for call handling and after-hours response.

Do I need Paid Ads certification for this path?

No. Many admins succeed here without touching ads.

How technical is this role?

Moderately technical. You will work with workflows, triggers and testing regularly.