The Blacksmith 9-Step Partner Program
From compliance fundamentals to advanced delivery — at your pace, in 90 days.
Program at a Glance
- Steps
- 9
- Sequential modules, each building on the last.
- Sessions per step
- 3
- 27 total sessions across the full program.
- Suggested pace
- 2 / week
- Two sessions per week over 90 days.
- Format
- Self-paced
- Self-paced modules with live cohort check-ins.
- Upon completion
- Certified
- Blacksmith Trusted Partner designation.
The 9 Steps
Nine steps, three sessions each — 27 sessions in total. Expand any step to see what it covers and the sessions it contains.
-
Understanding the regulatory landscape, why compliance matters for SMBs, and how MSPs fit into the picture.
3 Sessions- What Is a Security Program?
- The Regulatory Landscape
- How MSPs Deliver Compliance
-
Configuring your Blacksmith account, setting up your MSP tenant, and securing your own environment first.
3 Sessions- Account Configuration
- MSP Tenant Setup
- NFR Walkthrough
-
Bringing your first client into the platform: creating the tenant, mapping frameworks, running the initial risk assessment.
3 Sessions- Creating a Client Tenant
- Framework Mapping
- First Risk Assessment
-
How to prepare for, deliver, and debrief a risk assessment with a client. The Wedge methodology in practice.
3 Sessions- Pre-Assessment Preparation
- Delivering the Assessment
- Debriefing Findings
-
Building a 12-month compliance roadmap for a client. Using the Triage Table to prioritize. Setting milestones.
3 Sessions- Roadmap Building
- Prioritization with the Triage Table
- Milestone Planning
-
Translating technical findings into business language. Running QBRs. Writing executive summaries.
3 Sessions- Plain-Language Reporting
- QBR Facilitation
- Executive Presentations
-
Building and pricing your CaaS tiers. Unit economics. Positioning against competitors.
3 Sessions- Service Tier Design
- Pricing & Margin
- Competitive Positioning
-
Finding compliance-ready prospects, running the Wedge conversation, and closing the engagement.
3 Sessions- ICP & Prospecting
- The Wedge Conversation
- Closing & Contracting
-
Scaling the compliance practice: building a team, systemizing delivery, marketing your expertise.
3 Sessions- Team & Delegation
- Systems & SOPs
- Marketing Your Practice
Blacksmith Trusted Partner
On completion of all 27 sessions, partners earn the Blacksmith Trusted Partner designation — listed in the Blacksmith partner directory and eligible for co-marketing support.