ZoomInfo University: The complete guide to training, certification and alternatives

Last edited: 26th Feb 2025 - Written by Owen Steer

If you’ve ever used ZoomInfo, you know it’s one of the most powerful B2B sales intelligence platforms on the market. But with so many features and data points, it can be difficult to use effectively.

ZoomInfo’s database, intent signals, and CRM integrations can improve lead generation, but only if users understand how to apply them. That’s why they've created ZoomInfo University, its official training and certification program.

This training program is designed to help sales and marketing teams understand how to use the platform for lead generation and outreach. It provides guidance on improving efficiency by learning automation and integration best practices. Users can also earn certifications that demonstrate expertise in sales intelligence, which may be valuable for career development or proving proficiency with the platform.

But do you really need ZoomInfo University to get results? Many businesses invest time in training, only to find that the learning curve is steep, requiring hours of coursework. Training also doesn’t fix data accuracy issues or credit limits, which can limit how useful ZoomInfo is in practice. What Sales team wants to spend an ordinate amount of time learning a platform? They just need high-quality, ready-to-use data that allows them to focus on selling rather than navigating complex software.

So is ZoomInfo University worth it, or is there a better way to access business intelligence?

This guide will explain:

  • What ZoomInfo University is and how it works
  • The pros and cons of completing ZoomInfo’s training
  • Whether alternatives like Compass Data Enrichment offer a more effective way to access accurate data

By the end, you’ll have the information you need to decide if ZoomInfo University is the right choice or if a fully managed data service is a better fit.

Let's get started.

Even after completing extensive training, many teams still struggle to generate high-quality leads because the problem isn’t just how they use the tool. It’s the data itself.

Chris Wright, CEO of Fifty Five and Five

"We’ve worked with companies that have spent months training their teams to use sales intelligence platforms, believing that mastering search techniques and intent data would solve their lead generation challenges. But even after completing certifications, they still struggle to build reliable lead lists.

If the contact information is outdated or incomplete, even the best-trained team will hit a wall. Sales reps waste time verifying details, marketing teams deal with bounced emails, and opportunities slip through the cracks. At that point, businesses start to realise that knowing how to find leads isn’t enough. What they really need is access to accurate, structured data from the start, without the extra work."

Chris Wright, Founder, Fifty Five and Five
Pros Cons
Comprehensive training on platform features – The program covers everything from basic search to advanced data automation, giving users a full understanding of how to use the platform effectively. Requires a significant time investment – Some courses take just a few hours, but more advanced certifications may require weeks to complete, making it difficult for sales and marketing teams to balance training with daily tasks.
Certifications add credibility – Earning an official ZoomInfo certification can boost a professional’s credentials, improve career opportunities, and demonstrate expertise in sales intelligence. Does not fix data accuracy issues – Training helps users apply filters and search techniques more effectively, but it does not improve the underlying quality of the data, meaning users may still encounter outdated or incorrect contact details.
Helps teams standardise best practices – When multiple employees complete training, businesses can ensure that all team members follow the same approach to lead generation, prospecting, and CRM management. Credit limits still apply – Even after completing training, users are restricted by the platform’s credit-based system, which limits how many contacts they can access and export each month.
Reduces onboarding time for new users – Structured learning allows new employees to become productive faster compared to self-guided learning or trial and error. Not ideal for small teams – For businesses with limited resources, spending time on formal training may not be the best use of their time, especially if they need quick access to high-quality leads.
Access to ongoing updates and webinars – The company regularly updates its training materials and hosts live sessions to help users stay informed about new features and best practices. Learning does not guarantee better results – Completing training can improve a user’s knowledge, but it does not necessarily translate into higher lead conversion rates or better sales outcomes if the data itself is not reliable.

Why some businesses look elsewhere

ZoomInfo University is useful for those who want to master the platform, but not every business has the time or resources to invest in formal training. Some organisations prefer a solution that does not require users to learn a complex system, which is where managed services like Compass Data Enrichment come in.

Instead of spending hours navigating a training program, businesses using a managed data service receive ready-to-use, accurate lead data without having to learn how to extract it themselves. This approach eliminates the need for onboarding, reduces time spent on manual data searches, and ensures that sales and marketing teams can focus on outreach rather than software training.

The next section will explore different approaches companies take to sales intelligence, including self-learning, third-party consultants, and fully managed data solutions.

Training is supposed to make teams more efficient, but in reality, it often adds another layer of work.

Megan Rudd, Senior Marketing Executive talks about Zoominfo pricing

"We’ve seen businesses spend weeks onboarding new hires, only to have them struggle with complicated workflows and constant troubleshooting. Even after certification, teams still need to manage search filters, CRM integrations, and data hygiene tasks just to get usable prospect lists. Instead of simplifying sales and marketing operations, training often adds another layer of process. That’s when businesses start questioning whether they need better-trained users, or a smarter way to get reliable, ready-to-use lead data from the start."

Megan Rudd, Senior Marketing Exec @ FFF

 

Who benefits most?
  • Companies that are fully committed to ZoomInfo – If an organisation has already invested in a long-term contract, it makes sense to train employees so they can extract as much value as possible.
  • Sales and marketing professionals looking for certifications – For individuals working in business development, sales operations, or marketing automation, completing a ZoomInfo certification can enhance their credentials.
  • Businesses with large sales teams – Standardised training can ensure consistency in how employees use the platform, improving efficiency across different teams.
  • Organisations that rely on advanced platform features – If a company is using intent data, workflow automation, and CRM integrations extensively, formal training can help employees understand how to implement these features correctly.
Who should consider alternatives?
  • Companies that need high-quality data but don’t have time for training – Businesses that need accurate lead data but don’t want to invest in learning how to extract it may find a managed service to be a better fit.
  • Sales teams that want to focus on outreach rather than software training – If a sales team’s main priority is contacting prospects, spending time learning a platform’s advanced features may not be the best use of resources.
  • Businesses frustrated with data accuracy or credit limits – Completing training does not fix outdated or incorrect contact details, nor does it remove the restrictions on the number of contacts users can access.
  • Companies that only need occasional data enrichment – Businesses that don’t require constant lead generation may prefer a one-off or on-demand data enrichment service rather than maintaining an expensive subscription.
The alternative: skipping training altogether
  • A fully managed service removes the need for training – Companies that prioritise efficiency can use Compass Data Enrichment to access accurate B2B data without requiring employees to learn a complex system.
  • No manual searches or filtering – Instead of training sales and marketing teams to extract and clean data, Compass delivers ready-to-use, high-quality information that meets specific business criteria.
  • Eliminates the learning curve – Businesses receive structured, enriched data that is already verified, complete, and actionable, allowing teams to focus entirely on outreach and conversion.
  • Avoids platform limitations – Unlike ZoomInfo, which requires users to work within credit limits and spend time refining searches, Compass provides scalable access to accurate data without restrictions.
  • Ideal for businesses that need efficiency – Companies that want to streamline lead generation and skip the training process altogether may find that a managed service is a more effective long-term solution.

How to use Compass Data Enrichment

  1. Let us know what data you need (Contact details, ICP data, etc.)
  2. We do the work – Our platform crawls, scans, scrapes multiple sources, validates information and structures data for easy integration
  3. You receive high-quality insights – Instead of unfiltered, raw lists you get a polished CRM-ready file with accurate and tailored knowledge

The smartest way to get the data you need

Choosing the right approach to sales intelligence depends on your business’s needs, resources, and priorities. ZoomInfo University is a valuable training program for companies that are committed to using the platform and want to ensure their teams understand all its features. It provides structured learning, certifications, and ongoing support to help users apply advanced search techniques, intent data, and automation tools effectively.

However, training does not solve every challenge. It does not improve data accuracy, remove credit limits, or reduce the time spent on manual prospecting. Businesses that need ready-to-use, high-quality data without requiring employees to complete extensive training may find that a fully managed service like Compass Data Enrichment is a more efficient solution.

Which approach is best for your business?

  • ZoomInfo University is a good choice if:

    • Your company has already committed to a long-term subscription and wants to maximise its value.
    • You have a large sales or marketing team that needs structured training and standardised best practices.
    • Your employees have the time to complete courses and certifications to fully understand the platform.
  • A managed service is the better option if:

    • Your team needs high-quality lead data quickly without spending time learning a platform.
    • You want to eliminate manual searches and receive verified, structured data that is ready to use.
    • You prefer a scalable, credit-free approach that provides continuous access to accurate business intelligence.

For companies that need efficiency, training is not always the best investment. If your goal is to access reliable, up-to-date B2B data without the learning curve, Compass Data Enrichment can provide a faster, more effective alternative.

Tired of hidden costs? There’s a better way.

Stop wasting time and money on outdated, overpriced unusable data. Let Compass Data Enrichment power your go to market strategy today

Data enrichment tool demo