What is SCORM Compliant?

E-Learning courses have become commonplace in the modern corporate world. Many companies use some form of eLearning to train their employees on topics ranging from sexual harassment prevention to accounting principles. While there are many different ways to deliver eLearning content, one of the most popular methods is through SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model). But what is SCORM and why is it so popular? In this guide, we will try to answer these questions.

In short, SCORM is a set of technical standards that define how eLearning content and learning management systems (LMS) interact with each other. SCORM was originally developed by the US Department of Defense to standardize how military training content was delivered through various LMSs. Since its inception, SCORM has been adopted by both the public and private sectors as a way to ensure that eLearning courses can be accessed and completed by employees using any compatible LMS.

What is SCORM? 

SCORM works by packaging (special .zip archives) eLearning content into „modules” that can be uploaded into an LMS. Once the content has been developed, employees can access and complete the modules using any compatible LMS. In addition, because SCORM is a technical standard, it allows LMSs to track employee progress and results in different types of courses. This data can then be used by HR managers and trainers to assess employee understanding of course material and identify areas where additional training may be needed.

There are three main versions of SCORM: SCORM 1.2, SCORM 2004 3rd edition and SCORM 2004 4th edition. SCORM 1.2 is the most widely adopted—though all three versions are still in use today. 

Below you will find the approximate number of commercial Learning Management Systems that use the SCORM standards in 2022.

Why is SCORM important? 

There are two main reasons why being SCORM compliant is so important: 

1. Interoperability: One of the biggest advantages of SCORM is that it allows eLearning courses to be used on any SCORM-compliant LMS. This interoperability makes it easy for instructors to upload their courses to multiple LMSs without having to worry about compatibility issues. 
2. Portability: In addition to being able to upload courses to multiple LMSs with ease, courses built using the SCORM standard can also be exported from one LMS and imported into another—again, without any compatibility issues. This portability gives instructors the freedom to choose the LMS that best meets their needs—safe in the knowledge that they won’t have to start from scratch if they ever need to switch platforms down the road. 

There are several reasons why SCORM has become the de facto standard for e-Learning course delivery. Firstly, as mentioned earlier, SCORM allows companies to deliver eLearning content using any compatible LMS. This gives companies the flexibility to change LMSs without having to redevelop all their existing eLearning courses from scratch. In addition, because SCORM is a technical standard, it ensures that courses developed by different vendors will work correctly when loaded into an LMS. This eliminates the need for companies to hire separate vendors to develop courses specifically for their LMS, which can save time and money.

In summary, SCORM is a popular way to deliver eLearning content because it is flexible, interoperable and measurable. By using SCORM, you won’t become locked into the LMS you are using. This means that you will be able to take content (SCORM) developed say 3 years ago and move it seamlessly to your new LMS. 

If your company is thinking of developing or purchasing e-Learning courses, make sure they are delivered through SCORM so you can take advantage of all these benefits!

SCORM compliance may not seem like a big deal—but trust us, it is! These days, interoperability and portability are more important than ever before—and that’s exactly what SCORM delivers. By ensuring that your eLearning content is compatible with all major Learning Management Systems, you can rest assured knowing that your courses will always be accessible to your employees—no matter which LMS they happen to be using.

To start creating SCORM courses, it is recommended to use an e-learning authoring tool. Thankfully, LIVRESQ is capable in exporting in all 3 standards, so that can be covered here.  To read more about its capabilities, check out our Frequently Asked Questions.