SCORM: understanding and mastering the e-learning standard for compliant training

By Maëlys De Santis

Published: February 20, 2025

There's no escaping e-learning in today's educational landscape. At the heart of this innovative practice lies SCORM, or Sharable Content Object Reference Model, a key standard for the development and management of digital educational content.

Created by the Advanced Distributed Learning Initiative, SCORM has radically transformed the design and sharing of learning modules, as it guarantees interoperability and adaptability across various learning management systems: LMS software.

In the face of changing training needs and technologies, the relevance of SCORM is sometimes called into question by innovations such as the Experience API (xAPI). In this article, learn more about this standard which, despite its age, still structures digital learning. 🤓

See all software Learning Management System (LMS)

What is the SCORM standard?

Introducing SCORM

The SCORM standard is a cornerstone in the field of e-learning. It impacts the development and sharing of digital educational content. SCORM brings together a set of technical specifications designed to ensure the interoperability of educational content across different LMSs.

Designed to harmonize practices in the e-learning sector, this standard facilitates the transfer and reuse of educational modules across different platforms. Despite competition from new technologies, the SCORM standard remains widely used because it creates a consistent learning experience, essential for many institutions and educational designers.

Composition and structure of SCORM files

Understanding the composition and structure of SCORM files is the key to understanding the standard and its use in LMSs. These files, encapsulated in a standardized format, ensure interoperability between different LMS platforms.

A SCORM file is a compressed package, generally in ZIP format. It contains the resources required to run an e-learning training module. Its main elements are :

imsmanifest.xml: this XML file is the heart of the SCORM package. It contains metadata about the course, describing its structure and listing the learning objects (SCOs).
multimedia resources: these include the media required for the learning experience, such as videos, images, audio files and text documents. They are all referenced in the imsmanifest.xml file.
HTML, JavaScript and CSS: content is often built in HTML to ensure accessibility via web browsers. JavaScript interacts with the SCORM API, while CSS ensures page formatting.
SCORM Runtime files: these scripts link content to SCORM functionalities. They enable management of module status (complete/incomplete), scores and other data relevant to learner follow-up.

SCORM package architecture

SCORM's flexibility lies in its file and folder structure. Here's an overview of the basic architecture:

package root: contains the imsmanifest.xml file, essential for the LMS.
resource folders: the resources mentioned in the imsmanifest.xml file are organized in folders, for example, one called "media" for images and one called "scripts" for JavaScript.
SCOs folders: each SCO has its own folder containing the files required for the specific learning activity.

Key features of SCORM

As a standard for e-learning, SCORM offers a number of important features that make its use indispensable for the development and management of learning content. They guarantee the efficiency, compatibility and interoperability of content between different platforms.

interoperability: SCORM ensures that content created on one platform can be easily imported and used on another compatible LMS without requiring any modifications. This reduces the time and costs associated with content integration.
modular structure: breaking down learning content into small, distinct units encourages reuse and enables the creation of personalized learning paths. Adaptation to pedagogical needs is faster.
sequencing and navigation: SCORM defines how users can progress through learning content. This enables designers to apply conditional sequencing rules to personalize the user experience.
progress tracking: although limited compared with modern technologies, SCORM enables compatible LMSs to record data such as scores, time spent and module completion status. SCORM provides valuable analyses of student engagement.
Technical framework: SCORM ensures standards compliance through standardized file formats such as XML and HTML, simplifying content development and exchange.

Let's take the example of a large company training its employees in various offices. Thanks to SCORM, the training department can create a centralized set of modules on an LMS, then rapidly deploy this content across several regions. Each employee benefits from consistent training quality, and instructors can efficiently monitor individual progress.

Advantages of the SCORM format

Interoperability of educational content

SCORM establishes a common language that enables educational content to work uniformly across multiple platforms. Sharing and integration between different LMS systems is possible.

Reusability of training courses

Content designed according to SCORM can be easily modified and adapted. Redeployment in different contexts is possible, reducing the time and resources spent on developing new content.

Save time and cut costs

The SCORM model maximizes return on investment by reducing the need to recreate content for each new learning platform or context. Thanks to its modular architecture, SCORM simplifies content updating. This standard ensures that the material presented to learners remains up-to-date and relevant.

Easy integration with LMS

SCORM offers universal compatibility, simplifying the import, tracking and management of learning content. This integration is based on a standardized format that enables LMSs to read and understand the content seamlessly.

Limits and criticisms

Despite its ability to standardize e-learning content, SCORM has its shortcomings, notably its rigidity and limitations. In a world of constant change, these constraints affect the efficiency of LMS systems.

Rigidity in data tracking

The SCORM standard has limitations for data tracking, a crucial aspect in e-learning. Although it provides basic information such as scores, it does not allow for fine-grained analysis of learner behavior.

Legacy technology constraints

SCORM is based on old technologies that limit the scope for innovation. XML-based file formats are sometimes perceived as heavy and complex, compared with more recent formats. In addition, SCORM does not take into account developments such as non-linear learning paths.

Comparison between SCORM and xAPI

Rapid advances in e-learning technologies mean that SCORM has to compete with the Experience API (xAPI), which offers advanced tracking capabilities and enhanced flexibility.

Introducing the Experience API (xAPI)

The Experience API, or xAPI, revolutionizes learning tracking. Unlike SCORM, which focuses on formal learning, xAPI captures a much wider range of experiences. It records every interaction in the form of statements, providing a framework for tracking both formal and informal learning.

xAPI uses modern technology to collect data via a Learning Record Store (LRS). The LRS provides remarkable flexibility and integration. It enables learning experiences to be tracked and analyzed outside the LMS.

Comparison of uses and functionalities

flexibility and scope: SCORM structures linear e-learning content within LMSs, while xAPI records a variety of learning experiences, both formal and informal.
adaptability and personalization: SCORM limits the personalization of learning paths. xAPI, with its flexible model, enables detailed personalization and fine-tuned tracking of learners.
interoperability and tracking: SCORM guarantees content compatibility, while xAPI enables tracking enriched with a variety of interaction data.

How do I create a SCORM module?

Creating a SCORM module requires both pedagogical creativity and technical skills. Here's a guide to designing an engaging and functional module.

6 steps to creating a SCORM module

Define pedagogical objectives: what skills do you want to teach?
Choose a development tool.
Structure the content
1. include videos,
2. quizzes
3. and exercises.
Publish in SCORM format: export the file for the LMS software.
Test in LMS: check installation, tracking and user experience.
Revisions needed: adjust according to test results.

Choosing the right tool

Don't leave the choice of LMS software to create your e-learning modules to chance. Look at features, support options, interoperability with your existing tools to ensure your LMS is compatible (especially with your HR tools), not to mention price. That's how you'll find the right tool for your needs.

Choose a tool like Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate or iSpring Suite to create interactive modules.