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

By Maëlys De Santis

Published: 20 February 2025

There's no escaping e-learning in today's educational landscape. At the heart of this innovative practice is 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 by guaranteeing interoperability and adaptability across various learning management systems: LMS software.

As training needs and technologies evolve, 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?

Introduction to 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 harmonise practices in the online education sector, this standard facilitates the transfer and re-use of educational modules on different platforms. Despite competition from new technologies, the SCORM standard remains widely used because it creates a consistent learning experience, which is essential for many institutions and educational designers.

Composition and structure of SCORM files

Understanding the composition and structure of SCORM files provides an insight into the standard and its use within LMSs. These files, encapsulated in a standardised format, ensure interoperability between different LMS platforms.

A SCORM file is a compressed package, generally in ZIP format. It contains the resources needed to run an e-learning training module. Its main components 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 is used to format the pages.
SCORM Runtime files: these scripts link the content to SCORM functionalities. They are used to manage module status (complete/incomplete), scores and other relevant data for tracking learners.

Architecture of the SCORM package

SCORM's flexibility is based on its file and folder structure. Here is an overview of the basic architecture:

package root: this contains the imsmanifest.xml file, which is essential for the LMS.
resource folders: the resources mentioned in the imsmanifest.xml file are organised 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

SCORM, as an e-learning standard, has a number of important features that make its use essential 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 personalised learning paths. Adaptation to pedagogical needs is faster.
Sequencing and navigation: SCORM defines how users can progress through learning content. This allows designers to apply conditional sequencing rules to personalise the user experience.
Progress tracking: although limited compared to modern technologies, SCORM allows 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 compliance with standards through standardised file formats such as XML and HTML, which simplifies the development and exchange of content.

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

Advantages of the SCORM format

Interoperability of educational content

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

Reusability of training

Content designed using SCORM can be easily modified and adapted. It can be redeployed in a variety of contexts, reducing the time and resources spent on developing new content.

Save time and reduce costs

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

Easy integration with LMSs

SCORM offers universal compatibility, making it easy to import, track and manage learning content. This integration is based on a standardised format that enables LMSs to read and understand the content seamlessly.

Limitations and criticisms

Despite its ability to standardise e-learning content, SCORM has its shortcomings, notably its rigidity and limitations. In a constantly changing world, these constraints affect the effectiveness of LMS systems.

Rigidity in data tracking

The SCORM standard has limitations when it comes to tracking data, a crucial aspect in e-learning. Although it provides basic information such as scores, it does not allow for detailed analysis of learner behaviour.

Constraint of old technologies

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 account of 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 improved flexibility.

Introduction to the Experience API (xAPI)

The Experience API, or xAPI, is revolutionising the way learning is tracked. 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 analysed 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 customisation: SCORM limits the customisation of learning paths. xAPI, with its flexible model, enables detailed customisation and fine-tuned learner tracking.
interoperability and tracking: SCORM guarantees the compatibility of content, while xAPI enables tracking enriched with data from a variety of interactions.

How do you create a SCORM module?

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

6 steps to creating a SCORM module

Define the learning 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 the LMS: check installation, follow-up and user experience.
Revisions required: make adjustments based on the tests.

Choose the right tool

Don't leave the choice of LMS software for creating your e-learning modules to chance. Study the features, support options, interoperability with your existing tools so that your LMS is compatible (particularly with your HR tools), not forgetting the price. This will help you find the tool that meets your needs.

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