SCORM Replacement: What’s Next for eLearning Standards

If you’ve been building online courses for a while, you probably know SCORM. It helped us track scores and launch modules for years, but today it feels cramped. New tools can capture rich data, work on any device, and talk to modern LMSs without the old hassle. Let’s break down why you might want to leave SCORM behind and which standards can take its place.

Why SCORM Is Falling Behind

SCORM was designed for Flash‑based lessons and simple browsers. It can’t record detailed actions like how long a learner watches a video or which parts of a simulation they explore. It also forces a rigid folder structure, making it tricky to update content quickly. Because of those limits, many training teams report missing insights that could improve course design.

Another pain point is mobile. SCORM requires a full‑screen launch and often breaks on tablets or phones. With learners expecting seamless access everywhere, sticking to a standard that can’t keep up hurts engagement.

Top Candidates for a SCORM Replacement

xAPI (Experience API) is the most popular contender. It records any learning experience—videos, VR, on‑the‑job activities—by sending statements like "John completed Safety Module" to a Learning Record Store. This means you get granular data without forcing a specific player.

cmi5 blends the flexibility of xAPI with the structure companies liked about SCORM. It defines how a course should launch and finish, so you still have a clear start‑end flow while capturing richer data.

LTI (Learning Tools Interoperability) lets external tools plug directly into an LMS. If you use a video platform, a coding sandbox, or an assessment service, LTI handles the single sign‑on and data exchange, keeping the learner’s experience smooth.

Choosing the right replacement depends on your needs. If you just want better tracking, xAPI alone might be enough. If you need a structured course flow, consider cmi5. For integrating third‑party apps, LTI is the go‑to.

Switching doesn’t have to be an all‑or‑nothing move. Many teams start by adding xAPI statements to existing SCORM modules, then gradually rebuild the most critical courses on a newer standard. This phased approach saves time and lets you compare data quality before committing fully.Ready to upgrade? Begin by auditing your current SCORM content: note which modules lack detailed analytics, which break on mobile, and which could benefit from interactive elements. Next, talk to your LMS vendor about xAPI or cmi5 support—most modern platforms already have it. Finally, prototype a small module using one of the new standards and measure the difference in learner insight.

Leaving SCORM behind might seem daunting, but the payoff is clearer data, smoother mobile experiences, and future‑proofed courses. Start small, test often, and watch your eLearning ecosystem become more flexible and insightful.