Learning standards have always adapted to what the market demands looked like. eLearning standards in particular brought entirely different ways of learning and acquiring knowledge. This has changed lots of preconceptions related to how we learn and progress.
SCORM and xAPI are two well-known eLearning industry standards that course creators can rely on to monitor how their students progress. There’s no point in using both at the same time though.
So in this article, I’m analyzing SCORM and xAPI differences so you can decide which one is best suited for the format of your courses and the way your students prefer to learn.
What is SCORM?
SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) was developed by the Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) organization, which was part of the U.S. Department of Defense in 2000. This marked the entry of one of the first eLearning standards that would later act as a benchmark for other similar standards and initiatives.
The introduction of SCORM meant different learning management systems (LMSs) could now be used for the same elearning content. SCORM compliance essentially ensures that this elearning content is universally compatible across various LMSs.
Course creators were now managing and sharing their courses more easily than ever before. In particular, SCORM API looks at your learners’ data and progress on specific modules so you can have a more detailed look at where students stand—no matter what system you’re using to distribute your courses.
Key Benefits of SCORM for eLearning Programs
Below are some of the benefits of SCORM as an elearning standard:
There’s wide support with traditional tools since almost all LMS tools support SCORM. This makes SCORM easy to integrate and straightforward for data tracking.
Its standard reports on learning platforms mean you can track common metrics such as completion status and quiz scores. SCORM facilitates tracking learning-related activity, ensuring consistency across all your eLearning content.
SCORM functionality is easy to use even if you don’t have extensive technical expertise.
The Limitations of SCORM
Here are some of SCORM’s limitations:
SCORM only tracks essential metrics, lacking insights into specific interactions. Limited interactivity and data capabilities can hinder advanced training programs you might have planned out.
There are no offline learning options as progress can only be tracked when a student is online.
It’s not compatible with diverse learning systems and learner experiences besides your LMS.
Pros of SCORM
Cons of SCORM
Widespread support
Can only track basic data points
Standard reporting
It doesn’t work offline
Easy to use
Not compatible with a lot of learning environments
What is xAPI?
xAPI (Experience API or Tin Can API) became a thing in 2013 as the industry was starting to notice the limitations behind SCORM. While SCORM focuses on delivering standardized courses, xAPI made it possible for instructors to create and track progress on non-conventional educational content.
For instance, if SCORM is best used with an LMS, you could use xAPI to go beyond classic online learning and tap into mobile learning and virtual reality (VR). That’s because xAPI tracks more complex learner interactions so you can learn more about how a learner behaves or what their preferences and performance results are.
xAPI also enables the creation of personalized, adaptive training programs. You can use it for corporate training to track employees’ progress and find an individual’s strengths and weaknesses. With adaptive learning in place, xAPI will adjust the difficulty of the training scenarios one receives based on their behavior and results.
Benefits of xAPI compared to SCORM
Here are the benefits of xAPI as an elearning standard:
It can be used to track extensive data points like real-life and team-based learning interactions and behaviors (e.g. for employee training).
You can track offline activities by simply syncing data when you’re back online.
It works across different platforms, from mobile apps to the most creative external learning activities you want to experiment with.
All xAPI data can be used to share real-time feedback and create personalized learning experiences.
The Limitations of xAPI
These are some of xAPI’s limitations:
It can be difficult to implement as you’ll need an LRS for data storage (which can incur extra costs).
Some learning management systems might not have native integrations with xAPI.
You’ll likely need a technical expert to track advanced data.
Pros of xAPI
Cons of xAPI
Lots of data tracking capabilities and use cases
Requires extra data storage solutions
Works for offline learning too
Might not be compatible with your preferred LMS providers
It’s versatile
It’s complex to track data from a technical point of view
SCORM vs Tin Cap API: A Tracking Comparison
The most important differentiator? The type of data each tracks. SCORM records simple data points like course completion, scores, and time spent on a learning module. In contrast, xAPI goes beyond these to track specific and diverse learning activities across multiple platforms and contexts.
Feature
SCORM
xAPI
Compatibility
Limited to SCORM-compliant LMSs
Works across diverse platforms and environments
Tracking options
Only tracks basic data points
Data tracking can be extended to student real-world interactions
Offline expansion
It doesn’t work offline
Can be used offline
Interoperability
Limited to standard LMS capabilities
Tracks data beyond LMS, including mobile devices and VR learning
Data storage
Stored in LMS databases
Stored in a Learning Record Store (LRS) for flexible data retrieval
Ease of use
Easier to get started with it
Can be more complex to set up as several integrations are needed
SCORM
xAPI
Compatibility
Limited to SCORM-compliant LMSs
Works across diverse platforms and environments
Tracking optionse
Only tracks basic data points
Data tracking can be extended to student real-world interactions
Offline expansion
Doesn’t work offline
Can be used offline
Interoperability
Limited to standard LMS capabilities
Tracks data beyond LMS, including mobile devices and VR learning
Data storage
Stored in LMS databases
Stored in a Learning Record Store (LRS) for flexible data retrieval
Ease of use
Easier to get started with it
Can be more complex to set up as several integrations are needed
SCORM can record when a learner finishes a course, their quiz scores, or how long they stayed in a particular module. xAPI can capture data around hands-on activities like completing a simulated task in virtual reality or collaborating on a group project. xAPI also gives a bit more detail when it comes to what a learner prefers, how they make decisions, and how they perform every step of the way.
How to Decide Between SCORM and xAPI for Your Needs
Now you might be wondering: Do SCORM and xAPI work together? Generally, no. They were built for separate fundamental purposes. Still, you can use both with your LMS of choice if you want to expand your tracking abilities.
Let me take you through a couple of common scenarios that will make it easier for you to choose between SCORM and xAPI by considering their scalability, interaction complexity, course authoring tools, and more. I’ve organized the following scenarios by decision on the differentiating factor.
1. How scalable the tool is and what your integration options are
Choose SCORM if:
Your courses are simple and don’t require complex tracking.
You need to create compliant content across widely-used LMS platforms.
You’re working within a single learning domain (no need for cross-domain compatibility).
Choose xAPI if:
Your courses are complex and require tracking across multiple platforms or learning environments.
You want to monitor learning data from both formal and informal/offline learning experiences.
You need cross-domain tracking so data can easily flow across different systems, environments, and activities.
You have a more technical person on your team who can be in charge of setting up and monitoring xAPI data.
2. How complex course interactions are
Choose SCORM if:
Your courses consist of simple interactions (e.g. quizzes, videos, and slides).
You only need basic tracking such as pass/fail or completion rates.
You prefer using standard authoring tools that are optimized for SCORM.
Choose xAPI if:
You want to track more sophisticated interactions such as simulations and social learning.
Your eLearning course includes activities that can happen outside of the learning management system.
You need to track more granular data beyond basic completion.
3. What course authoring tools do you have
Choose SCORM if:
You work with authoring tools that are SCORM-compliant and provide simple course structures.
You need to easily upload courses to your SCORM-compliant LMS with minimal setup.
Choose xAPI if:
You’re working with advanced authoring tools that support detailed tracking.
You want to record non-traditional learning events too.
4. How you’ll be tracking learner progress + What reporting requirements do you have
Choose SCORM if:
You only want a look at basic data on simple assessments such as pass/fail, time spent on modules, or completion status.
You’re comfortable with the XML-based reporting and simple data analytics your LMS already provides.
Choose xAPI if:
You need to track complex learner interactions, such as performance on simulations or learning that happens outside of an LMS.
You need to do the manual work and get your data in XML or JSON formats before analyzing it.
My personal recommendation is to stick with a single option so you can better manage the data and its storage options.
Consider what type of data you need to track. If you don’t want to complicate things, SCORM will do. For in-depth tracking, choose xAPI. Understand what will work best in your preferred learning environment. SCORM is a good fit for your typical online courses, while xAPI is ideal for multi-environment learning—even if it involves offline education.
And remember: No standard is more future-proof. Course creators will keep using whatever makes more sense for them. Generally, this means SCORM content for classic online courses and xAPI for everything else you want to scale.
Start Building Your Online Courses with a SCORM-Compliant LMS
LearnWorlds is a versatile, modern platform supporting a wide range of course-building needs. The flexibility it offers makes it compatible with SCORM courses.
LearnWorlds SCORM compliance makes it easy to upload and integrate SCORM and HTML5 packages directly into the platform, making course delivery a breeze.
It also tracks key learning data such as course completion, learner progress, and assessment scores, storing session information so learners can pick up where they left off.
Try LearnWorlds for free to see how simple it is to upload and manage SCORM-compliant courses!
SCORM vs xAPI FAQs
Is xAPI Better Than SCORM?
Whether xAPI is better than SCORM or not depends on your training needs and goals. SCORM is a good starting point for conventional eLearning and it integrates well with many LMS tools you might already be using. xAPI though will be better suited for advanced learning scenarios such as virtual, mobile, or in-person training (or all at the same time). You’ll want to follow the above list of steps to find out which one you should opt for.
What are the technical differences between implementing SCORM vs. xAPI?
Simply put, xAPI requires more technical expertise and management than SCORM API. The latter can easily be connected to most LMS solutions out there but it’s fully dependent on these for storing and retrieving data.
xAPI tracks data from multiple systems and contexts and stores them in a Learning Record Store (LRS). Since data is gathered from so many platforms, xAPI uses RESTful APIs over HTTPS to send “statements” in a flexible JSON format. This makes it easier for the end user to track complex activities in real time.
What type of training should be created with SCORM or xAPI?
Do you have a simple course? SCORM will work for most of your day-to-day training such as onboarding modules or knowledge-based certifications you already have in your LMS. With SCORM, you can also use simple learning activities such as quizzes, videos, or interactive PDFs.
xAPI, on the other hand, works best if you’re creating advanced learning scenarios that involve virtual and augmented reality, mobile learning, or real-life interactions. You’re also better off using xAPI to track progress on complete learning paths and see what the results of your learners are like with face-to-face interactions.
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Alexandra Cote
Alexandra Cote is a SaaS growth marketer and online instructor who’s worked with dozens of brands in the MarTech, HR tech, and productivity space. She’s also a strong supporter of staying happy at work and choosing a healthy career path.
