When selecting a Learning Management System (LMS), understanding the different standards is crucial for ensuring compatibility, interoperability, and effective tracking of learning activities. Internal teams, clients, and partners are frequently served by them with training and educational materials. Organizations may better understand the training and development needs of their employees and maintain compliance by using the data they track and keep.

Three primary standards dominate the landscape: AICC, SCORM, and xAPI. Sometimes it can be hard to navigate them; fortunately, this blog can help. We’ll learn about what the standards are, their differences, similarities, and general uses.

What are LMS standards, and why do they exist?

When online learning started, everyone created their custom solution, so if you wanted to train people on computers, you had to create your e-learning software with courses and stick with it. This meant you could not utilize other people’s content on your platform and would need to create your training content again if you wanted to move platforms.

At that point, some organizations decided to standardize the way LMSs distribute courses to ensure that everything functions properly. LMS standards emerged, providing guidelines and specifications that ensure consistency and compatibility in how learning content is created, delivered, and tracked across various platforms. They exist to promote interoperability, simplify content integration, and enable effective management and analysis of learning experiences.

Currently, the market is primarily dominated by three standards: AICC, SCORM, and xAPI.

Key Standards Comparison

What is AICC

AICC (Aviation Industry Computer-Based Training Committee) is one of the earliest standards for e-learning interoperability. It specifies how online learning content and LMS should communicate with each other. It was founded in 1988-consortium of training experts from leading aircraft manufacturers, including Airbus, Boeing, and McDonnell Douglas.

How it works

AICC works by defining a communication protocol between content (courses) and LMSs. It uses HTTP or HTTPS to send data between the course and the LMS, typically through a URL. This enables the tracking of learner progress, test scores, and other key metrics.

It utilizes a set of predefined variables that are transferred via HTTPS between the content package and the LMS. As an illustration, the learning module sends a variable with a minimum score required to pass the module. The module notifies the LMS if the student passed, and the LMS returns the variable with the student’s score.

Pros:

• Established Standard: AICC has a long history and is well-established in the e-learning industry.
• Simple Implementation: It’s relatively straightforward to implement, especially for basic tracking needs.
• Flexible: AICC supports a variety of content types and can work across different systems.

Cons:

• Limited Functionality: Compared to newer standards like SCORM and xAPI, AICC has limited capabilities, especially in tracking complex interactions and multimedia content.
• Compatibility Issues: It may not be fully compatible with newer web technologies and may require additional configuration.
• Maintenance: As an older standard, ongoing support and updates may be less robust.

When to Use:

AICC is best used in scenarios where there’s a need for straightforward, basic tracking of e-learning activities, especially in environments where newer standards are not required or supported. It can be suitable for organizations with legacy systems or specific requirements that align well with its capabilities. However, for more advanced tracking and interactive content needs, newer standards such as SCORM or xAPI may be more suitable choices.

What is SCORM

SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) is a set of technical standards for e-learning software products. It defines how e-learning content and Learning Management Systems (LMS) should communicate with each other.

How it works

SCORM works by packaging e-learning content into sharable modules called “SCOs” (Sharable Content Objects). These modules can then be imported into any SCORM-compliant LMS. SCORM also specifies a communication protocol for tracking learner progress and scores, ensuring interoperability across different systems.

Pros:

• Interoperability: SCORM ensures that e-learning content can be easily shared and used across different SCORM-compliant LMS platforms.
• Tracking and Reporting: It provides robust capabilities for tracking learner interactions, progress, and assessment results.
• Widely Adopted: SCORM is widely adopted in the e-learning industry, making it easier to find content and compatible LMS solutions.

Cons:

• Complexity: Implementing SCORM-compliant content and LMS can be complex and require technical expertise.
• Limited Flexibility: SCORM’s structure may limit the types of interactive and multimedia content that can be effectively delivered.
• Updates: SCORM has not undergone significant updates in recent years, potentially lacking support for newer technologies and learning approaches.

When to Use:

SCORM is best suited for environments where standardization and compatibility with existing e-learning content and systems are required. It’s suitable for organizations that require structured tracking of learner progress and assessment results, such as in compliance training or formal education settings. However, for organizations seeking more flexibility in content delivery and tracking, or those requiring support for newer learning technologies, alternatives like xAPI may be more suitable.

What is xAPI

xAPI (Experience API), also known as the Tin Can API, is a specification that enables the tracking and reporting of learning activities beyond traditional e-learning. It allows the capture of a wide range of learning experiences, both online and offline.

How it works

xAPI works by using a statement structure: “Actor, Verb, Object” to record learning activities. For example, “John completed the course.” These statements are sent to a Learning Record Store (LRS), where data is stored and can be analyzed. xAPI supports tracking interactions with various content types, including multimedia, simulations, and real-world activities.

Pros:

• Broad Tracking Capability: xAPI can track diverse learning experiences, including informal and offline learning activities.
• Flexible and Extensible: It accommodates new technologies and learning methods, supporting adaptive and personalized learning.
• Rich Data Insights: Provides detailed analytics and insights into learner behaviors and performance.
• Interoperability: xAPI can integrate with different systems and tools, promoting interoperability and data exchange.

Cons:

• Complex Implementation: Implementing xAPI may require technical expertise and adaptation to organizational needs.
• Learning Curve: Users and administrators may need time to understand and utilize the full capabilities of xAPI effectively.
• Cost Considerations: Setting up and maintaining an LRS for xAPI data storage and analysis can involve costs.

When to Use:

xAPI is ideal for organizations seeking to track and analyze a wide range of learning activities beyond traditional e-learning courses. It’s suitable for environments where adaptive and personalized learning experiences are important, such as in corporate training, healthcare simulations, and scenarios where offline learning needs to be captured. Organizations looking to leverage rich data insights to improve learning outcomes and personalize training programs can benefit greatly from xAPI’s capabilities.

Making Your Decision

Choose AICC if:

• You have legacy systems that don’t support newer standards
• You need only basic progress and completion tracking
• Budget and technical resources are limited
• Your content is simple and doesn’t require complex interactions

Choose SCORM if:

• You need reliable, structured course delivery and tracking
• Your organization requires compliance reporting
• You want maximum compatibility with existing eLearning content—platforms like Paradiso LMS excel in this area with comprehensive SCORM support alongside 100+ tool integrations”
• You’re building formal training programs with assessments

Choose xAPI if:

• You need to track learning across multiple platforms and devices
• Your training includes informal, social, or experiential learning
• You want detailed analytics and personalized learning paths
• You’re building modern, adaptive learning experiences

Conclusion

The choice between AICC, SCORM, and xAPI depends on your organization’s specific needs, technical capabilities, and learning objectives. AICC works for basic tracking with legacy systems, SCORM remains ideal for structured compliance training, while xAPI offers the most flexibility for modern, comprehensive learning experiences. Many organizations start with SCORM for immediate needs while planning a gradual transition to xAPI as their learning programs mature.