What is SCORM? Do you even need it? (and what LMSs support it?)

If you’ve ever looked into building or hosting online courses, e-learning programs, or learning experiences, chances are you’ve come across the term SCORM. I’ve heard from hundreds of course creators, training directors, and entrepreneurs who are confused about whether SCORM is still relevant—or even necessary—in 2025. So I decided to break it down once and for all. What is SCORM, how does it work, and—most importantly—do you actually need it?

In this blog post (and in the YouTube video embedded above and linked here), I’ll walk you through the full picture: the history of SCORM, what it’s designed to do, the alternatives like xAPI and cmi5, and how to decide which LMS (learning management system) is right for your needs. Whether you're running a business, launching a digital course, or training a remote team, I’ll give you a clear path forward without getting lost in outdated tech or confusing acronyms.

Defining SCORM in Simple Terms

SCORM stands for Shareable Content Object Reference Model. I like to explain it by comparing it to video files. When I shoot a YouTube video, I record it, edit it, and then export it as a .mp4 or .mov file. That video file can then live on YouTube, Kajabi, or any other platform. SCORM works the same way for online courses—you use an authoring tool like Articulate 360 to build your course, then export it as a SCORM file so it can live inside a SCORM-compliant LMS.

From a practical standpoint, SCORM is just a way to package a course—videos, text, quizzes, and all—into one zipped file. That file can then be uploaded to different learning platforms. If your course needs to “travel” from one LMS to another, SCORM can make that possible. But if you’re only using one LMS, you might not need SCORM at all.

The History of SCORM

SCORM has been around for over 25 years. It was first introduced in 1999 with SCORM 1.0. In 2001, we saw versions 1.1 and 1.2, and then SCORM 2004 (also known as 1.3) rolled out with updates through 2006 and 2009. That’s right—the last major version of SCORM was released more than 15 years ago.

When I share this timeline with clients, they’re often surprised. “Wait, this is the latest version?” Yep. SCORM 2004 (4th edition) is still considered the most advanced version, but it’s showing its age. If you’ve ever tried to build a modern, mobile-first course with SCORM, you know how limiting it can feel. That’s why I always pair this history with a look at the alternatives.

SCORM vs. xAPI vs. cmi5: What’s New?

Let’s talk about what’s come after SCORM. First, we have xAPI, also known as Tin Can API. It was launched in 2013 to give course creators more flexibility—especially with mobile learning and offline tracking. Unlike SCORM, xAPI doesn’t require an LMS to function. It can track learning activity wherever it happens, even outside traditional eLearning environments.

Then there’s cmi5, which is the most recent of the three. Cmi5 aims to combine the best of SCORM and xAPI without the technical baggage. It offers more detailed data tracking, fewer browser limitations, and better mobile compatibility. Personally, I think cmi5 is a step in the right direction. But again, the big question isn’t what’s newest—it’s whether you actually need any of these at all.

Do You Really Need SCORM?

The honest answer? Probably not.

Most of the online courses, e-learning programs, and learning experiences I create live exclusively in Kajabi (at least for my two businesses). I record the videos, upload the content, and host it all in one place. I don’t need SCORM, xAPI, or cmi5 to do any of that. If you’re selling courses directly to learners or running a knowledge-based business, chances are you don’t need SCORM either. In fact, using it could slow you down and cost you more money in licensing fees and software tools.

However, if you're developing advanced simulations, custom interactivity, or distributing your courses to corporate clients who want to host the content on their own LMS, then yes—SCORM might still make sense. But don’t jump into SCORM just because you heard it’s “standard.” The real standard in 2025 is flexibility, speed, and simplicity.

The Best LMS Platforms (With or Without SCORM)

Over the years, I’ve tested just about every LMS out there. Here’s what I recommend based on your specific use case.

If you’re selling your own courses, go with Kajabi (grab your 30-day free trial and free bonus course here). It doesn’t support SCORM (at least when I wrote this blog post), but that’s a good thing if you’re focused on video content, downloads, coaching, or digital products. Kajabi is my go-to for my two companies - eLearning Partners and Athlete with Asthma. It handles everything—course delivery, marketing, payments, email campaigns, and even websites.

If you’re training employees, choose TalentLMS (grab your unlimited free trial and free bonus course here). It supports SCORM, xAPI, and cmi5, and it includes a free built-in authoring tool called TalentCraft. TalentCraft works a lot like Rise 360 from Articulate, but it doesn’t require a separate license. You can build out interactive courses, export them in multiple formats, and track completion across your team—all from one platform.

Finally, if you’re selling courses to companies who want to host your content on their own LMS, then LearnWorlds  (grab your 30-day free trial and free bonus course here) is the way to go. It allows you to upload SCORM packages and still offers robust marketing features, landing pages, and ecommerce tools. I’ve created a full course called LearnWorlds Made Simple to help you launch faster.

Avoiding the Hidden Costs of SCORM

One of the biggest mistakes I see course creators make is assuming they need SCORM—then buying tools they don’t actually use. Authoring tools like Articulate 360 and Adobe Captivate are powerful, but they’re also expensive. You’re looking at $1,000+ per year per user. Add that to the time it takes to learn those platforms and manage file exports, and you’ve lost hours—and dollars—you could be using to grow your audience or improve your content.

That’s why I recommend starting with what you actually need. If you don’t have a business case for SCORM, don’t get caught up in the hype. Use modern platforms that make course creation and delivery seamless—and only invest in SCORM when the distribution model truly calls for it.

My Final Thoughts on SCORM in 2025

At the end of the day, SCORM is just a tool. It’s not inherently bad—but it’s not always necessary. In fact, it can sometimes overcomplicate your course creation process when your real goal is to deliver value, drive engagement, and scale your learning business.

Here’s what I’ve learned: If you’re building and selling courses, use Kajabi. If you’re training teams internally, use TalentLMS. And if you need to support SCORM delivery to external clients, use LearnWorlds. Each platform serves a different purpose, and choosing the right one will save you time, money, and stress.