SCORM 1.2, SCORM 2004, xAPI, or cmi5: Which Format Should You Choose?

A simple decision process

1. 1

   Ask the LMS administrator what is supported

   Confirm the exact standards and versions accepted by the production LMS before choosing the export.

2. 2

   Use SCORM when conventional LMS launch and completion tracking are the goal

   SCORM 1.2 remains widely encountered. SCORM 2004 adds a more formal sequencing and data-model framework, but the LMS must support the same SCORM version.

3. 3

   Use xAPI when the learning ecosystem needs richer experience statements

   xAPI communicates learning activity data to a Learning Record Store and is useful beyond a traditional single-LMS course launch model.

4. 4

   Consider cmi5 when you want an LMS-oriented launch and packaging profile built on xAPI

   cmi5 adds defined launch, packaging, credential, and interoperability rules around xAPI.

5. 5

   Test in the real LMS

   Import the selected package into the target environment and verify launch, progress, completion, assessment behavior, and reporting before broad deployment.

Courseware Studio output

Paid Courseware Studio packages support SCORM 1.2, SCORM 2004, xAPI, and cmi5. Self-paced eLearning also supports those four formats plus Standalone HTML5.

References

• Choosing Authoring Tools — SCORM guidance — Advanced Distributed Learning Initiative
• Experience API specification — Advanced Distributed Learning Initiative
• cmi5 specification — AICC / ADL