SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) is the universal standard that makes eLearning content portable across Learning Management Systems. If you purchase safety training from a third-party vendor, subscribe to an EHS content library, or author courses with tools like Articulate or Adobe Captivate, understanding SCORM is essential for ensuring your content works correctly in your Training Management Software and that completions are tracked accurately.
What Is SCORM?
SCORM is a set of technical specifications originally developed by the U.S. Department of Defense's ADL (Advanced Distributed Learning) Initiative. It defines three things: how eLearning content is packaged (as a ZIP file with a manifest), how it communicates with the LMS (through a JavaScript API), and what data gets tracked (completion status, scores, time, bookmarks). When content and LMS both conform to SCORM, you get reliable, auditable training records.
SCORM Versions Compared
SCORM 1.2 (2001)
The most widely supported version and the de facto standard for EHS training content. SCORM 1.2 tracks completion status (completed, incomplete, passed, failed), score, total time, and bookmarking (suspend data). Most third-party EHS training vendors distribute content in SCORM 1.2 format because of its universal LMS compatibility.
SCORM 2004 (Editions 1-4)
Adds sequencing and navigation rules that control the order in which learners progress through content. Also adds detailed objectives tracking and more granular status values (e.g., separating completion status from success status). SCORM 2004 is less widely used in EHS training because most safety courses do not require complex branching or sequencing logic.
xAPI / Tin Can (2013)
The newest standard, xAPI tracks learning experiences as "actor-verb-object" statements (e.g., "John completed Fall Protection Training"). It can track experiences beyond traditional eLearning, including mobile learning, simulations, on-the-job training, and classroom events. While more powerful, xAPI adoption in EHS training content is still limited, making SCORM support essential for the foreseeable future.
How SCORM Works in Your LMS
1. Upload the SCORM Package
A SCORM package is a ZIP file containing HTML content files, media assets, JavaScript, and a manifest file (imsmanifest.xml). Upload the ZIP to your LMS, and the system reads the manifest to determine course structure, title, and launch settings.
2. Assign to Employees
Once uploaded, the SCORM course appears alongside your custom-authored content. Assign it through your training matrix using the same role-based profiles, departments, and locations you use for all other training.
3. Track Completions
As employees work through the content, the SCORM API communicates progress, scores, and completion status back to the LMS in real time. When the learner finishes, the LMS records the completion date, score, and time spent, which feeds directly into compliance reports and certification tracking.
4. Generate Compliance Reports
SCORM completions appear in the same reports as all other training, providing a unified compliance view. No separate tracking spreadsheet needed for third-party content.
Ecesis Training Management Software includes a built-in SCORM player supporting both SCORM 1.2 and SCORM 2004. Upload third-party packages alongside your custom courses, assign them through training profiles, and track everything in one system. Please call (720) 547-5102 or contact us for a demo.
Ecesis Training Software
Training Management
Built-in SCORM player, course authoring, completion tracking, and automated reminders.
Training Matrix
Assign SCORM and custom courses by role, department, and location.
Mobile Training App
Complete training courses on mobile devices with offline sync capability.
Compliance Tracking
Map SCORM courses to regulatory requirements and track compliance.
Inspections & Audits
Verify training effectiveness through field inspections and audits.
Document Management
Store SCORM packages, certificates, and training documentation.
