Knowledge Base
author Ilona Hetsevich
author 05 Feb 2015
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Due to the fact that eLearning market is evolving, SCORM compliance has become an inherent attribute of modern Learning Management Systems. SCORM abbreviation is a widely used eLearning industry term and should be explained.

Due to the fact that eLearning market is evolving, SCORM compliance has become an inherent attribute of modern Learning Management Systems. SCORM abbreviation is a widely used eLearning industry term and should be explained.

What Does SCORM Mean?

SCORM stands for Sharable Content Object Reference Model and is a collection of standards ensuring content compatibility with any SCORM compliant LMS.

When did SCORM Standard Appear?

SCORM development started at the late nineties by Advanced Distributed Learning Initiative (ADL). The main project goal was to provide common eLearning standards which would ensure content compatibility within multiple Learning Management Systems without constant content reformatting to deliver the course.

Which SCORM Versions Exist?

There have been four SCORM versions released (SCORM 1.0, SCORM 1.1, SCORM 1.2 and SCORM 2004). Each version differed from the previous one by a number of specifications prescribed and new features introduced.

Currently there are two SCORM versions supported by LMS vendors:

  • SCORM 1.2
  • SCORM 2004

Why SCORM?

  • LMS SCORM compliance allows different Authoring software tools usage;
  • A possibility to reuse old eLearning courses content, upload external one or transfer all the courses to a new Learning Management System within a few mouse clicks;
  • Efforts, time and money saving on content creation;
  • ELearning program adaptiveness to individual and corporate requirements;
  • Additional profit by selling SCORM compliant eLearning content;
  • SCORM can exist outside LMS software, which means you can easily place the SCORM file on your website without LMS installation and give even unregistered users right to access your materials (Create a Demo for example).

SCORM Benefits for Online Learning

Thanks to SCORMS’ interoperability you can create interactive, informative and media-rich eLearning courses with no routine work of uploading the same files into your LMS. SCORM packages are easily portable across SCORM compliant Learning Management Systems saving you from reconfiguration or complex installation.

SCORM and Authoring Tools

There is a number of Authoring tools available for SCORM content creation, both free and commercial.

Popular ones include:

Plus, JoomLMS offers free rapid Authoring tools:

JoomLMS is a SCORM Compliant Learning Management System

JoomLMS supports SCORM 1.2 and SCORM 2004 versions and works smoothly with any SCORM 1.2 and 2004 conformant authoring tools.


What to read next?
How to Start a Career in the ELearning Field?
What is a Learning Management System?
Glossary of the Must-Know ELearning Terms


LMS SCORM