Introduction
Anyone involved in digital continuing education will sooner or later come across the term SCORM. But what does it mean—and why is this format so important in the world of e-learning? This article provides a simple introduction to the topic and explains how SCORM courses work and what makes them so valuable.
What does SCORM mean?
SCORM stands for Sharable Content Object Reference Model. It is a technical standard used to create digital learning content (courses, modules, tests) in such a way that it can be run on different learning management systems (LMS).
Specifically, this means:
- You create a course in an authoring tool such as Lessonator
- Export it as a SCORM file (usually .zip)
- And import it into an LMS – it will work immediately there
A SCORM course can therefore be reused, evaluated, and played back in a standardized manner—regardless of the LMS manufacturer.
Advantages of SCORM
- Easy import/export: Create once, play anywhere
- Tracking: Learning progress, processing time, test results
- Reusability: Content can be used in different contexts
- Interoperability: Works with almost any LMS
Why is SCORM so widely used?
Companies, schools, government agencies, and educational institutions need reliable, traceable, and structured learning content. SCORM is the de facto standard for this—especially in combination with learning platforms such as Moodle, ILIAS, TalentLMS, or SAP SuccessFactors.
SCORM is not complicated—but it is indispensable.
– Dr. Michael Hofbauer, e-learning consultant
SCORM is not a teaching concept
Important to know: SCORM says nothing about the quality, creativity, or methodology of your course. It is a technical framework, not a didactic recipe. You still have to develop good content, storytelling, and clear learning objectives yourself—or use a good tool like Lessonator to help you do so.
Conclusion
SCORM is the backbone of many e-learning offerings. If you want to create training courses and make them