SCORM vs xAPI vs cmi5: which e-learning standard to use
Quick answer
Use SCORM 2004 if your LMS requires a packaged course (most corporate LMSs). Use xAPI to track experiences beyond the LMS (send statements to an LRS). cmi5 is xAPI packaged like SCORM — the modern bridge. @coursetemplates/scorm gives you one API over all four.
Key facts
- SCORM 1.2: oldest, most compatible, limited data model.
- SCORM 2004: separate completion + success, scaled score, sequencing.
- xAPI: statements to a Learning Record Store; tracks anything, anywhere.
- cmi5: xAPI + a launch/packaging profile — “SCORM done right.”
The short version
If your LMS takes a zip, ship SCORM 2004. If you need to track outside the LMS, use xAPI/cmi5. You rarely have to choose the wire format yourself — a wrapper abstracts it.
FAQ
Can one course support all of them?
Yes — @coursetemplates/scorm auto-detects the LMS API (2004 → 1.2) and falls back to xAPI/cmi5, so the same course tracks everywhere.
Start with a course that already works. Download it, tell your AI what to change, and it tracks in your LMS without you configuring anything.
Browse the templatesUpdated 2026-07-01