Top 6 SCORM Player Options for Your eLearning Courses

You want an efficient and scalable eLearning experience for your course, and that’s where SCORM and a robust learning management system (LMS) come in. SCORM-compatible LMSs and SCORM players keep your courses trackable and reusable, helping you manage your content effectively and monitor your learner’s progress.

Nearly 75% of course launches in 2023 still used SCORM 1.2 or SCORM 2004, showing that the right player can still support a seamless and engaging process for your learners.

To help you choose the right one for your unique needs, we’ve compared the best SCORM players for eLearning, listed which features to look for, and detailed how to integrate SCORM content into your course.

What is a SCORM Player?

To explain what a SCORM player is, it’s best to first define SCORM itself. SCORM or Sharable Content Object Reference Model is a set of technical eLearning standards that makes eLearning content compatible and trackable across platforms.

A SCORM file is a zip file that contains a collection of files and folders that make up an eLearning course. The structure of a SCORM file includes several key components:

• imsmanifest.xml: The manifest file that describes the content and its structure. This file is the backbone of the SCORM package, detailing the organization of the course and the relationships between different content objects.
• SCO: A Sharable Content Object that represents a single learning object, such as a lesson or a quiz. SCOs are the individual units of learning within the SCORM package, each capable of communicating with the LMS to track learner progress.
• Assets: The files and resources used by the SCO, such as images, videos, and audio files. These assets provide multimedia elements that enhance the learning experience.
• Metadata: The information that describes the content, such as title, description, and keywords. Metadata helps in organizing and searching for content within the LMS.

By getting to know the structure of SCORM files and packages, you can create and deploy eLearning content that is SCORM-compliant and can be used across different LMSs. This knowledge ensures that your content is organized, trackable, and easily accessible to learners.

You can use SCORM to:

• Make your content compatible across multiple LMS platforms
• Track your learner progress using data on completion status and quizzes
• Identify knowledge gaps using the data on learner progress
• Reuse your course content across multiple courses
• Increase your learner engagement with interactive features
• Streamline your reporting to see what isn’t working to make improvements

A SCORM player is the software or platform that makes it possible for you to integrate all these great benefits into your eLearning course. It plays a key role in ensuring the data is tracked and reported correctly across various platforms, which is why its interoperability is essential.

When it comes to type, there are standalone SCORM players that integrate with your LMS or you can choose an LMS with already built-in SCORM support, such as LearnWorlds.

There are benefits to both a standalone SCORM play and a SCORM-compliant LMS, and choosing the right SCORM player for your course really boils down to what you need in terms of features, budget, and scaling possibilities.

Types of SCORM and Compatibility

There are several types of SCORM, including SCORM 1.1, SCORM 1.2, SCORM 2004 2nd Edition, SCORM 2004 3rd Edition, and SCORM 2004 4th Edition. The most widely used versions of SCORM are SCORM 1.2 and SCORM 2004 3rd Edition. Each version has its own set of features and capabilities, so it’s essential to choose the one that best meets your needs.

• SCORM 1.2: This version is known for its simplicity and widespread adoption. It provides basic tracking capabilities, such as completion status, time spent, and test scores. SCORM 1.2 is ideal for straightforward eLearning content that doesn’t require advanced sequencing or navigation.
• SCORM 2004 3rd Edition: This version offers more advanced features, including better sequencing and navigation controls, improved data tracking, and enhanced reporting capabilities. It’s suitable for more complex eLearning scenarios where detailed tracking and sophisticated learner interactions are required.

When choosing a SCORM version, consider the specific needs of your content and the requirements of your LMS. Ensure that your LMS supports the SCORM version you plan to use to avoid compatibility issues.

How to Choose the Best SCORM Player: Key Features to Look for

Choosing the right SCORM player can make all the difference in how your course content is accessed and engaged. The right pick can improve your learner’s experience and make the course easier for you to manage.

To help you make the right choice, we recommend prioritizing the following:

• Compatibility with your LMS
• User interface and ease of use
• Reporting and analytics
• SCORM version support and interoperability with other standards
• JavaScript support and functionality
• Scalability
• Mobile compatibility
• Pricing and value

Here’s a closer look at each of those individually.

Compatibility with your LMS

You want a SCORM player that integrates smoothly with your current LMS. A compatible SCORM player decreases your chances of having technical issues and helps your courses run smoothly. If you want to keep things as simple as possible, you can always use an LMS with built-in SCORM support like LearnWorlds.

Using an LMS with SCORM support means you can host, manage, and track your SCORM content without needing a separate integration. Think of it as an all-in-one solution – the benefits of a SCORM player combined with powerful LMS functionality and all managed from one place.

User interface and ease of use

A user-friendly SCORM player makes things easy for you and for your learners. Look for a SCORM player that has simple navigation when it comes to uploading course content and has an intuitive interface for learners. Plugins for additional functionality such as popup quizzes or interactive elements are another feature to look out for.

Reporting and analytics

Tracking course engagement and progress is one of the best ways to understand what is working and what is not. Look for a player with detailed reporting and customizable reports so you can find the information you’re looking for and use it to make any needed adjustments.

SCORM version support and interoperability with other standards

Check that the SCORM player has full conformance with your SCORM version (SCORM 1.2, SCORM 2004, or both). A SCORM player that also supports other learning standards like xAPI, AICC, or cmi5 can also offer you flexibility and help futureproof your content.

JavaScript support and functionality

Choose a SCORM player that supports JavaScript to give you dynamic content and interactivity in your courses. Both of these help boost learner engagement and performance and make it easier for you to track learner actions. A robust SCORM engine ensures that your SCORM player can handle complex interactions and data tracking efficiently.

Scalability

Consider whether a SCORM player can grow with your future needs. If your course offerings or learning base expands, can the player handle the increased demand without performance issues? Check that the SCORM player offers flexible features and templates that make it possible to support many courses or learners as you scale.

Mobile compatibility

Having a mobile-accessible course can increase learner engagement and completion rates. Making sure your course is compatible across mobile devices is no longer a “nice-to-have” – it’s the new standard, and having a mobile-friendly SCORM player will keep your content accessible for your learners.

Pricing and value

After considering all of these features, it’s also important to think about pricing and value. Many SCORM players have free trials or tiered plans, so you can always test a few before deciding which one best fits your needs and your budget.

Top 6 SCORM Players for eLearning

Now that you know what to look for when choosing your SCORM player or SCORM-compatible LMS, you can select which will work best for you. We’ve compared the top SCORM players for eLearning here, including aspects like features, pricing, and pros and cons to help you get started.

SCORM Player	Best for	Standout feature	Needs additional LMS	Pricing
LearnWorlds	All-in-one LMS for course creators and organizations	Advanced reporting and analytics tools	No	Free 30-day trial; starts at $24/month
SCORM Cloud	Developers and designers testing SCORM content	Flexible API for seamless SCORM testing and LMS integration	Yes	Free 30-day trial; starts at $40/month
SC Training	Small businesses with budget constraints	Simple and affordable SCORM support for small teams	No	Free for up to 10 users; $24/admin + $5 per learner
Totara Learning	Large organizations needing scalability and customization	Highly customizable for enterprise-level flexibility	No	Pricing on request
Adobe Learning Manager	Enterprises wanting Adobe ecosystem integration	AI-powered personalized learning paths	No	Pricing on request
Lectora	Instructional designers creating complex content	Advanced course authoring and SCORM publishing	Yes	Free 30-day trial; starts at $117/month (paid annually)

Best for	Standout feature	Needs additional LMS	Pricing
SCORM Player
LearnWorlds
All-in-one LMS for course creators and organizations	Advanced reporting and analytics tools	No	Free 30-day trial; starts at $24/month
SCORM Cloud
Developers and designers testing SCORM content	Flexible API for seamless SCORM testing and LMS integration	Yes	Free 30-day trial; starts at $40/month
SC Training
Small businesses with budget constraints	Simple and affordable SCORM support for small teams	No	Free for up to 10 users; $24/admin + $5 per learner
Totara Learning
Large organizations needing scalability and customization	Highly customizable for enterprise-level flexibility	No	Pricing on request
Adobe Learning Manager
Enterprises wanting Adobe ecosystem integration	AI-powered personalized learning paths	No	Pricing on request
Lectora
Instructional designers creating complex content	Advanced course authoring and SCORM publishing	Yes	Free 30-day trial; starts at $117/month (paid annually)

LearnWorlds

Best for: Course creators and organizations looking for an all-in-one LMS platform with excellent SCORM compatibility, advanced reporting, and course creation tools.

LearnWorlds is an ideal platform for hosting SCORM-compliant courses. This LMS supports both SCORM 1.2 and SCORM 2004 and offers advanced reporting and analytics tools so you can track your learner progress and engagement in real time.

LearnWorlds’ powerful course creation tools and mobile compatibility coupled with its customizable reporting capabilities make it a powerful platform for both small and large-scale eLearning organizations.

Key features:

• SCORM 1.2 and SCORM 2004 support
• Advanced reporting and learner analytics
• Mobile-friendly
• Interactive content creation tools with custom HTML and JavaScript capabilities
• Easy to upload SCORM files and configure content
• Third-party tool integrations
• Customizable branding options
• AI-powered personalized learning paths

Pricing:

• Free 30-day trial
• Base price starts at $24/month

SCORM Cloud

Best for: Developers or instructional designers who need to test SCORM content before deployment.

SCORM Cloud excels at testing SCORM content and integrating it with other systems, making it a simple solution for course creators who want to make sure their SCORM courses function smoothly. Users who choose SCORM Cloud will still need to integrate their content into a separate eLearning platform or LMS.

Key features:

• SCORM 1.2 and SCORM 2004 support
• SCORM content testing and tracking
• Integrates smoothly with third-party systems
• Supports Tin Can API (xAPI) to enhance interoperability
• Straightforward interface that makes testing quick and easy

Pricing:

• Free 30-day trial
• Starts at $40/month

SC Training

Best for: Very small businesses or teams looking for a budget SCORM player for hosting and tracking SCORM-based online training content.

SC Training (formerly EdApp) is perfect for organizations that need a SCORM-supported LMS with basic reporting to host small trainings. It’s budget-friendly and is designed to provide course delivery and learning management on a small scale.

It may not boast some of the features of larger LMSs, but it’s straightforward to use for most, making it a good choice if you need something simple.

Key features:

• SCORM 1.2 and SCORM 2004 support
• Basic learner tracking and reporting
• User-friendly interface
• Customizable branding options

Pricing:

• Possibility to be free (up to 10 users)
• $24/admin +$5 per learner (with higher tier options)

Totara Learning

Best for: Large organizations or enterprises who need something highly scalable and customizable.

Totara Learning is an open-source LMS with full SCORM support. It’s highly flexible and may be well suited for large organizations that need to create a tailored learning experience while also taking advantage of the ability to track learner progress and integration with third-party platforms.

Key features:

• SCORM 1.2 and SCORM 2004 support
• Customizable user interface
• Integration with third-party tools and business systems

Pricing:

• Available upon request

Adobe Learning Manager

Best for: Creators who want a user-friendly LMS with SCORM support that integrates with other Adobe tools.

Adobe Learning Manager (formerly Adobe Captivate Prime) works well for enterprise-grade organizations who want an LMS with built-in SCORM support designed to integrate with other Adobe products. It offers customizable learning paths and AI-powered recommendations along with tracking and analytics.

Key features:

• SCORM 1.2 and SCORM 2004 support
• AI-powered personalized learning paths
• Integrates with Adobe Captivate

Pricing:

• Available upon request, based on monthly/registered users

Lectora

Best for: Instructional designers and course creators who need an advanced authoring tool with SCORM compliance.

Lectora is what is known as an authoring tool, meaning you can use it to create your SCORM-compliant course content but will still need to integrate it into an LMS when it’s finished. For those who want to design complex and interactive learning content ready to integrate into an LMS, Lectora positions itself as the “ultimate course-authoring playground.”

Key features:

• Multiple SCORM versions support (SCORM 1.2 and SCORM 2004)
• Advanced authoring tools
• Basic results tracking

Pricing:

• Free 30-day trial available
• Starts at $117/month (paid as a 1-year lump sum upfront)

Now that you’ve compared the top SCORM players, you might want to understand how to upload and manage your SCORM content for your eLearning course.

Uploading and Managing SCORM Packages in Your LMS

Once you’ve chosen the right SCORM player for you, it’s time to start crafting your SCORM content. Understanding how to upload and manage your SCORM content efficiently can improve your learner experiences and make your tracking more accurate.

Here’s a basic checklist to follow when uploading and managing your SCORM content in your LMS:

• Verify SCORM compatibility (make sure it works with the correct SCORM version)
• Check that your SCORM content is packaged correctly as a .zip file and contains the required files (such as the .xml manifest)
• Log in to your LMS dashboard and head to where you manage course content
• Upload your SCORM files in the course creation or editing area
• Configure tracking and reporting settings for registrations and learner activity
• Test your SCORM package to check it loads correctly and the tracking works as expected
• Test that learner progress and scores are being recorded
• Publish and monitor using your LMS’s reporting tools

Here’s a detailed breakdown of what this can look like in practice, using LearnWorlds as an example:

How to upload and manage SCORM Content in LearnWorlds

Since LearnWorlds is an LMS with built-in SCORM support, there is no need to create your SCORM content elsewhere and integrate it into LearnWorlds through a separate SCORM player.

Simply follow these steps to upload and manage your SCORM content in LearnWorlds.

Step 1: Log into your LearnWorld’s dashboard

To create a SCORM activity:

• Click on your course’s Course Outline
• Click on Add Learning Activity in the section where you’d like to add SCORM content
• Select SCORM/HTML5 Package
• Add a title and click SAVE

Step 2: Upload your SCORM files

• Hover over the newly added activity and click Settings
• Upload your SCORM file (as a .zip) and don’t forget to include the manifest .xml

Step 3: Set tracking options

• Use SCORM Completion Rules to track completion based on SCORM settings
• Choose Track Student Time to see how long learners spend on an activity

Step 4: Test your content

• Click Preview to see how the SCORM activity works
• Double-check all tracking and completion rules are working properly

Step 5: Manage and edit SCORM content

• Edit or replace the SCORM package if needed by hovering over the activity and choosing Settings
• Drag and drop to reorganize your course content

Step 6: Track learner progress

• Use LearnWorld’s Reporting tools to monitor your learner progress and make adjustments accordingly

💡Bonus tip: With LearnWorlds you can also upload graded SCORM activities.

To do so go to > Course Outline → Add Activity → select Graded SCORM Package → create a Title → Save → Settings. In the settings, make sure your SCORM content includes scoring settings and enable grading.

Use SCORM Content to Enhance your eLearning Courses

SCORM-compliant content ensures compatibility, helps you track learner progress, and optimizes your overall course offerings. With the right SCORM player – whether it’s standalone or an LMS with built-in SCORM support like LearnWorlds – you can make your content management more efficient and improve your learner experience.

Ready to streamline your course management? Get your free trial with LearnWorlds and experience the benefits of SCORM integration for yourself.

FAQs

How do I know if a SCORM player is compatible with my LMS?

To see if your SCORM player is compatible with your LMS, check your LMS documentation for SCORM compatibility. Most modern LMSs support SCORM, but it’s always a good idea to double-check that yours supports the version you need.

What is the difference between SCORM 1.2 and SCORM 2004 in terms of player support?

SCORM 1.2 offers basic tracking, while SCORM 2004 provides more advanced features like sequencing and reporting.

Can I use a SCORM player without an LMS?

Some SCORM players launch content locally on a computer without an LMS, but you’ll lose the full functionality that SCORM is known for, like tracking and reporting. To get the most benefits, we highly recommend using an LMS.

Why choose an LMS with built-in SCORM support instead of integrating a standalone player with an LMS?

An LMS with built-in SCORM support offers a smoother and more reliable experience. Integrating a standalone player can be more complex and you may run into compatibility issues. With an LMS offering built-in SCORM support, you get the benefits of tracking, reporting, and learner management all in one place.