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A Beginner's Guide to Building a SCORM Course from Scratch


Building a SCORM Course from Scratch

What Is SCORM and Why It Matters

SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) is a set of technical standards for e-learning software. It ensures that online learning content and Learning Management Systems (LMS) can work together. SCORM defines how content should be packaged and how it should communicate with an LMS, tracking things like completion, scores, and time spent.


If you're new to online learning or instructional design, understanding SCORM is essential if you want your courses to be compatible across platforms. Whether you're creating training modules for corporate teams or educational content for students, SCORM ensures your material works seamlessly in a standardized ecosystem.



Step 1: Understand the Core Components of SCORM

Before you start building, know the basic pieces:

  • SCO (Sharable Content Object): The smallest unit of a SCORM course that can be independently launched and tracked by the LMS.

  • Manifest File (imsmanifest.xml): The backbone of any SCORM package. It tells the LMS what files are in the course and how they relate to each other.

  • SCORM API: The bridge that lets your course talk to the LMS, reporting learner progress and other data.


Step 2: Define Your Learning Objectives

Clear learning objectives guide the structure and content of your course. Ask yourself:

  • What should the learner know or be able to do after completing the course?

  • How will I assess whether the learner has achieved these goals?

Map each module or unit to a specific outcome. This ensures your content stays focused and measurable.


Step 3: Choose Your Tools Wisely

You can build SCORM courses using various tools, depending on your budget, technical skill, and design needs.


Authoring Tools (No Coding Required)

These platforms handle SCORM compliance for you:

  • Articulate Storyline

  • Adobe Captivate

  • iSpring Suite

  • Lectora

These tools let you build slides, quizzes, interactions, and videos using drag-and-drop interfaces. They export directly to SCORM.


Manual (For Developers)

If you're building from scratch:

  • Use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for content

  • Manually write the imsmanifest.xml file

  • Integrate the SCORM API for tracking

  • Use the SCORM Test Suite or SCORM Cloud to validate your package


Step 4: Develop the Content

This is where your course takes shape. Structure your content into modules or lessons. Include a mix of:

  • Text and visuals

  • Audio narration

  • Interactive elements (click-to-reveal, drag-and-drop, etc.)

  • Quizzes and assessments

Use consistent layouts, fonts, and colors to keep the experience cohesive. Stick to bite-sized segments to maintain engagement.


Step 5: Add SCORM Functionality

If Using an Authoring Tool

Simply choose the "Export to SCORM" option. Most tools let you select SCORM 1.2 or SCORM 2004. SCORM 1.2 is more widely supported, but SCORM 2004 offers better tracking and sequencing.


If Building Manually

  1. Add the SCORM API wrapper: Include JavaScript that connects your course to the LMS.

  2. Initialize communication: On course launch, call LMSInitialize().

  3. Track progress: Use functions like LMSSetValue() to record scores or completion.

  4. End communication: On exit, call LMSFinish() to close the session cleanly.

  5. Create the manifest file: imsmanifest.xml lists all resources and defines the structure.


Step 6: Package and Test

Package everything into a ZIP file. The root of your ZIP should include:

  • imsmanifest.xml

  • All HTML, media, and script files used in the course


Test Your Course

Before uploading to an LMS, test your SCORM package using:


Check for:

  • Proper launch behavior

  • Accurate tracking of completion and scores

  • Navigation and media playback


Step 7: Deploy to an LMS

Once tested, upload your SCORM package to your LMS. Each LMS has a slightly different process, but typically involves:

  1. Logging in as an administrator

  2. Navigating to the course upload section

  3. Uploading the ZIP file

  4. Setting course availability and enrollment

Verify that tracking, quizzes, and course progress are functioning as expected.


Step 8: Gather Feedback and Iterate

After deployment, gather feedback from learners. Look for issues like:

  • Confusing navigation

  • Technical glitches

  • Misaligned assessments

Use LMS reports to spot drop-off points and common stumbling blocks. Iterate based on both data and user input to improve the course over time.


Tips for SCORM Success

  • Keep it modular: Break your content into short, focused SCOs.

  • Use descriptive metadata: This helps LMSs and users understand the course structure.

  • Design for accessibility: Use alt text, keyboard navigation, and transcripts.

  • Test on multiple devices: Ensure your course works across desktops, tablets, and phones.

  • Back up your source files: Don’t rely solely on the exported SCORM package.


Alternatives and Add-Ons

While SCORM is widely used, it's not the only standard. Consider:

  • xAPI (Tin Can API): Tracks learning outside of LMSs (e.g., mobile apps, simulations).

  • cmi5: A modern SCORM replacement that works with xAPI but provides LMS compatibility.

Some authoring tools support exporting to these formats as well. Choose based on your tracking and delivery needs.


Summary

Building a SCORM course from scratch might seem technical at first, but once you understand the components and workflow, it becomes manageable. Whether you're using an authoring tool or developing manually, the key is staying organized, testing thoroughly, and always putting the learner experience first.


With the right approach, you can create flexible, trackable, and engaging e-learning experiences that work across platforms and devices.


About LMS Portals

At LMS Portals, we provide our clients and partners with a mobile-responsive, SaaS-based, multi-tenant learning management system that allows you to launch a dedicated training environment (a portal) for each of your unique audiences.


The system includes built-in, SCORM-compliant rapid course development software that provides a drag and drop engine to enable most anyone to build engaging courses quickly and easily. 


We also offer a complete library of ready-made courses, covering most every aspect of corporate training and employee development.


If you choose to, you can create Learning Paths to deliver courses in a logical progression and add structure to your training program.  The system also supports Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) and provides tools for social learning.


Together, these features make LMS Portals the ideal SaaS-based eLearning platform for our clients and our Reseller partners.


Contact us today to get started or visit our Partner Program pages

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