When you hear terms like SCORM or xAPI thrown around in digital learning conversations, it’s easy to feel like you’ve stumbled into a developer meeting. But if you work in learning design, training, or education, there’s one term you should get familiar with: cmi5.
So, what is it—and why does it matter?
First, the Suitcase Analogy
Imagine your learning content is like a suitcase.
SCORM says:
“Here’s how to pack the suitcase and zip it up so it fits in the plane’s overhead locker (your LMS).”
But that suitcase only works on that specific plane.
xAPI, on the other hand, is much more flexible. It lets you track learning anywhere—on mobile apps, in simulations, or even in the real world. But it doesn’t tell you how to pack the suitcase or carry it.
cmi5 steps in as the missing piece. It gives you:
- The structure of SCORM (so content knows how to behave)
- The flexibility of xAPI (so content can work beyond the LMS)
It’s a modern set of rules that brings structure and freedom together.
Real-World Example: Meet Claire, the Training Manager
Claire is a Training Manager for a national retail chain. For years, her compliance and onboarding courses have lived safely inside the company LMS. Each module is built as a SCORM package—everything launches from the LMS dashboard. It’s familiar. It’s structured. It works… mostly.
But her workforce is changing.
Staff are more mobile now. New hires work across multiple locations, using phones and tablets on the shop floor. Some want to complete learning during their commute or from home before their first day.
Here’s the issue: SCORM doesn’t play well outside the LMS.
If learners try to open a SCORM course from a mobile app, an intranet, or a QR code on a poster, it either won’t launch, or it won’t track properly. Claire starts seeing more incomplete records. Learners are frustrated. IT blames browsers. Nobody wins.
Claire wants flexibility—without giving up structure. That’s where cmi5 comes in.
With cmi5-compliant content, Claire can:
- Launch learning from email links, QR codes, or mobile apps
- Still track completions, scores, and time spent
- Offer training in the flow of work, not just behind a login screen
What Makes cmi5 Different?
Here’s what sets cmi5 apart, in plain language:
- It works outside the LMS
- Learners can complete courses wherever it’s convenient—and cmi5 still tracks it all.
- It’s built on xAPI
- cmi5 uses xAPI behind the scenes, capturing rich data like time on task, attempts, and even video interactions.
- It fixes SCORM’s pain points
- No more browser errors, blocked pop-ups, or mysterious tracking failures.
- It enables modern delivery
- From mobile-first onboarding to in-the-field learning, cmi5 unlocks more flexible ways to deliver content.
Do I Have to Ditch SCORM?
Yes—SCORM content needs to be replaced with cmi5-compliant packages if you want to take advantage of this flexibility.
But that doesn’t mean starting from scratch:
- You can still use your existing LMS (if it supports cmi5) or connect it to a Learning Record Store (LRS).
- Many authoring tools (like Articulate, Lectora, and Adapt) are adding support for cmi5 export.
- You’ll keep the structure and reporting you’re used to, but gain more freedom in how you deliver it.
Why Should You Care?
If you’re involved in digital learning design or strategy, cmi5 matters because:
- It helps you future-proof your learning content.
- You can track learning more accurately—even if it happens outside the LMS.
- It opens the door to more flexible, mobile, and decentralised learning experiences.
Connecting the Dots: cmi5 and Decentralised Learning
As organisations move away from rigid, LMS-only models, the need to track learning wherever it happens becomes critical. Whether it’s mobile onboarding, field-based training, or learning embedded in the flow of work, decentralised learning environments demand flexibility—and accountability. cmi5 delivers both. By bridging the gap between structured content and open learning ecosystems, cmi5 makes it possible to track meaningful learning activity without forcing everything through a single platform.
It’s time to think outside the LMS. And cmi5 is the standard that helps make that possible.
Further Reading and Resources
- ADL cmi5 Overview The official source from the Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) Initiative explaining what cmi5 is and how it works. https://adlnet.gov/projects/cmi5
- xapi.com.au – Articles on xAPI and cmi5 Homegrown insights and articles on xAPI, decentralised learning, and emerging learning tech. https://xapi.com.au
- Project cmi5 Specification (GitHub) For those wanting a deeper dive into the technical rules behind cmi5. https://github.com/AICC/CMI-5_Spec_Current
- Why us cmi5 (Rustici Software) https://xapi.com/blog/why-use-cmi5/
- cmi5 Example Courses https://xapi.com/cmi5/example-course-templates/
- cmi5 Test Suite https://github.com/adlnet/CATAPULT/blob/main/lts/README.md
- cmi5 Best Practice https://www.adlnet.gov/assets/uploads/cmi5%20Best%20Practices%20Guide%20-%20From%20Conception%20to%20Conformance.pdf
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