How to Create a SCORM Package to Upload to Your LMS [including Templates]

When it comes to using SCORM for training content, having a solid understanding of how to use this component and make it work for you is extremely beneficial.

Understanding SCORM or SCORM packages can not only help to save you from making common mistakes that can cost you time or money but provides confidence to dive deeper into creating better training materials.

Though using or even understanding how SCORM packages work can feel dismal, it’s far from it. In this article, you’ll get a comprehensive guide into how to create a SCORM package, answers to your burning questions, how to upload it to a SCORM-compliant LMS, and more.

Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

• What is SCORM?
• What is a SCORM Package?
• Benefits of SCORM Packages
• Types of Files in a SCORM Package
• How to Create a SCORM Package
• How to Add a SCORM Course to an LMS
• What is a SCORM Wrapper?
• How to Open a SCORM Package
• How to Test a SCORM Package
• SCORM FAQs

What is SCORM?

SCORM, also known as Shareable Content Reference Model, is a format that is used to export and upload training content into a learning management system (LMS) that is SCORM-compliant. SCORM is one of the industry standard file formats commonly used by LMS systems and training experts.

What is a SCORM Package?

A SCORM package isn’t as complicated as it may sound. It’s simply a SCORM file that’s in a zip folder containing all the data or information needed to work correctly with an LMS. A SCORM package is also referred to by alternative names such as SCORM module or Package Interchange File (PIF).

Benefits of SCORM Packages

SCORM packages, primarily SCORM itself, comes with added benefits when compared to other LMS-export options, a few of which include:

Most Used File Format for LMS

SCORM is one of the most used file formats for LMS. In fact, most highly ranked LMS platforms are SCORM-compliant. Platforms that are SCORM compliant are designed to not only accommodate but work well with SCORM files when compared to other LMS-export files.

This means that regardless of where you go, you’ll easily be able to find an LMS platform or content authoring tool that uses SCORM packages to upload your training material.

Track Your Trainee’s Learning

With SCORM packages, you can track your trainee’s results in the LMS platform. When a SCORM package is uploaded to an LMS platform, it can offer feedback on the trainee’s course status, such as completed, passed, browsed, incomplete, or failed, depending on the SCORM version.

Plus, unlike other export formats, SCORM allows trainees to go at their own pace without the need to finish their training in one go. Training courses uploaded in SCORM packages can be closed in the LMS program at any point, and the trainee will continue exactly where they left off.

Control Over Your Course

SCORM packaging offer you more control over how your training course is structured, allowing you to lay out each step of your course’s module. For example, if you launched a new product, you could showcase a product video in module one to teach your trainees and then follow up with an interactive quiz to test their knowledge of the product.

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Types of Files in a SCORM Package

Every SCORM package includes files that are essential to its communication and functionality within an LMS, which is why it’s usually referred to as the course’s manifest file.

There are three important types of files that are always included in a SCORM package and should never be deleted or meddled with, including:

• XML Manifest Files: These files contain a unique identifier, metadata for describing the package, its SCORM version (SCORM 2004 or 1.2) and resource definitions that list all files needed to communicate and deliver resources and learning activities.
• Resource File: These work in sync with the XML files, as they store the assets (content and activities used in the course). In layman's terms, they act as “a part” course, as it holds all your essential training resources.
• Schema (XSD & DTD) Files: These define the formal grammar of a well-formatted XML document. Each version of the schema files, .xsd, and .dtd are used based on the version of SCORM you’ve exported your content to, as they define the format of the manifest file.

How to Create a SCORM Package

In the past, you had to go to a programmer or a training and development specialist to create a SCORM package for you, but with new content authoring tools, you can cut out the middleman and do it yourself. The best part is that you can create a SCORM package in Visme.

Step 1: Create Your Content

First, you’ll need to create your training content. If you’re not sure where to start, dive into Visme’s template library. Each template is created by a professional designer, so you can start your course off on the right foot without the need for coding or design experience.

Go to the training template section to find training content, including presentations, videos, infographics, manuals and interactive quizzes.

Save time by using Visme's AI-powered brand wizard to find templates that match your brand. The brand wizard will automatically give you access to a variety of branded templates that match your business’s fonts, colors and more.

But the Brand Wizard isn’t the only AI-powered feature that helps to elevate your training content. You can also use the AI Writer to assist you in writing, proofreading, editing, or summarizing your training text or instructions, helping you to work smart and not hard.

You can add Dynamic Fields to your template to further your customization. It allows you to automatically insert your personal and company information or personalize the fields that are instantly updated across all your projects to avoid manually updating training content across your company.

Still need help deciding how to create training content? Take a look at this quick guide: How to Create Visually Stunning Corporate Training Materials (+10 Templates).

Step 2: Customize Your Template

Once you’ve selected the template of your choice, start customizing it with Visme’s ready-to-use icons, charts, maps, stock photos and videos. You can also upload your own resources, record your sessions, edit videos and more.

If you’re struggling to find the perfect images or graphics for your template, use the AI Image Generator instead. Bring your ideas to life with a single prompt, and choose from a variety of output styles, including photos, paintings, pencil drawings, 3D graphics, icons, or abstract art, to create custom graphics for your training content.

When you’re adding these elements, don’t forget to make your training content engaging. The last thing you want is for your trainees to get bored and develop a knowledge gap because they weren’t paying attention.

To avoid this, simply add interactivity at each point of your course. Interactive learning encourages trainees to interact with the course work, retain knowledge, and, most of all, stay engaged. Check out our latest video on how to use Visme to add interactivity to your learning content.

Step 3: Export Your SCORM Package

Once you’ve finished, it’s time to export your content in a SCORM package by following these instructions:

• Start by going to the “Download” button located at the top right-hand corner of your screen. This will prompt a pop-up screen with multiple download options.
• Select “LMS”, and from there you’ll have the option to export in SCORM or xAPI. Select SCORM, and then choose the version of SCORM you’d like your SCORM package to be exported in (either SCORM 2004 or SCORM 1.2).
• Finally, click “download”, and your SCORM package will be ready in seconds.

Step 4: Upload to Your LMS of Choice

Head to your LMS of choice, and then follow the given instructions to upload it. From there, you’ll be able to coordinate your training content and publish it for your trainees to take part in.

How to Add a SCORM Course to an LMS

Based on the type of LMS you’ve selected to host your SCORM package, you’ll be given specific instructions on how to upload it.

Below, we’ve listed five of the most-used LMS platforms and how you can add a SCORM package or course to them. However, if you haven’t gotten around to picking your LMS yet, check out this list of the best LMS platforms you can choose from.

iSpring Learn

• Start by logging into your iSpring LMS. From there:
• Select the “Content” tab on the top hand menu.
• Add or use a current "Content Library”, and then select “Manage” on the right-hand side in bold blue under the “Actions” column.
• You’ll be prompted with a list of tabs; select “SCORM”.
• From there, you’ll be given the option to add your SCORM package to a module. Select “+SCORM.”
• A pop-up will appear. Click on “Choose File”. After selecting your SCORM package, click “Upload” to import the file into the system.
• You’ll see your successfully uploaded file under the “SCORM” tab/page.

TalentLMS

Once you’ve signed into your Talent LMS account as an instructor, go to a course page. From there:

• Click the “Add” icon, and from there a drop-down menu will appear. Choose “SCORM | xAPI | cmi5.”
• You can drag and drop your SCORM package directly into the content area OR click “Upload a SCORM, xAPI or cmi5 ZIP file” and select the file from your computer.
• In the “Show as” drop-down list, choose whether you want it to be embedded or show up as a pop-up dialog box.
• Once the file is uploaded, you’ll be able to see the width and height in pixels of your content.
• Click “Save and view” to add the uploaded file to your course.

Moodle LMS

Moodle LMS has two methods for uploading your SCORM package: a quick method and a long-form method. The difference between the two, apart from the time it takes, is that the quick version doesn't work well on older versions of Internet Explorer.

The quick method:

• Select the “Turn editing on” button located on the top right of the course page.
• You can then drag and drop your SCORM package into the course section, then you’ll be prompted with a pop-up. Select “Add a SCORM Package”, then click the upload button.
• If you need to change the title of your SCORM file, simply click the pencil icon or click the editing icon on the right.

The longer method:

• Select the “Turn editing on” button located on the top right of the course page.
• Then select the option “Add an activity or resource” in the section you want to add your SCORM package to.
• In the activity chooser, select “SCORM package”, then click the “Add” button.
• Provide a name and a description (this may be required or optional based on your admin settings).
• You can either drag and drop the SCORM package into the box prompt or click the “Add” button to open the Moodle file picker menu so you can grab the file from your computer.
• Once done, click the “Save and display” button located at the bottom of the page.

Litmos LMS

Once you’ve logged into your Litmos account, ensure you’re the administrator or course author in order to add your SCORM package. From there:

• On the main top banner, select “Courses.”
• You’ll be taken to the page where you can add and manage courses uploaded. On the right-hand side, select the “Create a new course” button in bold yellow/orange.
• You’ll be taken to a page that will prompt you to add a course title, description and reference code (if any).
• From there you’ll be able to upload your file by clicking the button on the right-hand side labeled “Add contents.”
• Drag your SCORM course to the “Upload” window or click “Choose a file” and upload it.
• Once it’s uploaded, you’ll be asked to add module details (module title, description, etc.) and click “Save.”
• Your file should be uploaded. However, larger zip files can take up to 30 minutes to upload.
• The successfully uploaded file will be located under your content list in the “Content” section of your profile.

Canvas

Head to your navigation menu once you’ve logged in, and then:

• Select “SCORM”, and from there you’ll be taken to a page that will prompt you to click “Upload.”
• Select your SCORM package and wait for the file to be uploaded. Based on how big the file is, it can take a while for it to be processed. Once it’s started to upload, a process bar will appear to let you know the file’s status.
• Once the upload is complete, you’ll be prompted to decide if the import is a “graded or an ungraded assignment” under the “Choose import type” drop-down menu.
• Edit the assignment to add necessary instructions, point value, due date, and so on. Do not change anything in the "Submission Type" field.
• Click save, and then publish the content or assignment.

What is a SCORM Wrapper?

A SCORM wrapper is simply another name for a SCORM package. Some platforms may refer to it as a SCORM course or SCORM file as well.

How to Open a SCORM Package

Since a SCORM package is simply a zipped file or a set of compressed files, all you need to do is go to where the downloaded file is kept on your computer.

Right click on the file, and from there scroll to find the option to “Extract All” and click it. This simply means it’s going to uncompress or unzip the file.

From there, you’ll be prompted to select where you want your extracted files to be placed. Make your selection or leave it as is and click “Extract” in the lower right-hand corner.

Then head to the selected location on your computer to find your open SCORM package.

How to Test a SCORM package

After you’ve uploaded your SCORM package to your LMS, the next step is to test it. So how do you test a SCORM package? You go through your module and course to experience it as a student would if they started it themselves. Some LMS platforms come with features that allow you to test SCORM packages within the LMS as a course creator or administrator, but other LMS platforms might need you to do it manually.

When you’re testing your SCORM package, here are a few best practices to follow:

• Test the grading system: Take the test in your course and see how accurate the test results are, as they are a big indicator of how well trainees will do in the course.
• Track your LMS-SCORM activities: Go through the course test for incompletion, if the system picks up where you left off, captures the history accurately, or restarts the progress on its own.
• Check for any bugs in the process: You might not always catch them, but test to see if they’re any glitches or bugs when the course is launched or engaged with that would interfere with the learning process.

SCORM FAQs

Q. What are the Different Versions of SCORM?

There have been multiple versions of SCORM since its creation; it has had seven different versions, one after the other, each updated with features to improve the user’s LMS and training experience. These different versions of SCORM include:

• SCORM 10: Launched in January 2000.
• SCORM 1.1: Launched in January 2001.
• SCORM 1.2: Launched in October 2001
• SCORM 2004 1st Edition: Launched in January 2004
• SCORM 2004 2nd Edition: Launched in July 2004
• SCORM 2004 3rd Edition: Launched in Oct 2006
• SCORM 2004 4th edition: Launched in Oct 2009

Q. How is SCORM Produced?

SCORM is produced by combining HTML, JavaScript and XML files into a package or zipped folder that can be uploaded to any SCORM-compliant LMS.

Q. What does SCORM stand for?

SCORM stands for Sharable Content Object Reference Model. It's a technical standard used in e-learning software products.

Q. What is the difference between SCORM and LMS?

SCORM is a content format, while LMS is a platform that allows users to create, manage, and deliver online courses. You have to create SCORM content that can be uploaded and executed on an LMS.

Q. Why do people use SCORM?

There are several reasons why people use SCORM, including the ease of finding content authoring tools that can create SCORM files and the widespread use of LMS with SCORM-friendly functionality among experts

Q. What is the disadvantage of SCORM?

One disadvantage of SCORM is that it can be difficult to update or modify once it's been created, as it requires technical expertise. It also doesn’t offer detailed tracking or allow users to create more advanced gamification.

Q. What is replacing SCORM?

While SCORM is still widely used, it is being replaced with xAPI. xAPI provides more modern and advanced features when compared to SCORM which can be more traditional. To learn more about the difference between the two content formats check out this detailed guide xAPI vs SCORM: How to Choose the Best LMS-export Option for You.

Create Your Next SCORM Package With Visme

Visme is not only a SCORM package creator but an all-in-one content authoring platform with intuitive features and tools. It provides a combination of complex and simple design features that allow non-designers to create without constraints. Anyone with or without design experience can create professionally designed training content in a matter of minutes.

Tap into team collaboration features such as direct comments, the ability to create team workflows, privacy controls and user permissions for teams to work on projects on a need-to-know basis. Choose to export your content in not only SCORM but xAPI, HTML and more, giving you more control over your content experience.

Visme also comes with a more affordable enterprise option when compared to other content tools such as Articulate, Storyline 360 or Adobe Creative Cloud. Click here to see what Visme can do for you and your company!

Written by Victoria Taylor

Victoria is a content marketing strategist and consultant focused on all things tech, B2B, and SaaS. She has nearly a decade of marketing experience, working with top brands to help them craft and execute content strategies that align with their business goals, ensuring the content stands out and delivers results. When she’s not creating content or writing articles, she’s traveling the world or reading a good book. Connect with her on Linkedin for quick marketing tips or check out her website.