SCORM, xAPI and H5P: the differences and which to choose for your content

What is SCORM?

SCORM is a standard that lets a content package run inside any compatible learning platform, and it records a fixed, predefined set of data such as completion status, score, and time. Most popular authoring tools, such as Articulate and iSpring, export it.

• Strengths

  It is widely used and supported by most platforms, so courses move easily between systems.

• Limitations

  It works inside the browser and the platform, and doesn't capture the full picture of what a person learns outside it. Always ask about the version (1.2 or 2004), as they behave differently.

What is xAPI?

xAPI records any learning experience, not just what happens inside the platform, because the developer defines what data to record. It needs a dedicated data store called an LRS, and it doesn't define content launch rules or completion criteria. It suits tracking learning across mobile apps, simulations, and hands-on training.

And what is cmi5?

cmi5 combines the flexibility of xAPI with a structure close to SCORM, adding clear launch and completion rules. It needs a platform that supports it and connects to a suitable LRS.

• What it records

  SCORM: a fixed set of data — xAPI: whatever the developer defines — cmi5: whatever the developer defines, within an organized structure

• What it needs

  SCORM: a compatible platform — xAPI: an LRS — cmi5: a supporting platform plus an LRS

• Launch and completion

  SCORM: defined — xAPI: not defined — cmi5: defined

• Best for

  SCORM: traditional platform courses — xAPI: tracking learning outside the platform — cmi5: combining both

And what is H5P?

H5P (HTML5 Package) is a tool for creating interactive content: interactive video, questions, and presentations. In Moodle it can be used through the content bank, the H5P activity, or embedded inside other activities, and the content types must be installed on the server. Important: Moodle's documentation recommends using the Quiz activity, not H5P, for summative assessment such as exams, for security reasons. See the online exams article.

How to choose

• You have ready-made content from an authoring tool or vendor

  SCORM.

• You want to track interactions outside the platform or in a mobile app

  xAPI with an LRS, which needs advance planning.

• Your team builds short interactive content

  H5P.

• Formal assessment or exam

  The platform's own Quiz activity.

Common mistakes

• Buying SCORM content without testing it on your platform

  Ask for a trial copy and run it first.

• Assuming every platform records SCORM data the same way

• Contracting for "full tracking" without defining the data needed and how it will be used

• Producing heavy videos and packages that stall on an average internet connection

• Keeping only the exported package and losing the original project files

Frequently asked questions

• Does Moodle support these formats?

  Moodle supports SCORM and H5P packages. xAPI usually needs plugins or an LRS setup, so ask your provider what your version supports.

• Which is better: SCORM or H5P?

  Neither is better in absolute terms. SCORM is for packaged ready-made courses, and H5P for building short interactive elements inside the platform.

• Do I need xAPI?

  Not if all your learning happens inside the platform. You need it when you want to track activity outside it.

Sources

• xAPI.com

  Comparison of SCORM, xAPI and cmi5.

• Moodle documentation

  H5P.