XAPI, AICC, and SCORM are all communication protocols about how learning events talk to tracking systems. All are still in use today. AICC was the first standard, developed specifically for the aviation industry when there were no standards. It was useful enough that people outside of the industry started using it. Then SCORM was developed as a broader standard for all industries. XAPI is the much newer version that allows for more flexibility, especially with newer technology. At this point, AICC is rarely USED, but is still a valid standard. SCORM is the most commonly used standard (based on no DATA other than my own observations), but it isn?t really future-proofed. XAPI is the most forward-looking, but it has not been widely ADOPTED just yet.

Your first consideration is whether or not you already have an LMS. If you do, then you will be limited by what the LMS supports. Many LMSs do not support the xAPI standards, for EXAMPLE. Some LMSs support multiple standards, which mean you do have a choice. SCORM would work well for traditional course completion and quiz tracking, and xAPI lets you track other types of experiences. If you are searching for an LMS, I would recommend one that either has or is actively working on adopting xAPI.

The second consideration is to be very clear on what you WANT. What do you need to track? What do you want to do with that data? What tools will you are creating the content in? Until you know this, you won’t know what option is right for you.

XAPI, AICC, and SCORM are all communication protocols about how learning events talk to tracking systems. All are still in use today. AICC was the first standard, developed specifically for the aviation industry when there were no standards. It was useful enough that people outside of the industry started using it. Then SCORM was developed as a broader standard for all industries. XAPI is the much newer version that allows for more flexibility, especially with newer technology. At this point, AICC is rarely used, but is still a valid standard. SCORM is the most commonly used standard (based on no data other than my own observations), but it isn?t really future-proofed. XAPI is the most forward-looking, but it has not been widely adopted just yet.

Your first consideration is whether or not you already have an LMS. If you do, then you will be limited by what the LMS supports. Many LMSs do not support the xAPI standards, for example. Some LMSs support multiple standards, which mean you do have a choice. SCORM would work well for traditional course completion and quiz tracking, and xAPI lets you track other types of experiences. If you are searching for an LMS, I would recommend one that either has or is actively working on adopting xAPI.

The second consideration is to be very clear on what you want. What do you need to track? What do you want to do with that data? What tools will you are creating the content in? Until you know this, you won’t know what option is right for you.