What's an LMS?

A Learning Management System, or LMS, is a software program that facilitates the delivery and tracking of training courses. LMS systems are used in both corporate or education environments, but our focus is on the needs of corporate LMS users.

An important distinction should be made between a Learning Management System and computer-based training (CBT) or e-Learning. The LMS is only the software that delivers and tracks training, not the training itself. Some LMS systems will include tools to help you develop training content, but that is not the software's primary purpose. Training from several different sources that has been developed according to a standard supported by the LMS (i.e. SCORM or AICC compliant training) can be managed within a single LMS. Computer-based training (CBT) or e-Learning refers to an actual training course or module that is taken using a computer.

A typical LMS allows a company to do the following:

• Maintain a database of all users with profile data and specific training history
• View reports of individual, group and company-wide training information
• Deliver e-Learning courses/modules, recording detailed time, progress and score information
• Assign individual courses or programs of study to users, require users to complete any required pre-requisite courses before taking a course and limit access to certain courses

KEY FEATURES