Think about the most valuable thing you’ve learned in the last year. Did it happen in a structured training module, or was it through a real-world experience, conversation, or hands-on task?
Traditional learning systems can’t track these moments—but xAPI can. By capturing informal, mobile, and real-world learning, xAPI gives you a complete picture of learning and performance.
What Is xAPI? A Quick Overview
xAPI (Experience API), also known as Tin Can API, is a learning technology standard that allows learning data to be captured from anywhere—not just inside an LMS. Unlike SCORM, which mainly tracks course completion and quiz scores, xAPI can record learning experiences across multiple platforms, devices, and real-world activities.
Example: xAPI can track:
- A learner watching a YouTube tutorial.
- A sales rep practicing a pitch in a VR simulation.
- A manager mentoring an employee.
- A field technician troubleshooting an issue using a mobile guide.
It allows organisations to connect different learning experiences and get a fuller picture of how people learn—not just what they complete.
xAPI vs. SCORM: What’s the Difference?
For years, SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) has been the default standard for eLearning tracking. But it has limitations, especially in today’s digital learning environment.
How xAPI Works: Breaking It Down
Unlike SCORM, which depends on LMS-hosted courses, xAPI works through learning statements stored in an LRS (Learning Record Store).
Here’s how it works:
#1 A learning activity happens
Learning is no longer confined to a structured LMS course. With xAPI, any learning experience—whether formal or informal—can be tracked. This includes:
- Online activities: Watching a training video, completing an interactive module, or participating in a gamified quiz
- Real-world learning: Attending a workshop, completing a mentoring session, or engaging in hands-on technical training
- Mobile and offline learning: Reading an article, following an instructional guide, or solving a problem on the job
- Immersive learning experiences: Completing a VR simulation, practicing a skill in AR, or participating in a role-playing exercise
Whenever a learner engages with any of these activities, xAPI recognizes and records it.
#2 xAPI Records the Activity as a Statement
Each learning event is translated into an xAPI statement—a structured record that captures the experience.
These statements follow a simple but powerful format:
“Actor + Verb + Object”
Examples of xAPI Statements:
• “Alex completed cybersecurity training.”
• “Jordan attempted the sales simulation.”
• “Chris watched a leadership development video.”
• “Sam passed the customer service assessment.”
• “Taylor practiced conflict resolution in a VR scenario.”
The flexibility of this structure means any type of learning experience can be recorded in a standardised, measurable way.
#3 The Statement Is Sent to a Learning Record Store (LRS)
Instead of relying on an LMS to store completion data, xAPI uses a Learning Record Store (LRS)—a centralised database that collects, organises, and analyses all xAPI statements.
What the LRS does:
- Stores every learning interaction, whether it happens online, offline, in a mobile app, or in the workplace.
- Collects data from various sources to create a comprehensive picture of learner interactions and engagement.
- Integrates with an LMS (if needed) but can also function independently.
This is a major advantage over SCORM, which only tracks data within the LMS. With xAPI, you own the learning data and can use it across multiple systems, platforms, and analytics tools.
#4 The Organisation Uses This Data to Measure Learning Impact
Once xAPI statements are stored in the LRS, organisations can analyse the data to gain deeper insights into learning behaviours and outcomes.
What xAPI Data Can Reveal:
✔ Beyond “course completion” – See how learners engage with content, what they skip, and where they struggle
✔ Real-world application of learning – Track on-the-job training, skills practice, and applied knowledge
✔ Personalised learning paths – Use data to recommend customised training experiences based on learner behavior
✔ Cross-platform insights – Connect learning data from LMS, mobile, social learning, VR, and workplace activities
Example:
Instead of just knowing that “Alex completed cybersecurity training,” xAPI can show:
- How much time Alex spent on each section
- Whether Alex watched additional security awareness videos
- If Alex applied the knowledge in a hands-on phishing simulation
- How Alex performed in follow-up security quizzes or real-world tests
Choosing Between SCORM and xAPI: Which One Is Right for You?
If you’re still using SCORM, you might be wondering: Is it time to switch to xAPI? Here’s how to decide.
Stick with SCORM if…
- Your training happens exclusively inside an LMS
- You only need basic tracking (completion, scores, time spent)
- You don’t require mobile, offline, or real-world learning tracking
Upgrade to xAPI if…
- You want to track informal learning, including on-the-job training, mentorship, or simulations
- You need learning analytics across multiple platforms (VR, mobile, LMS, social learning)
- You want deeper insights into how learning happens, not just if a course was completed
- You’re moving towards adaptive learning and personalised learning paths
The bottom line?
If you’re only tracking compliance training inside an LMS, SCORM still works. But if you want modern, flexible learning analytics that reflect real-world learning, xAPI is the better choice.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Learning Measurement
As corporate learning evolves, xAPI is becoming essential for organisations that want to go beyond check-the-box training and focus on real learning outcomes. Whether you’re designing immersive simulations, tracking mentorship, or personalising learning paths, xAPI gives you a clearer picture of how people learn, not just what they complete.
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How Can We Help?
At Visuer, we specialize in designing and developing impactful eLearning experiences that go beyond traditional training. We collaborate with organisations to create engaging, data-driven learning programs that truly make a difference. Whether you’re looking to integrate xAPI, SCORM, enhance learner engagement, or modernise your training strategy, we’re here to help.
Email us at [email protected] or click here to contact us.
