Creating SCORM step by step (2026): Complete guide, tools, and ready-to-test template

Creating a SCORM package compatible with any LMS involves properly structuring the content, defining completion criteria, and validating tracking before publishing. If you’re looking for how to create SCORM, you likely need to solve something very specific: turning a course into a package that your LMS accepts and that accurately records progress, score, and completion status.

This is where real issues usually appear: the course opens but doesn’t mark as completed, the LMS doesn’t recognize the package, tracking doesn’t work as expected, or you simply don’t know which tool to choose to do it without relying on programming.

In this guide, you’ll find exactly what you need to avoid those errors:

• What a SCORM package must include to function properly.
• How to create SCORM step by step (from PowerPoint, a document, or from scratch).
• How to verify that it’s sending data to the LMS before publishing.
• Which version to choose: SCORM 1.2 or SCORM 2004, depending on your case.
• And a clear comparison of SCORM authoring tools for 2026, so you can make an informed decision about which one best fits your team.

Additionally, we include a minimum structure template and a practical validation guide, because creating the file is only part of the process: what truly matters is that it works without issues in production.

Ultimately, if your goal is to publish training in your LMS with confidence, without rework and without relying on developers, this guide is designed exactly for that.

What is SCORM and why it remains the standard that “just works”

SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) is an e-learning standard developed by ADL (Advanced Distributed Learning) that allows content to be imported into different LMS platforms and enables the LMS to track key learning data: status (completed/not completed), score, time, progress, and more.

In day-to-day operations, SCORM remains the most widely used format in corporate training because it solves one of the biggest challenges in corporate e-learning: cross-platform compatibility and reliable learning tracking.

Although alternatives such as xAPI exist, when the goal is to “upload it to the LMS and ensure it tracks properly,” SCORM is still the safest choice for most organizations.

What’s inside a SCORM package

A SCORM file is not “a course.” It’s a .zip file with a specific structure. Inside, you’ll typically find HTML, CSS, JavaScript, multimedia assets, and one essential file: imsmanifest.xml. This manifest file tells the LMS what’s inside the package, how it’s structured, and which resource should be launched.

If the manifest is incorrect, the LMS may:

• Fail to open the course.
• Open it but not track any data.
• Track data inconsistently (for example, learners complete it but it doesn’t register as completed).

The real challenge isn’t understanding what SCORM is—it’s ensuring that the package works correctly in the LMS.

Core components of a SCORM package

To create SCORM correctly, generating a .zip file is not enough. That file must follow a specific structure and meet technical requirements so the LMS can interpret it and track learner activity.

A SCORM package is essentially a structured and compressed set of files that includes everything needed to run an e-learning course and communicate with the platform. It’s not just visual content—it also contains technical instructions that enable learning tracking.

When you export a course as SCORM, it typically includes:

• HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files that define the course structure and functionality.
• Multimedia assets such as images, videos, or audio files.
• The imsmanifest.xml file, which acts as the course “map” and tells the LMS how the content is organized and what to launch.
• Elements or scripts that enable communication with the SCORM API to track data such as progress, score, and completion status.

If any of these components are misconfigured—especially the manifest file or the API communication—the course may open but fail to track learner activity properly. That’s where most issues arise.

ASSET vs SCO: a quick distinction

Within a SCORM package, there are two types of resources: ASSET and SCO (Sharable Content Object). Understanding the difference is not just technical—it directly impacts how the LMS tracks learner activity.

An ASSET is a static resource.
A SCO is a trackable unit that communicates with the LMS.

The right choice depends on what you need to measure.

Rule of thumb

If the content only needs to be viewed, it’s an ASSET. If the content needs to send data to the LMS (completion, score, time), it must be a SCO.

For example, in a course with four assessable modules, it’s common for each module to be an independent SCO. In contrast, an image or supporting document within that module would be an ASSET.

Making the right decision when structuring your SCORM package helps prevent future tracking and reporting issues in the LMS.

Examples of SCORM package components

Imagine you’re designing a course on Power Skills. You would start by defining the course units, such as:

1. Introduction to Power Skills.
2. Most relevant Power Skills.
3. Tools for developing Power Skills.
4. Steps to build a Power Skills training strategy.

In SCORM terms, this content translates into 4 SCOs, one for each course unit:

• SCO 1: Introduction to Power Skills.
• SCO 2: Most relevant Power Skills.
• SCO 3: Tools for developing Power Skills.
• SCO 4: Steps to build a Power Skills training strategy.

Within each unit, you may also include additional sub-units or structured learning elements, depending on the instructional design of each module.

Download a minimum SCORM package (structure + manifest + basic tracking)

When a SCORM package doesn’t properly track progress or completion, the question is always the same: is the issue in the content or in the LMS configuration?

Before rebuilding the course or changing settings blindly, the most effective approach is to use a validated minimum SCORM package as a control test. This type of template includes only the essentials required for LMS communication: a functional basic structure, a properly configured imsmanifest.xml file, and a simple completion event that sends data to the system.

What is it actually for? To isolate the source of the problem.

If this minimum SCORM package works in your LMS and correctly records completion status, the issue lies in your original package (structure, completion criteria, or tracking configuration).
If it doesn’t work either, the issue is most likely in the LMS configuration.

It’s not a replacement for an authoring tool or a production solution. It’s a diagnostic resource that helps you identify the root cause without wasting hours on unfocused testing.

How to create SCORM in 3 steps (the process that actually works)

Step 1: Choose the method (tool vs. manual) based on your context

If you’re creating simple, one-off content, you can rely on quick conversions (for example, from PowerPoint), as long as the course is linear and doesn’t require much interactivity. It’s a valid solution when you need speed and the tracking requirements are not complex.

If you’re producing training regularly, managing multiple courses, or need visual consistency, collaboration, and fewer technical issues, the standard approach is to use an authoring tool that exports stable, LMS-compatible SCORM packages.

Manually creating SCORM is also possible, but it involves building the manifest, integrating the SCORM API, properly defining tracking events, and testing each package before publishing. In practice, it only makes sense if you have a technical team and a very specific use case that cannot be solved with standard tools.

Practical conclusion: if your priority is full control and you have technical expertise, manual development may be appropriate. If your priority is efficiency, stability, and reducing production errors, an authoring tool is usually the safest and most scalable option.

Step 2: Design the course with tracking in mind—not just content

A common mistake is designing “a nice-looking presentation” and then exporting it as SCORM, assuming everything will track automatically. For SCORM to track correctly, you need to define what “completed” means and where that condition is triggered: at the end of the course, after passing a test, after viewing a certain number of screens, and so on.

This is where authoring tools typically save significant time, since they already include built-in navigation logic, assessments, and configurable completion criteria—without requiring any coding.

Step 3: Export, test, and validate before going live

This is the step most people skip—and the one that prevents the most issues. Before uploading your package to the “real” LMS, validate it in a neutral environment. For that purpose, SCORM Cloud is the de facto standard for independently testing SCORM packages.

If you’re not sure where to start when choosing your authoring tool, take a look at our Whitepaper: Step by step guide to choosing your perfect authoring tool.

Best tools to create SCORM [2026 Comparison]

Choosing the right software is key if you want to save time and avoid compatibility issues. However, there are many types of SCORM authoring tools on the market. Here are two main categories you can explore:

Free SCORM tools (when they make sense)

Free options can be a good fit when you need to run quick tests or validate a workflow, when you’re creating simple, one-off content, or when you don’t require advanced design or high levels of interactivity. That said, it’s important to keep in mind that they often come with common limitations, such as reduced customization, partial exports or fewer export options, a less optimized user experience, and limited scalability as the number of courses or content complexity grows.

Paid SCORM tools (why they’re worth it for companies)

If your company creates training on a recurring basis, a paid tool typically pays for itself through time savings in design and production, fewer issues during publishing and maintenance, visual consistency across courses and teams, and improved results thanks to more refined learning experiences (higher engagement and better completion rates).

In addition, paid tools usually provide ongoing support and regular updates—essential when you need long-term stability and compatibility with your LMS.

How to test your SCORM in SCORM Cloud (and what to review exactly)

Before uploading your package to your final LMS, it’s recommended to validate it in a neutral environment such as SCORM Cloud. This tool allows you to check whether the file is properly communicating with the SCORM API and whether it’s sending the data you actually need to measure.

When running the test, it’s not enough for the course to simply “open.” The key is to verify three critical elements:

• That completion status is correctly recorded.
• That the score is sent if there is an assessment.
• That the system is saving session time or total time.

The basic validation flow would be:

1. Upload the .zip file to SCORM Cloud.
2. Run the course from start to finish.
3. Confirm that completion and score are recorded.
4. Review the “debug log” if any data is missing.

How to interpret the results

If the course correctly records completion and score in SCORM Cloud but not in your LMS, the issue is likely in the LMS configuration (completion criteria, tracking mode, etc.).

If it also fails to record correctly in SCORM Cloud, the issue is in your SCORM package (manifest file, tracking events, or export settings).

This preliminary validation can save you hours of trial and error and help you avoid issues when publishing to production.

SCORM 1.2 vs SCORM 2004: differences and which to choose in 2026

Before exporting your course, you need to make a key decision: which SCORM version to use. SCORM 1.2 and SCORM 2004 share the same overall purpose (interoperability + tracking), but they have important differences.

Which one should you choose?

• If your priority is universal compatibility and zero issues, SCORM 1.2 is usually the best option.
• If you need advanced sequencing, navigation restrictions, or complex learning paths, SCORM 2004 makes sense—provided your LMS fully supports it.

Practical recommendation for 2026: in most corporate environments, SCORM 1.2 remains the safest choice, especially for compliance training.

How to create SCORM without programming

After hearing all these technical terms, creating a SCORM package may sound more complex than it actually is. In reality, it largely depends on the method and tool you use to develop your e-learning content. Here are four ways to create SCORM for free without needing to code:

1. Convert PowerPoint to SCORM (and reuse what you already have)

Converting PowerPoint to SCORM is one of the most common ways to create a SCORM package without programming—especially when you already have training materials developed.

To do it properly, you need an authoring tool that allows you to import PPT files and export them as SCORM 1.2 or SCORM 2004.

The typical process is:

1. Import the PowerPoint into the authoring tool.
2. Review the structure and adapt the navigation (not everything that works in PPT works the same way in e-learning).
3. Add real interactivity: buttons, activities, assessments, or checkpoints.
4. Define what “completed” means (for example, passing a test or viewing all screens).
5. Export as a SCORM package.

2. Create SCORM for free

The second way to create SCORM is through manual programming. This is a more complex process than the previous options. It involves developing the training content using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, creating the manifest file that defines the course structure and included resources, integrating the SCORM API into your content so it can communicate with the LMS, and writing the necessary JavaScript code to initialize tracking, monitor progress, and properly close the learning session.

You’ll then need to package the content by organizing all course files (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, imsmanifest.xml) into the correct folder structure, compress them into a ZIP package, and upload it to your LMS.

Additional resources to create SCORM without authoring tools

There are resources that can help you create SCORM without using an authoring tool, such as SCORM converters, SCORM packagers, and SCORM players or testers. Converters transform documents like PDFs and PPTs into interactive SCORM modules. Packagers are used by developers to make HTML content SCORM-compliant by adding SCORM API commands. SCORM players or testers are useful for reviewing and ensuring that a SCORM file is error-free before distributing it in your LMS. These resources can be useful for those who prefer not to invest in new technologies.

3. Create SCORM with isEazy Author [Step-by-step tutorial]

Creating SCORM in isEazy Author is very simple. You only need to:

1. Click the “New project” button.
2. Choose your course type: classic or express.
3. Select your style and color template from the available options.
4. Start working on your project: define the name, structure the course, add sections, easily edit slides, and include all kinds of preconfigured or AI-generated interactive resources in a single click.
5. Download it as a SCORM package. That’s it!

You also have the option to import your PowerPoint and create a new project, allowing you to reuse all the content you already have.

4. Convert documents into SCORM with AI Autopilot

With isEazy Author, you can also turn AI into your main ally when creating SCORM content. With the new AI Autopilot feature, creating SCORM becomes remarkably simple.

Start with an idea or upload your documents. The AI analyzes your content and automatically generates a structured learning outline with clear pedagogical logic. It also selects the most effective resource type at each stage—games, comparisons, videos, role plays—everything in just one click.

You can adjust each step or slide and add new content quickly and easily. You can also choose your style, colors, and template, and the AI will apply your visual identity across the entire project, ensuring consistent design from start to finish.

Pre-deploy checklist: before uploading your SCORM to the LMS

Accessibility in SCORM

More and more teams are facing the same reality: it’s no longer a “nice to have.” Accessibility is becoming a growing requirement due to regulations and quality standards. The most widely used framework for validating digital content is WCAG (W3C).

In SCORM, this translates into very concrete solutions: keyboard navigation, captions, proper contrast, visible focus indicators, consistent structure, alternative text… and, above all, avoiding interactions that only work with a mouse or that lack accessible alternatives.

Best practices for creating SCORM content

Creating effective and engaging SCORM content is essential to ensure a successful and enriching online learning experience. To help you achieve this, here are some best practices focused on the core characteristics of the SCORM standard:

1. Interoperability

Interoperability allows SCORM content to be used across different learning platforms without compatibility issues. To ensure interoperability:

• Use recognized tools and standards: Work with authoring tools that adhere to SCORM specifications.
• Select a reliable LMS: Make sure your SCORM content displays and functions correctly within your LMS.

2. Reusability

SCORM content reusability allows learning modules to be reused in different contexts and courses. To maximize this feature:

• Design independent modules: Create content units that can be used independently across multiple courses, ensuring maximum use of your resources.
• Tag content properly: Use descriptive metadata to facilitate searchability and reuse.

3. Durability

SCORM content should maintain its relevance and functionality over time, even as technology evolves. To ensure durability:

• Adopt approved standards: Make sure your content complies with the latest SCORM versions.
• Update regularly: Periodically review and update your content to keep pace with new technologies and learning methodologies.

4. Accessibility

Accessibility in e-learning is essential and regulated by standards such as Spain’s Web Accessibility Law, aligned with the European Directive 2016/2102; Section 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act, which requires organizations to provide equal access to information for people with disabilities; and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

These regulations encourage educational institutions and organizations to ensure that their content is accessible to people with disabilities. Implementation of these standards is increasing in Spain and globally, reflecting the growing importance of delivering inclusive and equitable education. Complying with these standards is not only a legal obligation, but also enhances the learning experience by ensuring that all users can access content, participate fully, and benefit from educational opportunities.

To improve accessibility:

• Follow accessibility guidelines: Comply with standards such as WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) to make your content accessible. Using authoring tools like isEazy Author can significantly simplify this process. The tool allows you to create accessible courses without advanced programming or design knowledge. It also provides features such as automatic accessibility settings and contextual editor guidance, making it easier to develop inclusive, high-quality content. Want to learn more? Download our Whitepaper.

WHITEPAPER

Creating accessible content is easy with the right authoring tool

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5. Scalability

Finally, scalability allows you to create SCORM content that adapts to different audience sizes and course expansion. To ensure scalability:

• Optimize performance: Make sure multimedia files are optimized for fast loading times.
• Design for growth: Create content that can be easily expanded or modified to add new lessons or modules without having to rebuild the entire course.

By following these best practices, you can create SCORM content that not only meets technical standards but also delivers a rich and accessible learning experience for all users. Proper implementation of interoperability, reusability, durability, accessibility, and scalability will ensure your e-learning courses remain effective and sustainable over time.

Final considerations

Using intuitive authoring tools such as isEazy Author can significantly simplify the process of creating e-learning content. These tools provide ready-to-use resources that enable users—regardless of their technical background—to build engaging and effective courses in a short amount of time.

Our tool also includes customization features that allow you to adapt courses to your corporate branding, as well as productivity-enhancing capabilities such as automatic translation, voiceovers, subtitles, and final assessments—all in just a few clicks thanks to AI.

In addition, with the new AI Autopilot feature, HR teams, instructional designers, or anyone looking to create a SCORM course can transform ideas or documents into fully interactive courses with structured instructional design, applied branding, and built-in accessibility in minutes—without technical knowledge. What are you waiting for to request a demo? Discover the easiest authoring tool on the market.