Forum Discussion
Can a SCORM file run in an LMS without a corresponding eLearning software license active?
Hello!
Our team uses multiple eLearning platforms, but we're working on condensing everything down to Articulate since it works best for us and streamlines our process and it's way more accessible to everyone on our team.
We have other eLearning modules from the alternate vendor already exported as SCORM files and are up and running in our LMS platform, but we're hoping to end our license with the other platform before the next annual billing date. If we need to make updates or changes to the modules, we plan on rebuilding them in Storyline or Rise, but it's unclear what our timeline on that would be - since the SCORM from the other software is already exported and running in the LMS, will they still work without that other license or would we get an error? I can't find an obvious answer anywhere - my instinct it that it's a fully exported package and the learner doesn't need to have the software in question to run it through the LMS, but I don't want to assume and be incorrect! We're hoping to take a more relaxed approach to rebuilding in Articulate, but if the lessons immediately become non-functional, we'll have to move that timeline up.
Thank you in advance!
An exported SCORM package should run in the LMS even if you don't have a license for the source software. After all, that's how contractors provide courses to their clients: they just give them the SCORM package.
The exception would be if you got a SCORM package from a contractor or another company—that is, someone else created and published it. In that case, it'd be possible that they included some programming that would shut the course down at the end of the contract. However, that should also be clearly stated in the contract.
- JudyNolletSuper Hero
An exported SCORM package should run in the LMS even if you don't have a license for the source software. After all, that's how contractors provide courses to their clients: they just give them the SCORM package.
The exception would be if you got a SCORM package from a contractor or another company—that is, someone else created and published it. In that case, it'd be possible that they included some programming that would shut the course down at the end of the contract. However, that should also be clearly stated in the contract.
- CLAIREHIGGINBOTCommunity Member
Thank you so much! That's what I assumed, but wanted to be sure. I appreciate your help!
- JudyNolletSuper Hero
You're welcome! Pay it forward when you can. 😁