SCORM vs. AICC vs. cmi5 2026: Guide, Examples, Benefits & Advantages

For anyone involved in the production of online training, the technical "packaging" of a course is just as important as the content itself. If your authoring tool and your Learning Management System (LMS) don’t speak the same language, your learners won’t be able to track their progress, and your stakeholders won't receive the data they need. This interoperability is governed by three primary standards: SCORM, AICC, and cmi5.

As we move through 2026, the shift is toward more granular data and mobile-first flexibility. While legacy standards like AICC still have their place in high-security environments, newer specifications like cmi5 are bridging the gap between old-school tracking and the modern data requirements of xAPI. Compozer simplifies this complex technical landscape by offering a no-code authoring environment that supports all major standards, ensuring your content is future-proof and ready for any LMS.

What are the fundamental differences between SCORM, AICC, and cmi5?

Understanding these standards requires looking at how they handle communication between the course and the platform.

AICC (Aviation Industry Computer-Based Training Committee) is the oldest standard. It was developed in 1988 for the aviation industry but was widely adopted because it was the first to allow content to be hosted on one server while the LMS resided on another. It uses simple HTTP messages to send data.

SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) is the industry "gold standard." It was created to standardize how content is packaged and how it communicates with an LMS via a web browser. It is excellent for tracking pass/fail scores, time spent, and basic completion status.

cmi5 is the modern successor. Often called "SCORM for the xAPI age," it combines the rigid structure of SCORM with the deep data capabilities of xAPI. It is specifically designed for modern, mobile-first, and offline learning environments.

Why does AICC still matter for secure corporate environments?

You might wonder why a standard from the 1980s is still relevant in 2026. The answer is security and cross-domain hosting. Unlike traditional SCORM, which usually requires the content and the LMS to be on the same domain, AICC allows for "cross-domain" communication.

In high-security sectors like finance or government, content is often hosted on a secure, external server while the learner accesses it through a internal LMS. AICC’s HACP (HTTP-based AICC Communication Protocol) makes this possible. Compozer recognises this need for flexibility, providing reliable AICC publishing for organisations that still rely on this robust, time-tested protocol.

How does SCORM maintain its position as the industry gold standard?

SCORM (specifically versions 1.2 and 2004) remains the most widely supported standard because it is predictable. When you export a SCORM package from Compozer, you are essentially creating a ZIP file that contains a "manifest"—a set of instructions that any LMS can read.

The primary advantage of SCORM is its ability to handle "suspend data" (bookmarking). If a learner stops halfway through a module, SCORM ensures they return to that exact spot. With Compozer's support for SCORM 2004 4th Edition, you benefit from higher data limits, allowing for longer, more complex courses with branching logic that legacy tools simply cannot handle without breaking.

What is cmi5 and why is it called the "next generation" standard?

If SCORM is a DVD and xAPI is a streaming service, cmi5 is the smart-TV interface that makes the streaming service work perfectly. cmi5 provides the rules that were missing in the original xAPI specification. It tells the LMS how to launch the content, how to track a score, and how to record completion, all while using the rich data streams of xAPI.

The benefits of cmi5 in 2026 include:

Mobile & Offline Support: Unlike SCORM, which requires a constant browser connection, cmi5 can handle learning that happens offline or via mobile apps.
Granular Tracking: It can track specific actions, such as which part of a video a learner watched twice or which option they clicked first in a simulation.
Simplified LMS Integration: It removes the "clunkiness" of SCORM packaging while providing much better data security.

How can you implement these standards effectively within Compozer?

Technical standards should never interfere with the creative process. Compozer is designed to handle the heavy lifting of manifest creation and protocol communication behind the scenes.

Define Your Tracking Needs: If you just need a "Pass/Fail" score for a 10-minute module, SCORM 1.2 is often sufficient. If you need to track complex branching paths in a sales simulation, SCORM 2004 4th Edition or cmi5 is required.
Build Your Content: Use Compozer’s 100+ templates and block-based system to create your course visually. Our AA/AAA accessibility features are baked into the blocks, so your content remains inclusive regardless of the export standard.
One-Click Export: Once your course is ready, simply select your target standard (AICC, SCORM 1.2, SCORM 2004, or cmi5/xAPI) and export. Compozer generates a perfectly formatted package ready for upload.

Can you achieve brand consistency across different technical formats?

A common pitfall in eLearning is that the "wrapper" of the course—the buttons, menus, and navigation—often looks different depending on the export standard. Compozer solves this by separating the visual theme from the technical manifest.

By using Brand Kits, you can apply your custom fonts, logos, and color palettes to your course. Whether you export as an AICC file for a legacy bank LMS or a cmi5 file for a modern talent platform, the learner sees a professional, brand-aligned interface. This consistency builds trust and ensures your training doesn't feel like a "clunky" third-party add-on.

How do teams collaborate on courses that require multiple standards?

Large organisations often have to deliver the same training to multiple platforms. For example, your internal team might use a modern cmi5-ready LMS, while your external partners require SCORM 1.2.

Compozer’s Review feature allows stakeholders to provide feedback on the content once, and then you can export it into as many different formats as needed. To ensure technical settings aren't accidentally changed during this process, the "Take Control" feature locks the course to one editor at a time, preventing data corruption or manifest errors during the final publishing phase.

Which standard should you choose for your 2026 training strategy?

The "best" standard depends entirely on your technical environment and your data goals:

Choose AICC if your content and LMS are on different domains or if you are working with legacy systems in highly regulated industries.
Choose SCORM 1.2 for maximum compatibility across almost any LMS for simple, linear courses.
Choose SCORM 2004 (4th Edition) if you need complex sequencing, high data limits for long courses, and clear "Success vs. Completion" reporting.
Choose cmi5 if you are building mobile-first training, require offline capabilities, or want to leverage the deep analytics of xAPI.

Compozer removes the risk from this decision. Because our platform supports all of them, you can start building today and decide on your export format later.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the main benefit of cmi5 over SCORM?

cmi5 is designed for the modern web. It allows for mobile learning, offline tracking, and much more detailed data collection via xAPI, while fixing the rigid navigation issues found in older SCORM versions.

Can Compozer export the same course to different standards?

Yes. You can build your course once in Compozer and export it as SCORM 1.2, SCORM 2004, AICC, or cmi5 as many times as you need. This is ideal for organisations serving multiple clients with different LMS platforms.

How does Compozer ensure accessibility in these technical formats?

Accessibility is built into Compozer’s block-based architecture. Regardless of whether you export for SCORM or cmi5, your content remains WCAG AA and AAA compliant, supporting screen readers and keyboard navigation.

Does cmi5 require a specialised LMS?

Yes, your LMS must be cmi5-compliant to take full advantage of the standard. However, since cmi5 is the modern industry direction, most major LMS providers have already added or are currently adding support.