Support for xAPI (cmi5) in Skilljar

With new support for xAPI (cmi5), you can now syndicate content between Skilljar instances, and launch this file type right within your dashboard, instead of using SCORM.

What has changed in the Learner Experience?

There is no Learner Experience Change, the xAPI package launches the same way as any other content file type.

What has changed in the Admin Experience?

There is no major Admin Experience change other than minor copy updates:

• Under the Course Management → Courses left navigation menu, Admins now see a a modified choice: SCORM & xAPI

How to configure and upload xAPI Content

There are several profiles of xAPI packages. Skilljar syndication supports the CMI5 protocol. The path to configuring and uploading an xAPI lesson follows a similar pattern as most other content creation paths in Skilljar.

Adding to Courses

1. xAPI packages must be created outside of the Skilljar system and can be uploaded like another content package and added to Courses as Lessons.
2. Create a New Lesson and select SCORM/Web Package lesson from the flyover.
3. Upload the xAPI file and wait for it to finish processing.
4. Save and Publish Changes.
5. To test, copy the URL from Domain Settings for the site of the published xAPI Lesson. Login/sign up as needed and launch the xAPI lesson.

Deploying via Content Syndication

1. Under Content Syndication, follow the steps to Add a Consumer and select the cmi5 Content
2. Assigning a Group remains optional
3. Under Select Student Experience and Launch Type, make sure to select cmi5 in the Launch Type dropdown; this may say just “cmi5” or “xAPI (cmi5); as long as the Admin selects the entry with cmi5 in the Launch Type dropdown, that is the correct path.
4. In the Content section on the Content Consumer page, Download the package which saves to the Admin’s Downloads folder on their computer.
5. Return to the Dashboard and under Course Management, select the Course to which you are going to add the xAPI lesson.
6. Create a New Lesson and select SCORM/Web Package lesson from the flyover.
7. Upload the xAPI file just created from the Downloads folder and wait for it to finish processing.
8. Save and Publish Changes.
9. To test, copy the URL from Domain Settings for the site of the published xAPI Lesson. Login/sign up as needed and launch the xAPI lesson.

Remember: While Skilljar’s syndication supports multiple xAPI profiles, only cmi5-compliant packages are supported.

Uploading xAPI via Bulk Upload

Open your Skilljar dashboard and select Assets under Course Management.

1. Click the bulk upload button.
2. Upload the xAPI package
3. Select the course you would like to upload the xAPI to.
4. Upload the .zip file of your xAPI package.
5. You can manage the xAPI content, or objects/web packages, that you have uploaded to your training site’s lessons in SCORM & xAPI:

Benefits of xAPI

Content Syndication/Cross-Organization Content Sharing

• Syndicate training content across multiple Skilljar instances without duplicating courses.
• Ensures accurate tracking of learner progress and prerequisite completion across organizations.

Expanded Access to More Training Content Providers

• Supports launching content from third-party providers, expanding content options supported by Skilljar.
• Simplifies integration with external certification programs and compliance courses that only use the xAPI (cmi5) launch spec.

Improved Learner Experience

• Learners don't have to leave the training domain to access training from other providers in xAPI format.

Consistent Data Tracking & Reporting

• When using Content Syndication, you’re able to captures completion data, scores, and progress from both Skilljar and the other LMS.
• Provides a unified view of learner activity across different training sources.

FAQs: 

What’s the difference between xAPI and cmi5?

• xAPI is a flexible standard for tracking learning activity. When used in an LMS, cmi5 provides a structured way to implement xAPI, ensuring compatibility with modern learning platforms. Learn more here. 

Does this mean if I make a change in the course file in my third-party content tool, it would automatically update in Skilljar without having to re-export the xAPI file?

• That depends on the third party system used. Some third-party content providers “host” content rather than providing content in a zip file. Hosting may allow for automatic updates, but for providers that just provide the zip files, manual re-uploading is necessary.