Learning Record Store (LRS) vs LMS

What is a Learning Record Store? 

A Learning Record Store (LRS) is a database that uses the xAPI (Experience API) to store learner results. It can function as a stand-alone system, which is particularly useful when learning occurs across different environments, as it provides a centralized place to collect data and store learning outcomes. 

Furthermore, an LRS can be integrated into a Learning Management System (LMS) or a Learning Experience Platform (LXP), allowing learning activity results to be stored directly within these platforms. Most LRS systems are also capable of storing xAPI statements from various other learning systems. 

Learn what an LXP is. 

What is an LMS? 

LMS stands for Learning Management System. It assists organizations in managing and distributing their learning content. This platform allows learners to view available courses and access them.  

Additionally, an LMS tracks learners’ progress and results. It is primarily used in top-down learning approaches, where the Learning and Development (L&D) department provides learning content to the learners. 

Check out the differences between an authoring tool and an LMS.  

What are SCORM and xAPI? 

Both SCORM and xAPI are standards developed by the ADL to track learners’ results. SCORM is the older standard, introduced in the late 1990s, and is commonly used in traditional learning, while xAPI is the newer standard that originated in 2013. 

SCORM is designed primarily for tracking results within a Learning Management System (LMS), whereas xAPI can track and trace learners’ results from any platform. This flexibility is one of the key differences between the two. In essence, SCORM serves as an internal tracking method for LMSs, while xAPI offers a more universal approach. 

How does an LRS work? 

When a learner enrolls in a course, various xAPI data statements can be generated based on the learner’s actions. Such a statement has a straightforward structure and can describe different activities like: 

• Starting and stopping time 

• The result of a course (failed, passed, and end score) 

• Questions answered correctly or incorrectly 

• Which answers were given 

• Which pages are viewed 

• How long a page was viewed 

• Total time spent on the course 

• Score per learning objective 

• Incomplete results and progress (so the learner can resume a course later) 

These statements are stored in a Learning Record Store (LRS). You need a separate interface with your LRS to generate reports based on this data. Therefore, the LRS serves as both a database and a reporting interface. 

What’s the difference between LMS and LRS? 

Learning vs. Result tracking 

When comparing LMS vs. LRS, an LMS is a software used for managing and taking courses, while an LRS is a results database. 

Do they exclude each other? 

No. An LMS can track and trace results either through SCORM or through xAPI. Some LMS software even include an LRS in their offering. 

Do I need an LRS? 

Yes, because LRS software is the future. But especially if you have more than one place where employees can learn in your organization (for example, different LMS for different regional teams). You want to have one central place to store all results from all learning activities. In that case, an LRS is a must-have. 

How Easygenerator supports LRS integrations 

xAPI is the default tracking mechanism integrated into Easygenerator courses, allowing them to consistently create xAPI statements. Easygenerator courses can also send SCORM data to a Learning Management System (LMS) while simultaneously reporting results to a Learning Record Store (LRS).  

If you use the tracking and tracing features in Easygenerator, you will be using the Easygenerator LRS. However, if you have your own LRS, you can track and trace results there as well. 

Check out our Learning Management System guidelines.