While companies once relied on the AICC content format, as learning evolved beyond traditional classrooms and seminars, so did the need for more effective and dynamic content. Creating this new and more engaging content required new formats, and that's where platforms started relying on the Experience API (xAPI), also known as the Tin Can API. It enables tracking of learning experiences that happen online, offline, across devices, and even in simulations or real-world environments.
Suppose your organization is ready to create dynamic learning and training content that aligns with mobile app usage, game-based training, or experiential learning. In that case, you need an LMS that supports Tin Can compliance. This buyer’s guide explains why xAPI (Tin Can API) matters, which features to look for in an LMS, and how to choose the right LMS with full Tin Can support in 2025.
First, let's discuss why an organization must opt for an LMS that offers Tin Can compliance. SCORM content is limited to browser-based course delivery within a single LMS, while the Tin Can API lets organizations track learning wherever it occurs. That includes mobile apps, social learning platforms, simulations, and real-world activities that can send statements to a Learning Record Store (LRS).
Tin Can API shines by capturing behavior-driven data in manufacturing, healthcare, and retail industries, where training occurs in real-time and outside traditional classroom settings. This helps with easier compliance tracking and informs better decisions for learning design and employee performance evaluation.
A Tin Can-compliant LMS lets you better access learning behaviors, get deeper insights into their performance, and design training journeys that aren’t restricted to formal modules. For modern organizations focused on performance outcomes and flexible learning experiences, Tin Can compliance is quickly becoming a non-negotiable requirement.
Let's take a look at some of the best features you can expect to get with an LMS that offers native Tin Can API compliance:
| Feature | Explanation |
| xAPI (Tin Can) Support | The LMS will natively support xAPI content and can send and receive statements to and from an LRS. |
| Mobile Learning Compatibility | Your LMS enables you to track learning and training modules from mobile apps and remote environments. |
| Integrated LRS | An LMS that offers native Tin Can compliance will include a built-in Learning Record Store for capturing detailed data on learning activities. |
| SCORM and AICC Compatibility | Your LMS will support multiple standards alongside xAPI for hybrid training setups. |
| Offline Tracking | Allows learners to complete training offline and syncs with the LMS or LRS later when they have an active internet connection. |
| Real-World Activity Tracking | The platform can log real-time in-person coaching, equipment training, or group collaborations. |
| Custom Reporting | Custom reporting enables deep analysis of learning behaviors using custom filters and dashboards. |
| Gamification Data Capture | Tracks learner interactions in game-based training environments to see how they react to gamified content compared to normal content. |
| Data Interoperability | Data can easily be exchanged with CRMs, HRIS, and performance systems via API or connectors. This enables the platform’s dashboard to be a centralized hub for all types of information. |
We’ve discussed the features and the need for the LMS. Now let's talk about some more benefits you and your team can get from implementing an LMS that offers Tin Can compliance.
Complete Learning Visibility
Through xAPI, you can track informal and formal learning, creating a complete picture of how, when, and where training occurs. This makes the entire learning and building process easier and more transparent for everyone on the team.
Robust Performance Analytics
By connecting learning data to business systems and HR tools, you can link training outcomes to performance metrics and gain a clear understanding of which department is lagging and how you can help them achieve better results.
You Can Get Credit for Experiential Learning
These LMS platforms track field training, mentorship programs, or job shadowing activities, awarding users credit for all learning and experience-gaining activities outside the LMS.
Flexibility Across Devices
Whether employees are training via tablet, mobile phone, or VR headset, xAPI ensures that every interaction is recorded and that future content is optimized based on the data the API collects.
Much Better Personalization
Learner behavior data can be used to personalize course recommendations and dynamically tailor learning paths to meet learners' individual needs. This creates an environment where the platform continually learns from your habits and strives to improve the content it delivers.
There are certain factors every decision maker needs to consider when eyeing an LMS that offers native TIN CAN compliance:
It Must Offer Native xAPI and LRS Integration
Ensure the LMS includes or integrates with a Learning Record Store (LRS) to track and store xAPI statements effectively. This will drastically reduce setup time and enable seamless reporting.
Offline Learning Support
Look for Learning Management Systems (LMSs) that support offline learning through mobile apps, especially in industries where fieldwork is involved. Offline data should sync automatically with the LRS.
Does The Platform Offer In-Depth Reporting Tools?
The LMS should offer granular, customizable reporting dashboards for analyzing xAPI data. It should also consider exporting data to BI tools like Tableau or Power BI for deeper insights.
Compatibility with Other Standards
Choose an LMS that supports SCORM, AICC, and cmi5 in addition to xAPI. This ensures you’re not locked out of using legacy or mixed-format content libraries.
What Kind of Integration Capabilities Does It Offer?
Go with an LMS that can integrate with performance management systems, CRM, HRIS, and third-party tools. This enables correlation of training data with actual performance metrics.
The Platform Should Be Easily Scalable
Organizations that operate across multiple countries or franchises should choose a platform that can scale user counts, manage multilingual content, and handle large volumes of xAPI data.
The cost of a Tin Can-compliant LMS varies depending on organization size, feature set, and whether the LRS is bundled or sold separately.
Small to mid-sized businesses can expect to pay $10–$20 per user per month for a solid Learning Management System (LMS) that supports xAPI and includes basic analytics and mobile compatibility. If you need a platform with custom LRS implementations and advanced analytics, the cost can range from $25 to $50 per user per month.
For enterprise deployments in sectors with rigorous compliance or performance tracking needs, total costs can exceed $100,000 annually, especially when integrating the LMS with multiple systems or implementing bespoke data dashboards.
While costs for Tin Can-compliant LMSs may be higher than those of SCORM-only systems, the ability to capture deeper learning insights often results in a higher return on investment (ROI) over time, making the initial investment worth it.
While Tin Can offers powerful capabilities, implementing and handling is also more complex. LMS administrators may need to understand how xAPI statements work and how to structure data in the LRS. Some platforms offer limited visualization tools, requiring external business intelligence (BI) tools for in-depth analysis. To combat this challenge, ensure that your LMS vendor offers comprehensive FAQ sections, relevant documents, and customer support to address all your API-related queries and get you sorted.
Another challenge is creating or sourcing xAPI-ready content. Unlike SCORM, xAPI courses require different authoring tools and setup. Integration with offline activities or apps may also need custom development or additional licensing fees. Ensure you have a dedicated team responsible for updating and scaling the platform.
Tin Can-compliant LMS adoption is increasing in tech-forward industries such as aviation, manufacturing, healthcare, and government. Many organizations use xAPI to complement existing LMS content with mobile learning apps, AR/VR training, or performance-based modules.
In 2025, platforms like Docebo, Learning Pool, and TalentLMS introduced enhanced xAPI functionality. Businesses use Tin Can to connect employee training with CRM performance, compliance activities, and real-world task completion.
As remote and hybrid work becomes permanent, more companies are adopting xAPI-powered LMSs to ensure learning is captured beyond formal classroom settings and basic digital courses.