Educating your teams is a critical part of doing business. It can help with induction, upskilling, and even employee satisfaction.
More businesses are turning to course management software to simplify the learning process. In this article, we look at why that’s the case, and the top 10 course management systems on the market.
What is a Course Management System?
A Course Management System (CMS) is a digital platform that businesses can use to develop, manage and deliver custom learning courses that are specific to their operational needs. Not to be confused with a Content Management System, which shares the same acronym, a CMS sees administrators and employees engaging with instructor-led training and interactive course content in various ways, including completing assessments and tracking skill development and course progress.
While it’s certainly possible to train your teams without the help of a CMS, having a management system behind you streamlines the process.
- Standardise course development, ensuring that training reflects your company branding.
- Set your courses and enrollment up once, and automate the process thereafter. All employees will get the same communication and course allocations, personalised to their roles.
- Track and report on progress throughout courses. Ensure that your teams are developing the skills they need to be successful and productive.
10 Best Course Management Systems To Boost Your Learning Initiatives
A course management system can make training within your business both more accessible and simpler to administrate. However, with various course management platforms on the market, how can you be sure that you’re choosing the right one? Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 course management systems.
#1 Cloud Assess
Cloud Assess offers businesses a tailored platform for customised eLearning. They make it easy to manage training courses with customisable assessments that accommodate different learning styles. This is just part of what makes Cloud Assess a great solution for upskilling your workforce.
Cloud Assess makes it easy to visualise skill development and training progress. The platform also provides options for evidence portfolios, including observation checks and logbooks. These allow for efficient offline and on-the-job training.
Key Features
- Flexible course authoring
- Skills matrix
- Learner and assessment timeline
- Workflow automation
- Evidence portfolio
- 5000+ Integrations
- Free library of online courses
Pros
- Design courses to meet specific learning objectives.
- Personalise training with custom learning paths.
- Upskill employees with on-the-job training.
- Gain detailed insights into performance, progress, and skill development.
- Embrace blended learning with multiple course types and interactive elements.
- Simplified course scheduling with automated workflows.
Pricing
Cloud Assess offers a wide range of pricing solutions: Skills Matrix, Pro, and Premium. Pricing depends on the organisation’s unique needs, including things like user numbers and the features they require.
Rating
4.7/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp and Software Advice)
#2 Moodle
If you have advanced customisation needs, you may want to consider Moodle. The course management software is open-source, making it free to use. However, the advanced capabilities often require a good deal of technical expertise to master. This can see businesses investing time and money into outsourcing course creation. If this isn’t a feasible option for your company, you may want to consider these Moodle alternatives.
Key Features
- Open-source management software
- Extensive customisation
- Multi-language support
- Scalability
Pros
- Free to use and customise according to business needs and branding.
- Active community forums to help with troubleshooting.
- Integrates with many third-party solutions.
Cons
- Requires technical expertise to setup and maintain.
- Complexity can be overwhelming for users that don’t have CMS experience.
- Limited support from Moodle itself.
Pricing
Moodle’s course management system itself is free to use. Businesses without in-house technical teams will need to outsource setup and development at an additional cost, however.
Rating
4.3/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp and Software Advice)
How Does Moodle Size Up When Compared To Cloud Assess?
Explore the two platforms side by side.#3 360Learning
360Learning doesn’t restrict the creation of learning materials to administrators. It’s a collaborative CMS that lets anyone within your business create courses that their colleagues can learn from. This makes it a great course management system for both onboarding and long-term skill development.
Key Features
- Collaborative learning tools
- Streamlined user management
- Blended learning
- Analytics dashboard
- Mobile accessibility
Pros
- Promotes a company culture of knowledge sharing and collaboration.
- Multiple course formats encourage user engagement.
- Accessible across various devices.
Cons
- 360Learning offers fewer customisation options than alternatives on this list.
- UI and setup are not very intuitive.
- Users report regular disruptive updates.
Pricing
Pricing for 360Learning’s course management system starts at $8 per user per month.
Rating
4.7/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp and Software Advice)
#4 Adobe Learning Manager
Adobe prides itself on its world-class solutions, and its course management software is no exception. Learning Manager is a great CMS for businesses that are already using Adobe within their work environments. It integrates seamlessly with other management software like Adobe Experience Manager Sites and Marketo Engage.
Key Features
- Immersive content browsing
- Video and web conferencing integration
- Mobile app
- AI-powered recommendations
Pros
- Flexible and gamified learning experiences increase engagement.
- Insights into training progress and skill development.
- Integration with Adobe software system.
Cons
- Users that aren’t familiar with Adobe will experience a steep learning curve.
- Limited branding and customisation options.
- Doesn’t provide many collaboration features.
- Users report that the platform is among one of the most expensive CMS options.
Pricing
Pricing for Adobe Learning Manager is not available on their website.
User Volume
Rating
4.3/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp and Software Advice)
#5 Docebo
Docebo is a course management system that leverages artificial intelligence in training. There are plenty of big names making use of the platform including companies like Lego, BMW and TripAdvisor. And it’s unsurprising that the CMS is popular among enterprises, as it is most suited to companies with over 300 users. Smaller businesses are not likely to be able to afford the hefty pricing that starts at $25,000 per year.
Not Sure Docebo Is The Right Fit For Your Business?
Explore these alternative solutions.Key Features
- AI-powered course creation
- Social learning and gamification
- Customisation, localisation and white labelling
- Content marketplace
Pros
- Trusted by a number of large and familiar companies.
- Personalised learning paths based on AI algorithms.
- Streamlined course management.
Cons
- Lowest pricing tier allows only four integrations.
- Mobile apps have low ratings on Google Play and App Store.
- No advanced reporting capabilities.
- Most expensive CMS on this list.
Pricing
Docebo doesn’t charge on a per-user basis. Pricing for the lowest tier starts at $25,000 per year, based on a 3 year contract.
Rating
4.3/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp and Software Advice)
#6 TalentLMS
TalentLMS is an online learning management system that simplifies course creation. Its drag and drop approach means that courses can be created and customised in a matter of minutes. The platform’s pricing model makes it easily accessible to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), as they offer flat rates, rather than per user pricing. Many features are only provided at higher tiers, however. If you’re considering TalentLMS as your course management software, you may also want to take these TalentLMS alternatives into account.
Key Features
- Customisable course builder
- Library of ready-made courses
- Unlimited administrators
- Real-time reporting
Pros
- Intuitive interface which reduces the learning curve.
- Group activities and discussion forums enhance collaboration.
- Competitive pricing for SMEs.
Cons
- Lower pricing tiers only have access to email support.
- Custom reporting only becomes accessible from their Plus packages.
- Users say that the platform comes across as outdated.
Pricing
TalentLMS provides fixed rates for their different tiers, which accommodate different numbers of users. Pricing starts at $69 per month for a 40 user environment.
Rating
4.7/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp and Software Advice)
#7 Blackboard Learn
Blackboard Learn has been operating for over 30 years. While that has given the platform an opportunity to adapt and evolve with the changing times, it leaves the UI feeling outdated.
Blackboard Learn makes a variety of features and tools available for both administrators and learners, but these can be confusing to businesses that don’t have prior experience using a CMS.
Key Features
- Multimedia course creation
- AI design assistant
- Progress tracking tools
- Flexible grading
- Easy integration
Pros
- Comprehensive suite of tools for both learners and administrators.
- A wide community to turn to for support.
- Simplified course content delivery and assessment grading.
Cons
- Complex features can make the interface overwhelming.
- UX and UI come across as outdated.
- Limited customisation options.
- Limited reporting capabilities.
Pricing
Pricing for Blackboard Learn is not available on their website.
Rating
4.2/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp and Software Advice)
#8 Absorb LMS
Absorb LMS is a course management system that focuses on gamifying the learning experience. Learners are encouraged to share their achievements both on their own social media pages, and on company leaderboards. This sees employees engage with training content and encouraging each other to keep learning and growing.
Key Features
- Automated administration tools
- Content marketplace
- Observational checklists
- AI-powered tools and capabilities
- Brandable interface
Pros
- Customisable for company branding.
- Gamification features see increased user engagement.
- Track course effectiveness and skill progression.
Cons
- Customisation can require technical expertise.
- Users experience difficulty with the platform’s reporting capabilities.
- Fewer integrations available than other CMS options.
Pricing
Pricing for Absorb LMS is not available on their website.
Rating
4.5/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp and Software Advice)
#9 LearnWorlds
LearnWorlds could be described as a content management system. Its primary goal is helping course creators sell their content. Where Docebo and Absorb offer course marketplaces, LearnWorlds centres itself around its marketing engine. It does also provide a corporate training solution, which is where its course management features come in. However, it is more focused on course creation for profit, rather than for upskilling.
Looking For More Options?
We’ve compiled a list of LearnWorlds alternatives.Key Features
- Flexible multimedia courses
- White label website builder
- Marketing tools and affiliate programs
- Custom user roles
- In-depth reporting
Pros
- Easy-to-use course creation tools with customisable course templates.
- Built in eCommerce functionality.
- Comprehensive progress tracking and sales reporting.
Cons
- Not designed with internal training in mind.
- Customisations can have a steep learning curve and require help from the development team.
- Support is only available via email or help centre for all buy high volume and corporate clients.
Pricing
Since LearnWorlds follows an eCommerce model, they have made the lowest pricing tier affordable at $24 per month. However, on this package, businesses also have to pay LearnWorlds $5 for every course they sell.
Rating
4.7/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp and Software Advice)
#10 SAP Litmos
SAP Litmos offers course management software that is accessible across devices, and gamified to boost learner engagement. Its provides both predesigned courses and a platform for businesses to develop their own course materials. Content creation only becomes available on the platforms’ second pricing tier, however, making the lowest cost option unideal for business training.
Key Features
- Extensive content collection
- Salesforce integration
- Data visualisation tools
- Mobile accessibility
- Gamification elements
Pros
- Learners can access content anywhere, anytime, from any device.
- Gamification increases learner engagement and motivation.
- Streamlined content development.
Cons
- Majority of features are only available on Platinum pricing tier.
- Foundation pricing tier is not usable as a course management system.
- Steep learning curve for businesses that don’t use Salesforce.
- Few customisation options.
Pricing
Pricing for SAP Litmos is not available on their website.
Rating
4.2/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp and Software Advice)
Course Management System Buyer’s Guide
Let’s take a closer look at what you should bear in mind when choosing the best course management system for your business.
What Is The Difference Between CMS, LMS and TMS?
The terms course management system (CMS), learning management systems (LMS) and talent management system (TMS) are often used interchangeably. While all three are related to managing digital content, they each have different uses for businesses.
- Course management provides businesses with an opportunity to create content for corporate or customer training.
- While learning management can serve a similar purpose, it also incorporates pre-existing content into employee development, not necessarily focusing on developing business-specific courses.
- Talent management may include training initiatives, but generally goes beyond learning and upskilling. Your TMS will likely be part of your HR function.
Key Features Of Course Management Software To Consider
When looking for the right CMS for your business, there are a few key features that you’ll want your management system to include:
- Course scheduling will simplify the process of enrolling new employees in existing courses and improve your time management.
- A user-friendly interface can reduce the learning curve for both learners and administrators.
- Scalability will ensure that no matter how much your company grows, your employee training can evolve with you.
- Extensive reporting and analytics will help you keep track of learner progress, skill development, and help you refine and perfect your course content.
- Integrations are critical for making your CMS a useful part of your larger software stack/ Implementing technologies that don’t talk to each other is only going to lead to frustration and added admin.
- Compliance with regulations is key for any business. The right CMS will give you the administrative tools you need to ensure your employees’ training meets the required standards of quality and authenticity.
