xAPI
Also known as: Experience API, Tin Can API
xAPI (Experience API, once called Tin Can API) is a standard for recording learning activity as short statements in the form actor, verb, object, for example "Anna completed Fire Safety". Unlike SCORM, xAPI can track learning that happens outside a browser or outside the LMS, such as on the job, in an app, or in a simulation, and it stores that data in a learning record store (LRS).
How xAPI works
xAPI describes learning as statements. Each statement has an actor (the person), a verb (what they did), and an object (what they did it to), so "Anna passed the AML assessment" becomes one clean record.
These statements are sent to a learning record store, or LRS, which is a database built to collect them. An LRS can sit inside an LMS or run on its own, and it becomes the single place your learning activity is recorded.
xAPI vs SCORM
SCORM tracks a course running in a browser, launched from the LMS, and reports a fixed set of fields like completion and score. xAPI can track almost any learning experience, in or out of the LMS, and records far more detail.
A simple way to decide: use SCORM for standard online courses you want to run anywhere, and reach for xAPI when you need to track learning a browser-based course cannot see, or when you want richer data than completion and score.
Why xAPI matters for training managers
Most training does not happen inside a course window. People learn on the job, in the field, on their phones, and in classroom sessions. xAPI lets you record those experiences alongside formal courses, so your reporting reflects what actually happened.
That fuller picture helps when you need to show real capability, not just course completion, or when you want to connect training data to performance.
Getting started with xAPI
To use xAPI you need content that sends xAPI statements and a place to store them. Many authoring tools export xAPI, and your LMS or a separate LRS collects the data.
If you have existing material, Coursy has a free converter that turns a PDF into an xAPI package, so you can start tracking without rebuilding the content.
Convert a PDF to xAPI for free
Frequently asked questions
What does xAPI stand for?
Experience API. It was originally nicknamed Tin Can API during development, and you still see that name. xAPI and Tin Can API refer to the same standard.
Is Tin Can API the same as xAPI?
Yes. Tin Can API was the project name while the standard was being developed. The official name is xAPI, or Experience API.
What is a learning record store (LRS)?
An LRS is a database designed to collect xAPI statements. It is where the record of learning activity lives, whether that is inside your LMS or a separate system.
xAPI vs SCORM, which should I use?
Use SCORM for standard online courses you want to run in any LMS. Use xAPI when you need to track learning outside the browser or the LMS, or when you want more detailed data than completion and score.
Can I track offline or mobile learning with xAPI?
Yes. That is one of the main reasons xAPI exists. Activity can be recorded in an app or offline and sent to the learning record store when a connection is available.
Does my LMS need to support xAPI?
To use xAPI end to end you need content that sends statements and a store to receive them. Many modern LMS platforms include or connect to a learning record store. Check that yours supports xAPI before you build content around it.
How do I create an xAPI package?
Most authoring tools can export xAPI. If your content is a PDF, Coursy has a free browser-based converter that produces an xAPI package with no upload.