LEARNING / BUYER’S GUIDE
LMS, CPD and TMS: three different management needs
Start with the management problem
An LMS, a training management system and CPD management can support the same learning programme, but they answer different questions. Start by identifying the decision your organisation needs to make, rather than collecting feature names.
What an LMS needs to manage
The learning management layer organises access to learning, assessments and completion records. A useful evaluation follows one learner from assignment through completion and reporting. Ask how corrections and changes to learning material affect that record.
What training operations need
Training management focuses on the work around delivery: plans, sessions, registration, resources and attendance. Map a real training event, including a cancellation or a change of date, to understand who must act and which records must change.
What CPD management needs
CPD requirements depend on the applicable scheme. Define the learning period, qualifying activities, evidence and review responsibilities. Do not assume that a completed course automatically qualifies for every professional requirement.
Build one evaluation scenario
Choose a role, a learning obligation and a reporting request. Ask each provider to show the complete journey, including an exception. Agree which capability is available as standard, which requires configuration and which is outside scope.