What is the Best LMS Type for Me?

Deciding which LMS is right for your organization is a bit like picking the right pair of shoes. Sure, there are over a thousand options, but not all of them are going to be a perfect fit for you. You could end up with a sleek pair of designer kicks that look great but give you blisters. Or maybe you’ll go for something ultra-comfy, but it’s so clunky that you’re tripping over yourself. The key to finding the LMS that feels just right is understanding what you need now and what you’ll need in the future—kind of like how your shoe choice depends on whether you’re going hiking or ballroom dancing.

No two training programs are alike, much like no two feet are. They differ across industries, business models, and, let’s face it, levels of chaos. LMS platforms, naturally, come in all shapes and sizes to match these needs. When choosing an LMS, it’s crucial to remember that the kind of training program you’re running today dictates what type of system will make your life easier (and not harder).

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different types of training programs out there, the corresponding LMS solutions, and most importantly, we’ll help you pinpoint the type of LMS that will suit your organization like your favorite pair of sneakers. Plus, we’ve thrown in a snazzy decision tree infographic, because nothing screams “fun” like decision-making charts. Stick with us, and you’ll be well on your way to unlocking the secret sauce to a successful training program.

Different Types of Training Programs

No two training programs are identical, they can be as varied as pizza toppings. There are some pretty wild combinations out there, but the core question you need to ask yourself is: What kind of pizza are you cooking up, and what kind do you want to serve in the future? (In other words, what type of training program do you have, and what’s your dream version of it?)

Here’s what you need to consider when assessing your program:

• What’s the flavor of my training program?
• Who’s it for?
• And what’s my relationship with the trainees?

The Three Training Types (a.k.a. Your LMS Pizzas):

1. Extended Enterprise Training – This is like a supreme pizza that feeds the whole party. It’s for partners, suppliers, and customers, helping them get up to speed on your product faster than you can say “extra cheese.”
2. Employee Training – Your classic margherita. Simple, reliable, focusing on employee growth and compliance, with a little career progression tossed in for good measure.
3. Academic Training – Think of this as the educational institution’s take on deep-dish, with layers upon layers of student engagement and grade tracking, stretching from kindergarten to university level.

Once you’ve identified which category you fall into, you’ll have a much clearer picture of the type of LMS you’re after. And, if you have a variety of audiences? Guess what—you’ll probably need more than one flavor.

Who Is My Training Program For?

This is like figuring out who’s coming to your pizza party. Are they employees, students, partners, or perhaps the guy next door who just really loves a good slice? Identifying your audience is essential because it defines the functionality your LMS will need.

Your trainees could be any of the following:

• Students – They’ll need a little extra sauce with academic scheduling and grade management.
• Employees – You’ll be feeding them regular slices of compliance, career development, and role-specific training.
• Partners, Dealers, Resellers, and Franchises – They’re your extended enterprise network. They need training that helps them sell, service, and use your products. Think of them as your pizza delivery drivers—they need to know what’s inside the box to keep your customers happy.

What’s My Relationship with the Trainees?

This one’s a bit deeper—like figuring out if you’re best friends with your delivery driver or if you’re just waving at them from a distance. The closer your relationship, the more direct control you’ll have over their training. If your learners work for someone else, your job is a little tougher. But don’t worry—there’s an LMS solution for that too.

Once you’ve cracked the code on these questions, you’ll know which type of LMS to use:

• Extended enterprise LMS
• Employee LMS
• Academic LMS

This will help you avoid a classic “too much crust, not enough cheese” situation. If you need a little help cracking the code, click the button below to download the handy dandy decision tree I mentioned earlier.