A Learning Management System (LMS), Training Management System (TMS), and a School Management System (SMS) – also known as a Student Information System (SIS) – are three vital systems for registered training organizations (RTOs) and other training or educational organization with submission requirements. They are three different systems that serve different purposes, as the names imply, although with some common characteristics shared by them, and it is not usual for people to think that they are the same. Knowing the difference between a Learning Management System and a School Management System will assist you in establishing the right system for your organization, making sure that you are compliant with AVETMISS, and also fulfilling all the requirements for CRICOS, VET, AQF, VSL, or indeed any standards bodies under which your organization falls.

School Management Systems (SMS)

An SMS (occasionally mentioned as a student information system, student management software, school management system, or RTO software) manages all the day-to-day operations of a training organization. Some SMS capabilities might include:

• Directing inquiries from eventual students
• Deal with student admissions
• New students enrolling and keep learning option choices
• Handling examinations, assessments, grades, and academic progression
• Retain a data of attendance
• Monitoring rewards, scholarship, qualifications, certificate, and graduations

Decades back, small RTOs got by without an SMS, remitter instead on time-sucking spreadsheets and Microsoft Access databases. But in 2010, the AQTF national standards were released, demanding the mandate of a student management system able to offer AVETMISS-compliant data. Since then, the SMS has become the go-to choice for companies needing features like those listed above.

Learning Management System (LMS)

An LMS is an online class platform, with qualities to view assigned tasks, test scores, and connect learning materials for professionals and students. For organizations offering e-learning courses, LMSs are ideal, with some even capable of delivering entire courses. Key characteristics of an LMS include:

• Management of training events (i.e. Scheduling, tracking, and WBT delivery)
• Management of knowledge and talents
• Management of training records
• Management of Syllabus and Certification
• Enrollment and administration for students
• Authorship for Course materials
• Reporting and Results

An LMS could also include such features when used for corporate training:

• Automatic enrollment and reminders for compulsory courses
• Possibilities for manager control, e.g. Approving materials or course participation
• Integration with HR systems for monitoring employment ability, performance targets, and equal corporate information
• Control of access and grouping of classes as per a lot of areas, such as geographic location or security clearance levels

The LMS is a talented innovation, but it is predicted that demand will increase. Trends favor web-based teamwork apps that are developed with the user in mind.

Training Management System (TMS)

A TMS is where there is a home for student and administrative data. It enables you to organize, monitor, and report coaching, licensing, and certs for clients. For companies doing in-house training, or who want to automate a large number of tasks that an SMS might suffer with, this system is beneficial for it.
Common features of a TMS include:

• Management of contacts (e.g. current clients, potential clients, and RTO staff)
• Management of the Course
• Able to develop and implement course questionnaires and non-course polls
• Platform for Learners
• Management of Finance
• Reporting Compliance

Wrap up

An SMS is a way to go if you're searching for a general product to manage all the day-to-day aspects of your RTO. You can control your CRM, monitor your skills and experience, and remain compliant.

An LMS will function as an online classroom to manage your training if you provide lots of e-learning or corporate training. Some student admin features will also be included and will embed with your HR system.

If your company is doing a lot of in-house coaching, or you have a lot of automation needs, you will be able to launch all your classes and complete reporting by implementing a TMS.

You can begin developing a list of possible products and service providers once you've established which system suits your organization best. Set aside sufficient time for review as you move through the phases of the purchasing process, to make sure that your final decision is the best one.