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The Best Training Management System Companies of 2021
How We Chose the Best Training Management Systems
As the training and development industry continues to grow, so too does the number of training management systems on offer. These applications provide users with the ability to oversee and implement activities and processes that impact the effectiveness of training delivery as well as the achievement of related goals. Each vendor-product combination focuses on distinct areas and a unique set of functionality and services. Compelling contenders, however, should offer features that will help businesses streamline workflows and activities, increase end user participation and provide insights for decision-making. While each customer will prioritize different needs, we believe there are three critical aspects to consider when it comes to selecting a training management system:
Training Management Features
The management of a training program includes tasks like student registration, scheduling, completion tracking, payment processing and course evaluation. All these functions have an important part to play but can require a significant amount of time and effort. A strong TMS offering will include a good selection of capabilities that allow users to complete these actions in an accurate and timely manner.
Integrations
Information that can be valuable for training materials will often reside outside of a TMS. Data that is needed for support areas like payroll and compliance can be found inside a TMS. Knowledge needs to flow smoothly into and out of these products, so we looked for applications that provide existing integrations to tools that are frequently paired with a training management system.
Reports
TMS users need information that can aid them in making business decisions about the training they offer. Solutions included on our list provide customers with detailed reporting and/or analytics that allow them to assess both the progress of learners as well as the effectiveness of their training programs.
The 15 Best Training Management Systems of 2021
Arlo Training & Event Software
Arlo has been in the training space for more than 10 years and strives to provide a TMS that can take care of users’ everyday issues. Its client base consists of companies whose main business is providing training courses or services. These firms can take advantage of software functionality that gives them the ability to create training websites and marketing campaigns. Arlo prides itself on understanding its customers’ needs and advertises a 99% customer satisfaction rate. Its three data centers are in Australia, Canada and Ireland, while support teams are located in England and New Zealand.
With good coverage of core features, such as course management and course tracking tools, the platform’s reporting component includes the ability for users to schedule reports. Prebuilt integrations with leading providers like Zoom, Xero and Stripe are available, while additional interfaces with services such as MailChimp, Outlook and SurveyGizmo can be created using Zapier.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Simple: $79/license/month plus usage Professional: $140/license/month plus usage Enterprise: $185/license/month plus usage | Trial | >Tests and assessments >eLearning functionality >Email, phone and ticket system customer support >More features at Arlo Training & Event Software |
Pros & Cons of Arlo Training & Event Software Training Management System
Arlo’s software offers integrations and reporting in addition to a comprehensive set of training management functions. Templates and workflow automation capability are also beneficial elements. All these options can be challenging for smaller firms to set up and support, and may be more than they need.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Mobile app on both Android and iOS platforms >Ease of use | >No support team in North America |
What Customers Are Saying
Although some comment that the setup and administration of all the features can be challenging, overall, Arlo receives very positive reviews from customers. One stated, “We’ve been able to easily promote and sell course places, communicate with our customers and therefore grow our business.”
Articulate Rise
Articulate has two software platforms in the learning and development space: Articulate 360 and Rise. Articulate 360’s focus is content creation: it provides users with a number of authoring tools as well as resources like templates, images and videos. Rise is the firm’s training management system, which provides a single solution for creating, managing and delivering training. It’s built on top of Rise 360, which adjusts eLearning courses so they work on all devices. The creators of the solution want Rise to be user-friendly for all involved, including course designers, learners and administrators.
The functionality included in Rise offers good coverage of core features including course management and tracking capabilities. Designers can enhance trainees’ interest and engagement by adding interactive details, multimedia inputs and gamification elements to their courses. Connecting Rise with partner applications can be done via APIs or by using Zapier. The system is cloud-based, and customer support is available in-app or via email.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Starter: $399/month, billed annually (maximum 100 users) Growth: $799/month, billed annually (maximum 250 users) Midsize: $1,299/month, billed annually (maximum 500 users) Large: $1,999/month, billed annually (maximum 1,000 users) | Trial | >Gamification >eLearning functionality >Reporting >More features at Articulate Rise |
Pros & Cons of Articulate Rise Training Management System
Rise focuses on ease of use and emphasizes visually engaging elements. The platform’s features are comprehensive, but it’s important to note that no prebuilt integrations are included.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Ease of use | >No mobile apps |
What Customers Are Saying
Overall, reviews are positive. One customer noted that Rise “has changed the way we think about training development.” Another user stated, “Rise makes it easy for us to build new engaging training modules FAST. And, we’ve received great feedback (and great results) from our learners!”
Ascentis
The training management system from Ascentis is part of a suite of human capital management software products. With a focus on talent development and career progression, the system gives employees the opportunity to see their own progress according to metrics and milestones. Managers are able to provide feedback in the moment and assign training as needed, rather than via a single performance review session. Team members and other colleagues can also contribute using the 360-degree assessment functionality. Ascentis aims to deliver high-quality service that’s personalized for each client. The support team can be reached via phone, email, live chat or using a ticketing system. Both an account manager and an executive sponsor are assigned to customers.
Integration capabilities are extensive, and prebuilt connections with payroll vendors are included. Clients can also build their own interfaces or choose to outsource the work to Ascentis. Reporting is available and dashboards show an at-a-glance summary of performance data. The solution is run as an SaaS model and can be accessed on Android and iOS mobile platforms.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Custom quote | Demo | >Reporting >eLearning functionality >Tests and assessments >More features at Ascentis |
Pros & Cons of Ascentis Training Management System
Because Ascentis TMS is only one module among a suite of products, customers can create an extended HR platform by purchasing one or more of the additional offerings. From a training management perspective, though, Ascentis is missing two key features: course management and course tracking. A free demo is available, but those interested in testing the full system are out of luck.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Extensive customer support options >Prebuilt, do-it-yourself or outsourced integration choices | >No course management feature >No free trial (demo only) |
What Customers Are Saying
Clients point to the need for thorough training on the system, but they also praise the implementation teams as well as the self-help resources. Customers speak highly of the support teams with one stating, “Very logical software. It is user friendly and the support is awesome. They respond fast and take care of any issues.”
Brightspace
Desire2Learn, the maker of Brightspace, was founded in 1999. Among its client list are K-12 schools, higher education organizations as well as companies. Brightspace Core is the firm’s main product in the training and learning management category, and it provides solid coverage of all essential capabilities. Enhanced features for analytics and engagement are available through Performance Plus and Engagement Plus, respectively, as add-on packages. Clients have access to advisors in the areas of data, education research and course design.
Brightspace was designed with accessibility in mind and follows universal design learning principles. Automated functions include prompts to learners who fall behind and access to additional content based on individual milestones progress. Learning paths can be customized, and communication tools for students or trainees include activity feeds, forums and web conferencing integrations. The system is available via the cloud, and support is accessible via phone, email and live chat.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Custom quote | Trial | >Course management features >Course tracking tools >Gamification >More features at Brightspace |
Pros & Cons of Brightspace Training Management System
The product ticks off all the boxes for essential and nice-to-have training and learning management features, while also providing automation capabilities. The opportunity to connect with learning experts from different areas is a plus. While users can access the application online, there’s no mobile app. Organizations looking for greater data insight or wanting more flexibility in how they engage learners will need to purchase add-on packages.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Automation capabilities | >No mobile apps |
What Customers Are Saying
Reviews are generally positive but several note a dated interface that sometimes requires too many clicks to access the desired item. Users appreciate the time savings from automation, with one customer saying, “Reminding people to sign up for courses, finish the modules they’re working on and take the quizzes is very time-consuming when you need to do it manually, so automating the process probably saves each instructor three to five hours per week.”
Ceridian Dayforce
Dayforce is Ceridian’s people resource management platform and consists of modules for HR, payroll, benefits, workforce management and talent management. Clients who sign up for the entire package can house end-to-end data related to the employee journey, but they also have the option to start with one piece and add modules as needed.
Its talent management module serves as the training management system and contains most of the core features, such as reporting, integrations, course management and course tracking. Employees can take a proactive approach by creating their own learning paths, while managers can set goals for staff members at multiple levels and identify competency areas that need improvement. The system accommodates different learning styles and allows users to create and share their own material. Dayforce is available via the cloud as well as Android and iOS mobile apps.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Custom quote | Demo | >Phone and in-app customer support >Gamification >Integrations >More features at Ceridian Dayforce |
Pros & Cons of Ceridian Dayforce Training Management System
As one module of a suite of human capital management software, Dayforce’s talent management component gives clients access to a scalable platform. The product offers a wide array of functionalities, including essential and recommended elements as well as extras like engagement surveys. However, it doesn’t offer tests or assessments.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Mobile app on both Android and iOS platforms | >No tests or assessments |
What Customers Are Saying
Users find the product relatively easy to navigate, but some reviews point to the need for advanced technical knowledge when building reports or XML forms. Overall, clients like Dayforce and highlight the value of the insights the system gives them. One shares, “It costs us two to three times more to replace a great employee than to retain one, so it’s very important to us to not only onboard our employees properly but to also develop and engage with them … The visibility that Dayforce gives us is priceless.”
Edsby
The training management offering from Edsby serves educational institutions, districts and governments and was designed specifically for grades K-12. The software is adaptable, allowing users to customize the software to fit their processes, reporting requirements and measurement standards. Edsby has more than 30 years of experience creating education software and takes an active role in the industry.
Edsby’s product meets most of the key functionalities highlighted in this list, although it does lack gamification features. Course management capabilities are robust and include scheduling of parent-teacher meetings, tracking of volunteer hours and automation for report cards. Teachers can also easily make notes and observations about student progress and share them as needed. Edsby offers integrations with student information systems, HR databases and CSV files, as well as other file formats and applications. Users can access the system via the cloud or Android or iOS mobile apps.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Custom quote | Trial | >Robust course management features >Tests and assessments >eLearning functionality >More features at Edsby |
Pros & Cons of Edsby Training Management System
With its sole focus on education software for grades K-12, Edsby brings significant specialized experience to its product offering. The ability to adapt the software to local assessment criteria and processes is a definite plus. One core element missing from the platform is gamification.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Integrations with student information systems >Adaptable to local standards and processes | >No gamification >Specific to education needs in K-12 schools |
What Customers Are Saying
Clients give the company and its application positive reviews, with one reviewer stating, “Edsby links administrators, teachers, students and parents with day to day knowledge of the academic and personal progress of students. And the staff at Edsby are always there to help.”
GoToTraining
LogMeIn, the company behind GoToTraining, aims to strengthen relationships by improving how we interact and connect with one another. It operates as a SaaS provider and has been a key contributor to the remote working model. GoToTraining is designed with ease of use in mind and a goal of making collaboration simpler. The platform supports both remote and hybrid learning formats and includes functionalities such as breakout sessions to increase learner engagement.
The product provides thorough coverage of essential and recommended components. Trainers also have access to supplemental features including desktop or application sharing and session recording. They can also share handouts, notes and videos and make use of functionalities that allows students to work together during the training session. Decision makers can use course assessments to determine the effectiveness of a class and/or how to make it better. GoToTraining offers a small number of integrations, but its partnership with PayPal allows for both payment processing and custom registration.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Starter: $109/organizer/month, billed annually Pro: $159/organizer/month, billed annually Plus: $314/organizer/month, billed annually | Trial | >Core and recommended features >Gamification >Email, phone and live chat customer support >More features at GoToTraining |
Pros & Cons of GoToTraining Training Management System
GoToTraining is one of only two vendors that cover all the bases with regards to deployment, with SaaS, Android and iOS mobile apps as well as Mac and Windows desktop installations. Integrations for the application are on the lighter side with only five partners listed other than PayPal.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Comprehensive deployment offering >Robust feature coverage | >Small number of integrations |
What Customers Are Saying
Customers speak highly of the GoToTraining application with many emphasizing its ease of use from both user and administrator perspectives. One says, “For an organizer, GoToTraining is easy to set up and there’s no difficulty engaging learners. Also, we’ve found it to be 100% reliable, well received by learners and their employers, and there’s a lower total cost.”
iSpring Learn
Ease of use and superior customer service are top priorities for iSpring. The company provides a variety of materials to help clients get the most out of its applications, including free weekly webinars with subject matter experts, whitepapers and blog posts. It aims for a quick resolution to issues, noting that its customer support team closes 83% of cases within a two-hour time span. iSpring offers two products: iSpring Learn and iSpring Suite. The first is a management system used for training and development, while the second is an application offering enhanced capabilities and tools for creating courses and assessments. All iSpring Learn pricing plans include a subscription to iSpring Suite.
The solution offers complete coverage of core and nice-to-have functions. New users can get a quick start by uploading and building upon training material that they already have. A key feature of the platform is the ability to build PowerPoint-based courses that can be enhanced with video tutorials, live online sessions or long-form articles.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| $3.66/user/month, billed annually (maximum 100 users) $3/user/month, billed annually (maximum 300 users) $2.82/user/month, billed annually (maximum 500 users) | Trial | >Core and recommended features >Gamification > Email, phone and live chat customer support >More features at iSpring Learn |
Pros & Cons of iSpring Learn Training Management System
With features covering both the must-have and nice-to-have categories, iSpring Learn’s focus on ease of use and getting users up and running quickly can enhance client value. Although all iSpring Learn plans include a subscription to iSpring Suite, it’s important to note that only one or two individuals can have access to the latter.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Ease of use >Mobile app on both Android and iOS platforms | >Limited prebuilt integrations |
What Customers Are Saying
Customers rave about the product’s ease of use for both learners and administrators. One said, “With iSpring, it usually takes a day or two to build a completely interactive training program.” Another reviewer stated: “People are a lot quicker to take iSpring courses because they actually enjoy them much more than what they were getting before.”
Looop
Looop prioritizes business over learning objectives. The solutions allows users to design a learning experience that clearly leads to improved performance, as measured by key performance indicators instead of learning metrics like attendance and course completion. Its approach is to offer training as part of everyday workflows, so that users don’t have to stop working in order to learn. The application is built with the user as the focal point, rather than the training content or program. Looop promotes and follows an iterative approach, advising clients to experiment, determine what works, let go of what doesn’t and repeat.
The solution performs quite well in terms of core feature coverage with course management and course tracking functionality, but given its philosophy about training and development, it’s no surprise that gamification isn’t part of the package. Integrations are available through prebuilt and custom build APIs, and its analytics offering provides information about where training and support is most needed.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Starts at $299/month for small businesses (maximum 50 users) | Demo | >Course management functionality >Testing and assessments >Integrations via API >More features at Looop |
Pros & Cons of Looop Training Management System
Looop’s philosophy should leave employee productivity numbers untouched, since users don’t have to stop what they’re doing to access learning content. Also, training engagement won’t be an issue since it’s built into daily processes. A free demo is offered but no free trial. Given Looop’s unique approach, a free trial might be more beneficial for interested companies, so they could gain a greater understanding of this different framework.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Mobile app on both Android and iOS platforms >Ease of use | >No free trial, demo only >Customer support via email and ticket system only |
What Customers Are Saying
Customers offer high praise when reviewing Looop. One commented, “Looop is a contemporary performance platform that allows learners to access great support resources when they need it. The mobile app is great for those who don’t always have access to a desktop while analytics and creating content is a breeze. The functionality is slick and the customer service is the best I’ve had from a vendor. Engagement issues are a thing of the past.”
Moodle
Moodle is an open-source platform supported by development personnel at Moodle HQ, and a community of users who continuously contribute to its improvement and evolution. Being open source software, anyone can adapt or change the product as they see fit. Moodle is easy to use, with an extensive supply of how-to guides as well as user-created training. The system includes several options for customizing language settings, and the community has provided translations for more than 100 languages. Moodle is used by organizations of all sizes and offers collaboration tools such as forums and chats. Security functionality is consistently updated thanks to contributors who are frequently reviewing the code. Users also have the ability to customize privacy capabilities to satisfy region-specific rules.
Deployment options are comprehensive, and web, mobile (Android and iOS) and desktop installations (Mac and Windows) are all possible. The application supplies essential features as well as recommended ones. Multiple learning formats are supported, and predictive analytics help identify students who may be struggling. Moodle has a platform of recognized partners and also offers a significant number of plug-ins.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Custom quote | Trial | >Integrations >Course tracking >Gamification >More features at Moodle |
Pros & Cons of Moodle Training Management System
Due to its open source nature, Moodle offers a great deal of flexibility and customization options, including the ability to change languages and system appearance. This amount of variation can lead to a number of questions, and no live support channels are available, such as phone or chat.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Ease of use >Highly customizable >Comprehensive deployment options | >Customer support via email and ticket system only |
What Customers Are Saying
Moodle users are generally pleased with their experience, but they do mention a need for technical expertise during installation and set up. One customer praised the product saying, “Moodle is great because it’s flexible and user friendly.” Another noted, “For these students, we have a seamless integration from when they purchase to them enrolling in the course, allowing them to start learning in a matter of minutes.”
Schoology Learning
PowerSchool, the company behind Schoology Learning, specializes in software for the educational sector. Its products range from student information systems to administration management. Schoology Learning was created with the needs of K-12 schools in mind and looks to support not just students’ classroom activities, but their extracurricular involvement as well. The application comes with collaboration tools, so all those who participate in a student’s learning path can easily interact.
The solution offers all the essential components, including course management, course tracking and gamification. Reporting can be done at multiple levels, including individual, course and school. Teachers are able to design content and learning journeys adapted for each student’s learning style and capabilities. An extensive number of integrations are available with partners such as Google, Microsoft, Quizlet and National Geographic Kids. Schoology Learn is available online and via Android and iOS mobile apps, and customer support can be accessed by phone or email.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Custom quote | Trial | >Course management features >eLearning functionality >Gamification >More features at Schoology Learning |
Pros & Cons of Schoology Learning Training Management System
The software is suitable only for the management of learning in K-12 schools. If your business is in this space, though, you can take advantage of the large number of apps that make accessing and transferring content into course materials much more efficient.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Extensive integrations >Collaboration tools | >Specific to education needs in K-12 schools |
What Customers Are Saying
Users enjoy the wide-ranging functionalities and options of Schoology, but point out that it can take some time to find everything. Teachers greatly appreciate the user experience and praise its ease of use. One reviewer stated, “We put Schoology in front of our teachers and their mouths dropped.” Another user declared, “The Schoology platform has exceeded our expectations and the Schoology family has been an incredible support and inspiration to the creativity of the teachers in our district.”
SkyPrep
Simplifying the online training and development experience is SkyPrep’s stated goal. It wants to create software that’s intuitive and user-friendly and aims to provide top-notch customer service. The platform can be used by clients to conduct both internal training for employees and external training for customers. Clients are able to modify the appearance of the application to create a look and feel that’s unique to them. SkyPrep offers automation functionality for grading, notifications, certifications and compliance workflows.
Coverage of core components is thorough and includes features like customized learning path creation, role-specific permission assignment, gamification through points and leaderboards, and reminders for deadlines and upcoming events. Integrations are available with leading providers, such as Stripe, ADP, LinkedIn and Zoom, via open API. Reporting can be done at different levels, and compliance documents can be scheduled for greater peace of mind. Customers can reach out for support via phone, email or ticket system.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Core: $199/month, billed annually Premium: $499/month, billed annually | Trial | >Gamification >Integrations >Testing and assessments >More features at SkyPrep |
Pros & Cons of SkyPrep Training Management System
New users and companies with limited internal IT support can benefit from SkyPrep’s prioritization of ease of use. For those considering the Core pricing plan, it’s important to note that a number of enhanced features aren’t included.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Mobile app on both Android and iOS platforms >Ease of use | >The Core pricing plan only includes customer support via email >Gamification and advanced integration capabilities only available with Premium pricing plan |
What Customers Are Saying
Users rave about the platform’s ease of use and offer high praise for SkyPrep’s customer support. One user wrote, “The system has a very intuitive and user-friendly UI, our users require very little training to use it.” Another reviewer stated, “Support is amazing. Available, helpful, knowledge and the best part is if we suggest a change/addition, it gets serious consideration and for us, has actually been implemented.”
TalentLMS
When building TalentLMS, the team at Epignosis aspired to create a system that was simple to use, met the needs of customers and offered a substantial amount of flexibility. It wanted to ensure that organizations interested in providing online learning could easily access the technology at a price they could afford. TalentLMS’ design allows new users to get up and running quickly and follows eLearning industry standards, including SCORM and xAPI. It also offers automation capabilities, so clients can reduce time spent on repetitive tasks.
The components we’ve highlighted as essential are all available through TalentLMS. Course management functionality includes the ability to create separate training sections, each of which can host a unique training theme, set of users and course list. Gamification features like points, awards and leaderboards can be used to increase engagement and make training more fun. The solution also gives clients the ability to set their own point schedule.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free (maximum 5 users) Starter: $59/month (maximum 40 users) Basic: $129/month (maximum 100 users) Plus: $249/month (maximum 500 users) Premium: $429/month (maximum 1,000 users) | Trial | >Course tracking tools >Integrations >Email, phone and ticket system customer support >More features at TalentLMS |
Pros & Cons of TalentLMS Training Management System
TalentLMS is the only provider on our list to offer a free subscription plan. With a no-cost trial offer also available, interested organizations have solid options for trying out the software before committing.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Free subscription plan option >Mobile app on both Android and iOS platforms | >Automation capabilities available only with Plus and Premium plans |
What Customers Are Saying
TalentLMS users really like the platform and highlight its ease of use. One said, “TalentLMS is a simple, reliable, easy to use interactive learning platform that has helped train hundreds of people across multiple locations.” Another user wrote, “We are delighted with the system’s easy-to-use platform and tools for the delivery, support, and administration of our eLearning and instructor-led courses.”
Tovuti
Founded in 2017, Tovuti is one of the newer entrants to the training management system market. The system provides customers with an easy and efficient way to manage and deliver an online training program. It’s offered as a white-labeled product, which means clients can rebrand it to look like their own build. Assistance for new clients includes coaching and access to a tutorial library. Tovuti can support a variety of education delivery methods, including blended, independent, instructor-led and micro learning.
Users have access to course management tools that include scheduling, registration, user maintenance, notifications and reminders. Dashboards give students the opportunity to keep track of their own progress, while reports allow administrators and managers to monitor both student and course success. Tovuti also comes with course creation and e-commerce functionalities.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Custom quote | Trial | >Core and recommended features >Email, phone and ticket system customer support >Integrations >More features at Tovuti |
Pros & Cons of Tovuti Training Management System
Tovuti offers all the must-have and nice-to-have features we highlight in a user-friendly package. Interested organizations should note that many useful features like integrations, e-commerce capabilities and customizations have been carved out and are only included with premium packages.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Ease of use >Robust feature coverage | >No mobile apps |
What Customers Are Saying
Feedback is very positive, with a number of users expressing particular appreciation for how user-friendly the application is and for the high-quality customer support. One states, “The support team is probably the best part of using this system. While it is easy to navigate, anything that becomes an obstacle for me is easily solved by sending a quick message to the help center.”
Trainual
Trainual is another newcomer, entering the training management industry in 2018. Its approach builds upon the idea of a business playbook: a document or set of documents that lays out how you do what you do. It contains the workflows, policies and standard operating procedures that are used daily by an organization. The application allows training to be rolled out easily and quickly, making it a useful tool for organizations that find themselves growing rapidly. Employees can complete online training courses independently, and managers can track progress using the product’s reporting capabilities.
Though the platform does offer gamification elements, it’s lacking two key features for this type of system: course management and course tracking. Integrations, which are a recommended component, can be built through Zapier. Trainual is accessible via the web as well as Android and iOS mobile platforms.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Pro: $99/month, billed annually Premium: $149/month, billed annually | Trial | >Gamification >Tests and assessments >Phone, chat and in-app support >More features at Trainual |
Pros & Cons of Trainual Training Management System
Clients can benefit from Trainual’s focus on ease of use and quick set up time. However, it’s important to point out that the application lacks both course management and course tracking capabilities.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Easy to use >Mobile app on both Android and iOS platforms | >No course management functionality >No course tracking tools |
What Customers Are Saying
Reviews of Trainual are generally positive. One customer wrote, “I was able to put together our company’s training program in just a few hours. It’s very easy to use.” Another user’s feedback stated, “A huge asset to anyone looking to scale.”
What Are Training Management Systems?
Training management systems are applications that allow users to manage and deliver training. They help with activities as wide ranging as registration, testing, scheduling, reporting and eLearning delivery. While training management systems were once focused on back-end administrative activities, with learning management systems handling content delivery to users, there’s now significant overlap between the two software types. Still, platforms are typically stronger in one area than the other, so it’s important to understand what your training needs are to choose the best system for your needs. Having a relatively small number of trainees and limited course content probably doesn’t call for extensive course management features, but gamification elements and a user-friendly interface could be of good value to increase user engagement.
Other factors for smaller businesses to consider are:
- Scalability: Can the product grow with you? What would be involved in scaling a platform in terms of both money and effort?
- Technical know-how: What kind of technical knowledge and experience will be needed to set up and administer the application? What kind of in-house technical expertise do you have? How much external support will you need?
- Premium features: Enhanced features like integrations and automations are sometimes offered only as part of pricier subscription plans, but they may be worth the additional cost if it means your business can reduce time spent on repetitive or time-consuming tasks and use it on revenue-generating activities instead.
Benefits of Training Management Systems
In today’s world, training involves a significant number of components. As training continues to move online, much of the related management and administrative tasks will also need to be handled in cyberspace. Previously, these components were often stored and maintained in separate software programs, often on individual desktops, and emailed back and forth between stakeholders. This way of working was both time-consuming and prone to human error.
Training management systems allow you to centralize the data, processes, assessments and administration involved, and grant access to those who need it on a restricted basis. These products are usually available online, and increasingly, via mobile apps. Instead of separate applications that generally weren’t meant for training and development use, components within a TMS are integrated and purpose-built. As an example, course management and tracking tools won’t only help you record when an employee has finished a course, but they can also provide the employee with reminders if they fall behind or automatically assign the next course when the first has been completed. For training organizations, where once client payments needed to be collected in person, payments and refunds can now often be handled via the TMS, giving you more control over the process. Reporting modules also typically include information that can help businesses better understand where to spend their money, whether that be replacing one course with another or increasing training materials on a particular pain point for its learners.
Must-Have Features of Training Management Systems
The right training management system will meet your business’ unique needs from both an operational and philosophical perspective. It must effectively deliver the functions you require, while also focusing on the value aspects you believe are essential. However, there are specific criteria that should be met by any training management product:
- Training management features: Managing and delivering an effective training program takes time and effort, so a solid set of features should be included that make the work easier. This includes components like course management functionality, course tracking tools and gamification elements.
- Integrations: Getting data into the right hands at the right time is crucial, so integrations with valuable partner programs are a must. While prebuilt integrations are preferred, the ability to create interfaces through APIs or an application like Zapier is also worthwhile.
- Reporting: Users need reports that provide information about the progress of trainees and the effectiveness of courses offered. Detailed reporting must be available so leadership and administrators can make decisions about what changes are needed to provide a better training experience.
The Cost of Training Management Systems
The table above shows there’s a great deal of variance in pricing among training management systems. About half the providers offer only custom quotes. Pricing plans also vary greatly when it comes to the features included with each tier. Some offer only basic features for the lowest price plan, with all premium features coming at higher price points. Others include core functionality as part of a basic subscription, and more streamlined capabilities only come with premium subscriptions.
As an example, a low pricing tier might include the capability to build integrations through an API, while a higher-priced tier includes the former plus prebuilt integrations. Another scenario is the inclusion of single sign-on functionality in premium packages. Customer support channels often grow as subscription options become pricier (e.g. live chat is added to email) and in some cases will include dedicated support. TalentLMS offers a free subscription plan that’s worth considering by smaller organizations with a limited number of training personnel and courses.
Given the cost differences among providers, it’s important that you take as much time as needed to fully understand and evaluate what each vendor includes with its pricing plans to ensure the one you select meets your training needs.