Looking for a new LMS or wanting to make a switch? We wrap up the best learning management system features you need to invest in.

Picking the right LMS can be a tricky decision.

Delivering learning is the bare minimum.

Your LMS needs to echo your learning culture, enable conversations, accelerate skill development, and so much more.

But how do you know if you’re picking the right one?

Well, all LMSs will have a number of common features. But where you can really start to differentiate platforms is via the LMS features you can stand to gain.

Let’s get started.

First, what is an LMS?

A learning management system (LMS) is a digital hub where all things learning happen.

Sounds broad right?

Well, that’s because it is.

There are a whole host of uses for an LMS.

From schools and colleges, to businesses, and even solo educators, they all use LMS platforms to create, deliver, and track training or educational content.

Whether it’s a college professor uploading lecture videos, a company onboarding new hires with training modules, or a freelancer selling online courses, an LMS makes it all possible.

The best part?

Everything’s in one place.

Students or employees can log in, access their lessons, take quizzes, and even earn certificates (all without digging through endless emails or clunky PDFs).

Many systems also offer discussion forums, live chat, and progress tracking, making learning feel interactive rather than just a bunch of slides.

And for admins?

You get powerful tools to monitor engagement, analyse performance, and tweak the content as needed.

So, whether you’re learning or teaching, an LMS helps keep everything smooth, structured, and scalable.

Top learning management system features

Choosing the right LMS isn’t just about picking a platform that looks good.

It’s about finding one that truly supports both learners and administrators.

As an admin, you need LMS features that streamline content management, track learner progress, and ensure a smooth user experience.

But with so many options out there, how do you know which ones actually matter?

Here are our top picks for LMS features:

1. Course management
2. SCORM and xAPI compliance
3. Multi-tenancy
4. Branding
5. Gamification
6. eCommerce
7. Artificial intelligence
8. Integrations
9. Personalised learning paths
10. Compliance and certification management
11. Blended learning support
12. Social and collaborative learning
13. Reporting and analytics
14. Mobile learning
15. Notifications and reminders
16. Performance management
17. Single sign-on
18. Configurable user roles & audiences
19. White-labelling
20. Migration
21. Security
22. Custom blocks
23. Custom dashboards

#1 Course management

The core function of an LMS is to allow you to create, manage and deliver courses. So, course creation should be as straightforward as possible.

A great LMS will allow you to drag and drop content, mix and match content type, and easily set up admin settings so it reaches the right people at the right time.

#2 SCORM & xAPI compliance

LMS course creation is pretty vital when considering a learning platform.

We know most L&D professionals use SCORM or xAPI, and luckily Totara (and therefore BuildEmpire) is compatible with both.

This means you can easily upload SCORM and xAPI course files to your LMS and know they’ll work without fault.

Having a range of content compatibilities means that you’re unlimited in what you can create.

#3 Multi tenancy

If you’re an extended enterprise, or dealing with multiple languages or departments, you might want to consider multi tenancy.

This is essentially where you can create multiple sub-LMSs which is managed via on top-level portal.

You can add content centrally and then tweak it locally, and you can also individually brand each LMS to give a bespoke learning experience.

#4 Branding

An LMS is an extension of your business, and for learners, it’s the centre of their training programs.

So design is key.

It needs to accurately reflect you and your business, whether you decide it should reflect your business branding, or have its own identity.

Having your own consistent visual identity will make it recognisably yours, and in time, it will become an environment that learners know and trust.

LMSs have different levels of branding controls. Some might just let you add a logo, while others are much more customisable.

For example, with BuildEmpire, we let you add logos, control all platform colours, add imagery and much more.

#5 Gamification

To keep learners engaged, gamification elements, such as badges, points and leaderboards, add a competitive and interactive element to training.

Related: The importance of competition in learning

LMSs are starting to get a grasp of gamification, but many offer rudimentary solutions.

You’re looking for an LMS provider that gets the intrinsic value of gamification and how to make gamified learning a part of a wider strategy.

With gamification LMS features in play, you can boost motivation and participation, while learners find the experience more rewarding and enjoyable.

#6 eCommerce

When you’re creating learning content, you might finding yourself making paid learning – either in person, or online.

But connecting payment providers to your LMS can be pretty tricky.

That’s why it’s so important to find eCommerce listed at the top of any LMS features list.

Look for functionality that allows you to manage subscriptions, process payments, and offer a catalogue of courses through a user-friendly interface.

BuildEmpire offers:

• Integrated payment portals: A seamless and integrated payment gateway that directly links courses and catalogues to a checkout page.
• Audience segmentation: Course catalogues can be set to audiences or to programmes allowing for easy admin and access control
• Seat purchases: Want to allow users to buy seats to a course? This is an option we can set up to allow for better number control

#7 Artificial Intelligence

Every LMS in the world seems to be offering artificial intelligence, but not all the features they offer are actually substantial.

But delivering real AI in an LMS isn’t quite the bells and whistles we’re hoping for.

However, with that being said, there are some real, useful tools out there that use AI technology.

Totara offers:

• Machine learning recommendations to push new content to learners based on their interests
• AI-assisted course tag recommendations generator
• Open AI integration

#8 Integrations

LMS integrations are essential for streamlining learning, reducing admin, and enhancing user experience.

Your LMS provider will offer a range of integrations, but it’s best to consider which ones are readily available.

You should aim to connect your HR systems, CRMs and BI tools to help data flow between the two platforms.

There are also a range of integrations that could improve your platform further such as Zoom and Slack as after all, without integrations, an LMS operates in isolation.

#9 Personalised learning paths

One of the most valuable LMS features is personalised learning paths, which allow organisations to tailor training based on job roles, skills, and compliance needs.

For L&D teams, this ensures employees receive the right training at the right time, while learners benefit from a structured journey that provides clear progression and relevant content.

#10 Compliance & certification management

Compliance and certification management is another essential function, particularly for industries with strict regulatory requirements.

An LMS automates tracking and reporting, ensuring employees stay compliant without manual intervention.

Learners receive automatic reminders for certification renewals, reducing the risk of missing mandatory training and ensuring they remain up to date.

#11 Blended learning support

Not all learning is offline, just as much as all learning isn’t offline.

Nowadays, most learning programmes include some kind of blended learning. This could be offering just-in-time learning to offline learning course attendees.

Or equally, it could be offering on-the-job training to online learners.

This provides L&D teams with a versatile approach to delivering training, while learners can choose the format that best suits their learning preferences, whether that’s self-paced online courses or interactive instructor-led sessions.

#12 Social & collaborative learning

Social and collaborative learning LMS features, such as discussion forums, chat functions, and group activities, foster engagement and knowledge sharing.

For L&D teams, this encourages a culture of continuous learning and reduces reliance on formal training.

Learners benefit from peer-to-peer interaction, which enhances understanding and makes learning more dynamic.

💡 Pro Tip

Totara Learn now includes engagement and social learning tools that were previously ringfenced in their Totara Engage product. This means you can create a learning and engagement tool in one.

#13 Reporting & analytics

To measure the impact of training, reporting and analytics tools provide real-time insights into learner progress, engagement levels, and overall training effectiveness.

L&D teams can use these insights to refine learning strategies, while learners can track their own progress and identify areas where they need improvement.

#14 Mobile learning compatibility

With today’s workforce increasingly mobile, mobile learning compatibility is crucial.

An LMS that supports mobile access ensures that employees can complete training anytime, anywhere.

This is particularly beneficial for remote teams or field-based workers.

Learners enjoy the flexibility of learning on the go, making training more convenient and accessible.

#15 Notifications & reminders

Notifications might not be high on your LMS features list but they can be used to great effect.

They can alert learners to new courses, and remind users of upcoming and due courses.

You can set up a range of notifications including via email, phone or in app.

#16 Integration with performance management

Integrating learning and performance management tools, such as competencies and goal tracking, creates a seamless link between training and real-world outcomes.

It ensures that employees aren’t just completing courses but developing the skills needed to excel in their roles.

By aligning learning with performance goals, you can identify skill gaps, personalise development plans, and track progress over time.

This proactive approach keeps employees engaged, motivated, and on a clear path to career growth.

For L&D teams, it means training isn’t just a checkbox exercise, it’s a strategic driver of business success. Sounds good right?

Well, it means any impact you have is also measurable, meaningful, and long-lasting.

#17 Single sign-on

Remembering and storing passwords can be a bit of a logistical nightmare.

One way to make is easier is to use a central authentication platform that asks for your credentials once, and from there you can access everything.

Well, that’s basically single sign-on (SSO).

SSO is useful in an LMS because it means less password reset requests. But, it also means increased security of your IT environment too.

And that’s not all.

With no barriers to accessing the LMS, learners should find it easier to adopt your LMS.

Related: Complete guide to LMS adoption

#18 Configurable user roles & audiences

A good LMS relies on simple settings. You’re looking for a platform that gives your LMS admins simple controls over structure, hierarchy, user roles and audiences.

This allows you a much better experience when it comes to adding new users, managing their learning and more.

You can easily bulk-manage users, report on audiences, create set learning paths and so much more.

#19 White-labelling

If basic branding isn’t enough, white-labelling takes customisation a step further.

It allows you to tailor URLs, remove LMS provider references, and eliminate any visual signs that the platform was outsourced so you can make it fully your own.

A white-labelled LMS offers a middle ground between an off-the-shelf solution and a fully custom-built platform.

Since the level of white-labelling varies by vendor, consider whether it’s a ‘nice-to-have’ or a ‘must-have’ before making your choice.

#20 Data migration

If you’re thinking about migrating LMS, then you might be worrying about losing data.

This is especially important when you think 19% of L&D professionals cite data migration as one of their organisations’ most important learning system-related capabilities.

It’s a valid concern, but not one you actually need to worry about.

Related: Read the full guide to nailing LMS implementation

Data migration, with the right provider, is easy and straightforward. And the best bit? You don’t have to do anything!

#21 Security

Security in a learning platform is mandatory and not something you should skrimp on.

So, you want to make sure you choose an LMS that is investing in their security and data privacy with relevant third-party certifications like GDPR compliance, or IS0 27001 with Certification Europe.

Your provider should also support you, and your LMS team, to improve their security via training and confidentiality protocols.

#22 Custom blocks

With each LMS option out there, you’ll have access to different features. But that’s not all. They’ll also have different ways to represent your courses, remind learners, engage them and so much more.

When it comes to choosing the right LMS, you need to be sure you can fully manipulate the platform the way you need. Or that the platform is already preset the way you need.

💡 Pro Tip

We’re always working on new features, blocks and plugins. You can check them all out on our Roadmap, or see what we’ve incorporated into our Edition.

BuildEmpire has a bunch of custom blocks that you can make use of. From our ‘next activity’ block and ‘what’s next’ block, to our ‘dashboard banner’ block. You can add all the data you need, where you need it most.

#23 Custom dashboards

Following on from custom blocks are custom dashboards.

You won’t be sending the same content to the same people, so you need to be able to create bespoke dashboards based on audience rules.

A great example? Onboarding.

You’ll want to share a welcome message, maybe an onboarding checklist and key HR tasks and learning. Meanwhile, a learner who’s been working at your company, won’t need any of that on their LMS.

One extra consideration: reliability

Ok, reliability isn’t a feature. But, what use is an LMS if it’s down or isn’t the latest version?

Not much.

When you have hundreds, or even thousands of learners on your platform, your LMS provider needs to support you with a suitable uptime record.

BuildEmpire guarantees an uptime of 99.998%, as standard.

When learning platforms are down, that means learners can’t access courses.

That’s an unhelpful barrier to training that we don’t want to have to deal with so make sure you critically assess how reliable your chosen LMS provider is.

Wrapping up

Finding the perfect LMS isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about choosing a platform that makes learning seamless, engaging, and easy to manage.

As an admin, having the right LMS features at your fingertips can save time, improve learner outcomes, and keep everything running smoothly.

Whether it’s automation, analytics, or an intuitive user experience, the right tools will make all the difference.

Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to evaluate your options and find an LMS that fits your needs.

Prioritise what matters most, test out different platforms if possible, and don’t be afraid to ask for demos.

What other LMS features would you say are top of your list?

Let us know when you book your free demo to see all of our LMS features (which coincidentally, is all of those mentioned above!).