Trending Learning Management Systems (LMS)
About the vendor
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Customers
  • Academic
  • Freelancers
  • Large Enterprises (>10,000)
  • Non Profits
  • Public Administrations
  • Small/Medium Businesses
Use Cases
  • Academic Learning
  • Association Learning
  • Compliance Training
  • Customer Training
  • Employee Onboarding
  • Extended Enterprise
  • Training Companies
Industries
  • Accounting
  • Airlines/Aviation
  • Automotive
  • Aviation & Aerospace
  • Banking
  • Biotechnology
  • Manufacturing
Deployment
  • Desktop Application
  • Mobile Application
  • Self-Hosted Cloud-based
  • Self-Hosted System
  • Software as a Service / Cloud
Platforms
  • Linux
  • Mac
  • Windows
Browsers
  • Apple Safari
  • Google Chrome
  • Internet Explorer
  • Mozilla Firefox
Training
  • Documentation
  • In Person
  • Live Online
  • Online Tutorials
  • Webinars
Support
  • 24/7
  • Business Hours
  • Email
  • FAQ
  • Knowledge Base
  • Live Online
  • Online Community
  • Phone
Supported Specifications
  • AICC
  • IMS Common Cartridge
  • IMS LTI
  • IMS QTI
  • PENS
  • RTWS
  • SCORM 1.1
  • SCORM 1.2
  • SCORM 2004
  • SCORM 2004 3rd Edition
  • SCORM 2004 4th Edition
  • Section 508
  • xAPI/Tin Can API
Languages Supported
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LinkedIn Page
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X
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What is SumTotal?

With SumTotal in your ecosystem, you will attract, develop, retain and engage your top performers to drive adaptability, growth and business success.SumTotal Recruiting is a modern ATS that delivers a powerful candidate experience combined with flexibility and ease of use for recruiters and hiring managers. SumTotal reimagined our recruiting solution and has built the tools to drive productivity and
speed into your recruiting process while making it easy for candidates to search or be matched with positions that best fit their desired role and skillset.

SumTotal gives you the combined functionality of our Recruiting, Onboarding, Learning Management, Performance, Succession and
Compensation modules in a single platform. With one
solution, you have access to all the capabilities that enable your organization to best meet your people acquisition and development
objectives

Overview of SumTotal benefits

Unlike most HR Technology providers, SumTotal’s Professional Services organization combines traditional scoping, implementation, and support with full-service Human Capital Management (HCM) consulting. We do this by transparently augmenting our project teams with industry-leading technology, business, and design consultancies. In this model, SumTotal is always held fully accountable for all software and services: allowing us to partner with our clients to laser-focus on achieving business goals. With over 200 employees in our professional services organization and teams in North America, Asia, and Europe, SumTotal Professional Services has successfully tackled the most complex and global-reaching projects in the industry.

Choosing SumTotal means you have a fully accountable partner. The buck stops here as we focus on helping you achieve your broader business goals. SumTotal surrounds you with a team dedicated to meeting your unique needs and who recognizes that business outcomes are about more than procuring licenses and gladly accepts full accountability for all software and services.

Features

Learn more about SumTotal features that set it apart from the competition. Discover how its unique tools and capabilities enhance your processes.

Accounts

Add a new user Allows administrators to add new users directly to their LMS for streamlined user management.
Archive users Deactivate and store user accounts without deleting them.
Browse list of users View all registered users in the system.
Bulk User Actions Manage multiple user accounts at once.
Custom/Mandatory User profile fields Define required or optional fields for user profiles.
Upload users Import users via spreadsheet.

Activity grading

Course History View completed and ongoing courses for each user.
Gradebook Centralized view of all learner grades.
Gradebook audit trail Track all grade changes over time.
Gradebook comments Add comments to learner grades.
Manual Grading ("Marking") Manually review and grade submissions.
Multiple grading scales Support for different grading systems.

AI Features

Adaptive Learning
AI Powered
Chatbot
Content development
Content Translation
Intelligent recommendations
Natural Language Processing
Predictive analysis
Quiz generation
Text-to-speech

Authentication

Active Directory/LDAP Integration Authenticate users via corporate directories.
Custom User login page Personalized login interface.
Manual Accounts
No login Allow content access without authentication.
SAML2/API Integration Single sign-on and external authentication.
Self-Registration Users create their own accounts.
Self-Registration w. Admin Confirmation User signup requires admin approval.

Categories

Assign Courses to categories Organize courses under specific categories.
Create new Categories Add new organizational groups for courses.
Manage Categories Edit, delete, or update categories.
Priced Categories (Bundle) Sell course bundles grouped by category.

Certificate management

Certification life-cycle Track generation, renewal, and expiration.
Manage certification templates Customize certificate formats.
Predefined certification templates Use ready-made certificate designs.
Unique Certificate by Course
Unique Certification by Curriculum Different certificate per learning path.

Compliance management

Certificate expiration notifications Alerts when certificates are near expiry.
Certification Expiration Management Manage timelines and renewal rules.
Due Date notifications Notify learners of upcoming deadlines.
Soft/Hard Stop Due Dates Allow or block access after due dates.

Course Creation

Assignments Engine Create and manage learner assignments.
Built-In Authoring Tool Create content directly inside the platform.
Can reuse PPTs, PDFs, Videos Upload and repurpose existing material.
Changing Course default settings Modify core course configuration.
Consume online video content Embed or stream video lessons.
Content Library
Course backup Options Backup and restore course data.
Drag & Drop Interactions Interactive content creation.
Hybrid Learning Courses
Learning Paths (Curriculums) Sequence courses into structured programs.
LRS Learning Record Store for xAPI data.
Scheduling LIVE events Plan webinars or virtual classes.
Survey Engine Create learner surveys.
Tests Engine Build quizzes and exams.
Upload courses Import courses into the platform.

Customization

Mobile Learning Support Optimize learning for mobile devices.
Personalized views Customize interface per user.

Enrollment

Attendance Tracking Track presence in sessions.
Automated Enrollment (based on User data) Enroll users automatically by rules.
Guest Access Settings Allow non‑registered users limited access.
Manual Enrollment Manually assign users to courses.
Progress Tracking Monitor learner progress in real time.
Self-enrollment Allow learners to join courses freely.
Self-enrollment (with a PIN #) Require a PIN for enrollment.
Survey enrollment (based on a response) Enroll based on survey answers.

Format

Course Discussions Forum-style communication.
Gamification Format Add game elements to courses.
Learner Upload Allow learners to upload content.
LIVE Chat Option Real-time messaging inside courses.
Social Format Social interaction‑focused layout.
Topics Format Organize course by topics.
Video Conferencing Integration Connect with tools like Zoom/Teams.
Weekly Format Course structured week by week.

Gamification

Badge customization Design custom achievement badges.
Badges Award digital achievements.
Customize Gamification mechanics Modify points, levels, and rewards.
Leaderboards Rank learners based on achievements.
Levels Define progression stages.
Points Award points for activity.
Rewards Offer incentives for achievements.

Interface options

Additional external pages Add custom pages to the platform.
Block Management Control layout blocks/widgets.
Calendar Settings Configure system calendar.
Language settings Set default or custom system language.
Learning Accessibility
Location Settings Configure regional settings.
Media embedding settings Control embedding permissions.
Multilanguage Support Provide support in multiple languages.
Ready-made Themes Prebuilt platform designs.

Learning types

Asynchronous Instructor-led Instructor-led but not in real time.
Asynchronous Self-paced Learners progress independently.
Blended Learning Mix online and face‑to‑face training.
Synchronous Virtual Classroom Live real-time classes.

Mobile learning

Offline (disconnected Mobile app) Access mobile content without internet.
Online (Internet connected) Access content with full connectivity.

Offline

Support for offline access to content Downloadable materials for offline study.

Reports

Automated Report Scheduling Send reports automatically.
Canned Reports Prebuilt report templates.
Dashboards and Graphic Reports Visual analytics dashboards.
Email delivery of Reports Send reports via email.
Exporting Reports in variety of formats Export data as PDF, Excel, etc.
Grading Report Settings Customize grade reporting.
Learning Analytics Tools
Training Record Maintenance Maintain full training logs.

Roles

Define roles Create custom permission roles.
Role Assignment Assign roles to users.
System Permissions per role Control access rights.
Teams and Team Hierarchies Organize users into teams.

Security

Anti-spam Protect forms and communication.
Anti-virus Scan uploaded files for threats.
IP Blocker Block specific IP ranges.
Restrict registration to specific domains Limit signups by email domain.
Strong Passwords Enforce secure password rules.

Shopping cart

Built-In Shopping Cart Sell courses directly.
Shopping Cart as Plug-In Add commerce via plugin.

System reports

Automatic email reports in predefined intervals Send periodic system reports.
Custom reports generator Create custom report layouts.
Email notification settings Control notification rules.
Live Logs Monitor system activity in real time.
Pricing

Learn more about SumTotal's pricing options, cost, and plans so you can make a well-informed, business-wise decision on the best software to use for organization.

Pricing Model
  • Free
  • Free Trial
  • One-time purchased license
  • Subscription
License
  • Free
  • Paid
Starting Price
  • 50,000
Free Trial
  • Yes

SumTotal takes the most complex learning and talent development requirements for organizations and translates them into a powerfully configured solution. The more complex your learning and talent development needs are, the better SumTotal fits your organization. Let us solve your complexity challenges.

Integrations

Learn more about SumTotal's integration options.

Adobe Connect

Adobe Connect

ADP

ADP

API

API

BambooHR

BambooHR

G Suite

G Suite

Gmail

Gmail

Google AdWords

Google AdWords

Google Analytics

Google Analytics

Google Calendar

Google Calendar

GoToMeeting

GoToMeeting

GoToTraining

GoToTraining

GoToWebinar

GoToWebinar

HubSpot

HubSpot

Microsoft Dynamics CRM

Microsoft Dynamics CRM

Office 365

Office 365

Oracle Sales Cloud CRM

Oracle Sales Cloud CRM

Outlook Calendar

Outlook Calendar

Paypal

Paypal

Salesforce CRM

Salesforce CRM

SAP CRM

SAP CRM

Shopify

Shopify

Slack

Slack

Sugar CRM

Sugar CRM

WebEx

WebEx

Zendesk

Zendesk

Zoom

Zoom

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Reviews

Is SumTotal the right solution for you? Read verified SumTotal reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice.

Performance Overview
Overall Rating 81%
  • Usefulness
  • Usability
  • Customer Experience
  • Likelihood to Recommend

Keeps Lessons In One Place But Lag Disrupts Steady Pace

Nov 26, 2024

Overall Rating 81%
  • Usefulness
  • Usability
  • Customer Experience
  • Likelihood to Recommend
What do you like best? I enjoy how SumTotal keeps my lessons in one place and allows me to move through training at a steady pace. The system feels familiar, and I can check my status without confusion. It helps me stay focused on required courses while giving me space to practice new skills.
What do you dislike? I face lag when the video player loads, and it disrupts the steady pace I try to maintain during learning sessions. Some tasks feel less natural than I hoped, and I spend time figuring out features that should be simple. It slows my progress when I need to finish courses efficiently.
Reviewer photo

Aaron M.

Industry : Capital Markets | Company size : 201-500 | Level : Manager | Focus : Administrative | Experience using the software : 6-12 months as Administrator, User

My Daily Work Routine Benefits From Using SumTotal Platform Quite Often

Oct 15, 2024

Overall Rating 84%
  • Usefulness
  • Usability
  • Customer Experience
  • Likelihood to Recommend
What do you like best? I have found SumTotal useful for managing learning since the interface feels friendly and the tools are easy to access. It helps me stay focused while I move between tasks. I appreciate how consistent it feels and how it keeps my progress visible so I can see how I am improving at work.
What do you dislike? At times, the setup feels unclear, and I spend more time figuring out options that should be simple. The structure makes certain tasks harder to reach, and I repeat actions because they are not easy to see. I wish these steps felt lighter because they slow me down when I am trying to work efficiently.
Reviewer photo

Gabriel T.

Industry : Consumer Services | Company size : 501-1,000 | Level : Manager | Focus : Human Resources | Experience using the software : 6-12 months as Administrator, User

Clear Structure For Learning But Platform Slows Down During Tasks

Oct 5, 2024

Overall Rating 81%
  • Usefulness
  • Usability
  • Customer Experience
  • Likelihood to Recommend
What do you like best? SumTotal is useful because it gives me a clear structure for my learning and helps me complete tasks on time. The access feels simple, and the tools make it easier for me to stay organized. It fits perfectly into my routine and helps me follow through on long-term goals.
What do you dislike? The process of adjusting items in SumTotal takes more time than I expect, and the platform slows down when I try to move between tasks quickly. A few tools feel unclear, and I need patience to get through longer lessons. It becomes distracting on days when I am short on time.
Reviewer photo

Jason G.

Industry : Consumer Services | Company size : 501-1,000 | Level : Director | Focus : Operations | Experience using the software : More than 1 year as Administrator, User

Central Place To Review Courses But Unclear Setup Areas Cause Confusion

Sep 22, 2024

Overall Rating 82%
  • Usefulness
  • Usability
  • Customer Experience
  • Likelihood to Recommend
What do you like best? The platform provides me a central place to review courses and track items I need to finish. I enjoy the way the system presents tasks in an order that makes sense to me. The platform helps me keep up with what my team expects, and it works well when I move between activities.
What do you dislike? Sometimes, I struggle with unclear setup areas, and I repeat actions because the layout does not show options in a direct way. The video player lags during certain sessions and forces me to slow down. These moments take away from my ability to complete training without extra frustration.
Reviewer photo

Kyle O.

Industry : Executive Office | Company size : 501-1,000 | Level : Senior | Focus : Finance | Experience using the software : 6-12 months as Administrator, User

SumTotal Has Been Helpful For My Daily Learning And Performance Tasks

Sep 16, 2024

Overall Rating 81%
  • Usefulness
  • Usability
  • Customer Experience
  • Likelihood to Recommend
What do you like best? I love how easily I can navigate through lessons in SumTotal, and the straightforward access helps me stay on track during busy days. The layout feels natural, and I do not waste much time looking for tools. It gives me a steady way to manage learning and performance tasks while keeping everything within reach.
What do you dislike? I occasionally experience slow video playback, which interrupts my focus during longer lessons. The player can lag, and I spend extra time trying to adjust things. Some customization steps feel heavier than expected, and I wish they felt smoother during busy moments when I need to move quickly.
Reviewer photo

Lucas B.

Industry : Capital Markets | Company size : 201-500 | Level : Senior | Focus : Finance | Experience using the software : 6-12 months as Administrator, User

SumTotal Supports My Professional Growth In Steady And Consistent Ways

Sep 8, 2024

Overall Rating 84%
  • Usefulness
  • Usability
  • Customer Experience
  • Likelihood to Recommend
What do you like best? I use SumTotal during most of my week, and I enjoy how steady it feels when I switch through lessons or performance tasks. The access is quick, and the setup supports me with clear paths. I feel more organized using it, and it helps me stay confident while completing different goals.
What do you dislike? The customization features take extra patience, which breaks my flow. A few tools feel unclear, and I end up spending more time than planned. It can be distracting on days when I need to move through lessons quickly and stay focused without interruptions.
Reviewer photo

Sophie C.

Industry : Executive Office | Company size : 201-500 | Level : Director | Focus : Administrative | Experience using the software : More than 1 year as Administrator, User

Training Feels Much Easier With SumTotal Overall Despite Audio Issues

Aug 18, 2024

Overall Rating 81%
  • Usefulness
  • Usability
  • Customer Experience
  • Likelihood to Recommend
What do you like best? SumTotal makes it easier for me to handle my training because the layout is clean and the access feels simple. I appreciate how I can move through lessons without feeling lost. The system supports my progress and helps me complete tasks with less effort while keeping my information organized.
What do you dislike? Some audio problems appear during video lessons, and they break my pace more often than I prefer. I need to reset sections, which breaks my flow. The experience can feel tiring when the player stops loading. These issues make it harder to complete long sessions even if the content itself is helpful.
Reviewer photo

Amara K.

Industry : Entertainment | Company size : 201-500 | Level : Senior | Focus : Consulting | Experience using the software : More than 1 year as Administrator, User

Access Assigned Training Quickly But Customization Steps Feel Heavy

Aug 1, 2024

Overall Rating 81%
  • Usefulness
  • Usability
  • Customer Experience
  • Likelihood to Recommend
What do you like best? I like that SumTotal lets me access my assigned training quickly and that most lessons load without much effort. It helps me stay on top of deadlines and keeps my information in one space. The layout feels steady enough for regular use and supports my learning throughout the week.
What do you dislike? Some customization steps feel heavier than I thought they’d be and certain features are not as clear as they appear at first. I face pauses in the video player, and it breaks my pace during training.
Reviewer photo

Tyler M.

Industry : Entertainment | Company size : 201-500 | Level : Senior | Focus : Administrative | Experience using the software : More than 1 year as Administrator, User

Organized View Of Training But Slow Video Playback Interrupts Work

Jul 27, 2024

Overall Rating 84%
  • Usefulness
  • Usability
  • Customer Experience
  • Likelihood to Recommend
What do you like best? SumTotal is one tool that gives me an organized view of my training and learning tasks, and I like that I can monitor my progress without digging through multiple menus. The interface feels friendly enough for daily use, and I find it useful for tracking required courses and performance steps.
What do you dislike? I run into slow video playback often, and it interrupts the flow of my work. Some parts of the system feel harder to adjust than they should, and I spend extra time sorting through options. These delays make long sessions tiring when I am trying to stay productive.
Reviewer photo

Zachary C.

Industry : Elearning | Company size : 501-1,000 | Level : Manager | Focus : Finance | Experience using the software : More than 1 year as Administrator, User

A Useful Learning Tool For My Needs Though It Can Be Slow Sometimes

May 5, 2024

Overall Rating 83%
  • Usefulness
  • Usability
  • Customer Experience
  • Likelihood to Recommend
What do you like best? I feel comfortable using SumTotal because it makes my tasks feel easier to complete. The structure is simple, and the access helps me stay calm during busy periods. I like how it supports both training and performance steps without slowing me down too much, and it fits into my work routine.
What do you dislike? The video player slows down during busy times and interrupts the rhythm of my training. Some tasks feel less natural than I expect, and I spend more time sorting through options. These delays affect my progress and lengthen sessions that should finish faster while I try to stay organized.
Reviewer photo

Caleb R.

Industry : Capital Markets | Company size : 201-500 | Level : Senior | Focus : Operations | Experience using the software : More than 1 year as Administrator, User

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