Your organization is thriving—membership or candidate numbers are strong, content is successful, and learners are eager. But one piece may not fit as well as it should: your learning management system (LMS).
If your LMS feels outdated, clunky, or can’t keep up with learner needs, it’s more than a tech headache. It can hurt satisfaction, engagement, and even revenue.
That’s why so many associations and credentialing bodies, and professional development providers are asking the same question: Should we build an LMS in-house or buy from a vendor?
Why Your LMS Strategy Matters
A modern LMS is the core of your learning strategy. It helps learners:
- View your organization as the go-to source for education and credentialing
- Stay engaged with new opportunities
- Keep pace with industry requirements
An outdated LMS, however, can push learners elsewhere and weaken your reputation. With the global LMS market projected to reach $70.83 billion by 2030, the stakes are high.
Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your LMS
Before you decide to build or buy, it’s worth asking: Is your current LMS keeping ahead of your organization’s and learners’ needs?
Here are some common red flags to look out for:
🚩 Inadequate support from your vendor.
🚩 Lack of scalability as your programs grow.
🚩 Limited content options.
🚩 Transactional vendor relationships.
🚩 Insufficient analytics and reporting.
If you’re nodding your head, it may be time to explore your options.
3 Questions to Ask When Deciding to Build vs. Buy Your LMS
When deciding, start with three key considerations:
- What are your goals?
Will your LMS scale as you expand exam prep, continuing education, or microcredentials? Consolidation matters—one platform for all use cases creates a seamless learner journey and reduces admin burden.
💡 Ask yourself: Can your LMS evolve with learners over the next 3–5 years?
- What’s the total cost of ownership?
Building may look cheaper upfront, but delays and hidden costs add up. Buying usually offers more predictable pricing, plus built-in expertise and support.
💡 Ask yourself: Does your IT team have the bandwidth for a long build project?
- Can your LMS keep pace long term?
Learners expect personalization, mobile access, gamification, and progress tracking. Vendors are often better positioned to adapt quickly to trends and technology.
💡 Ask yourself: If your LMS doesn’t evolve, will learners stick around or leave?
Must-Have LMS Features for Learning Organizations
At a minimum, your LMS should include:
- Payment processing
- Assessment and credentialing tools
- Robust analytics
But today’s learners also expect:
- Gamification for engagement
- Microlearning for flexibility
- AI-driven personalization
- Mobile-friendly design
The most effective platforms unify all these features to support every use case—exam prep, CE, and microcredentials—in one place.
Make the Right LMS Decision
Whether you build or buy, your LMS is the foundation of your learning strategy. The right decision will keep learners engaged, loyal, and ready for what’s next.
Explore the power of the right LMS—schedule your demo today and see how an award-winning LMS can set your organization up for long-term success.
