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If your LMS feels outdated, clunky, or can’t keep up with learner needs, it’s more than a tech headache.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?
A modern LMS is the core of your learning strategy. It helps learners:
An outdated LMS, however, can push learners elsewhere and weaken your reputation.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.
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.
When deciding, start with three key considerations:
💡 Ask yourself: Can your LMS evolve with learners over the next 3–5 years?
💡 Ask yourself: Does your IT team have the bandwidth for a long build project?
💡 Ask yourself: If your LMS doesn’t evolve, will learners stick around or leave?
At a minimum, your LMS should include:
But today’s learners also expect:
The most effective platforms unify all these features to support every use case—exam prep, CE, and microcredentials—in one place.
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.