In this article, we’ll look at how the External Tracking lesson type works in Learn, when to use it, and how completion is recorded. External Tracking is designed for learning that happens outside of Learn but still requires accurate tracking inside the platform. It differs from lesson types like URL or document lessons, which automatically mark completion when opened.
A few things to know about External Tracking:
- External Tracking lessons do not auto‑complete when opened
- The lesson stays In Progress until Learn receives a completion signal
- Used when learning happens outside of Learn but still needs tracking
- Completion can be sent by another system, an admin update, or an import
- Ideal for scenarios requiring explicit confirmation before marking complete
- Not suitable for activities expected to be completed automatically
This makes External Tracking a good choice when you need certainty that the learner has completed an activity before marking it done within Learn.
We'll cover:
- Steps to create an External Tracking Lesson
- When should I use External Tracking?
- Common use cases
- How External Tracking works
- Important considerations
Steps to create an External Tracking Lesson
- Go to Learn Admin
- Create a new lesson
- Select e-Learning
- Once saved, select eLearning set-up
- Choose External tracking as the tracking type
- Add the URL
- Save the lesson
Once saved, the tracking type cannot be changed. If you need a different type, create a new lesson.
When should I use External Tracking?
Use External Tracking when:
- The learning activity happens in another system (e.g. a third-party LMS or compliance platform)
- Simply clicking a link is not sufficient evidence of completion
- Completion needs to be:
- Confirmed via API
- Updated via data import
- Marked manually by an administrator
Common use cases
- Fire safety, compliance, or regulatory training delivered in another LMS
- External certifications where completion evidence is stored elsewhere
- Any learning where Learn acts as the system of record, but not the delivery platform
How External Tracking works
When a learner launches an External Tracking lesson:
- They are directed to the external resource (via URL)
- The lesson status in Learn is set to In Progress
- The lesson will not complete automatically
The lesson will only move to Completed when one of the following actions occurs:
1. Manual update by an administrator
An admin manually updates the learner’s lesson status to Completed in Learn.
2. Import-based update
An admin runs an import that updates lesson completion statuses for one or more users (for example, a weekly import from another system).
3. API update
An external system calls the Learn API to update the learner’s lesson status once completion has been confirmed.
How this differs from other lesson types
| Lesson type | Completion behaviour |
|---|---|
| URL lesson | Automatically completes once clicked (with optional learner confirmation) |
| Document upload | Automatically completes once opened (with optional learner confirmation) |
| External Tracking | Remains In Progress until completion is explicitly confirmed |
Important considerations
- External Tracking is an advanced configuration and should be used intentionally
- Completion responsibility sits outside Learn
- You should have a defined process for how and when completion updates will be applied (manual, import, or API)