LearnDash to Tutor LMS Quiz and Certificate Migration Checklist

Quizzes and certificates are the most fragile parts of an LMS migration. Course content is easy to copy, but assessment rules, grading logic, and certificates require careful rebuilding.

This checklist focuses only on quizzes, grades, and certificates when moving from LearnDash to Tutor LMS. For the full migration plan, see How to migrate from LearnDash to Tutor LMS. For the platform comparison, see LearnDash vs Tutor LMS (2026).

What will and will not migrate

In most cases:

• Quiz content can be migrated manually or with export notes
• Quiz settings must be rebuilt in Tutor LMS
• Student progress and past scores usually do not migrate
• Certificates must be recreated in Tutor LMS

Plan for manual rebuild unless you have a custom script.

Step 1: Audit your quiz inventory

Start with a full audit:

• List each course and its quizzes
• Note how many questions each quiz has
• Capture settings like time limits and passing grade
• Identify quizzes that gate progress

This inventory prevents missing quizzes during migration.

Step 2: Export quiz content for reference

LearnDash can export quiz data, but Tutor LMS does not import it directly. Use the export as a reference:

• Download the export file
• Keep it organized by course and quiz name
• Use it to recreate questions in Tutor LMS

If you have many quizzes, organize the export into a spreadsheet so you can track progress.

Capture media and attachments

Many quizzes include images, audio clips, or file downloads. Those assets can break if you move content between sites or change URLs. Before you rebuild any quiz, make sure you have a clean copy of every media file used in questions.

• Export or download all quiz images
• Verify file paths in the new media library
• Replace links that still point to LearnDash URLs

This avoids broken images that confuse students during an exam.

Align grading scale and retake policy

A small grading change can feel like a big rule change to students. Match the old rules as closely as possible:

• Keep the same passing score
• Match the number of attempts
• Keep time limits consistent

If you want to improve the rules, do it after the migration settles. That keeps the rollout predictable.

Step 3: Map question types

Not every question type is a perfect match. Map each one before you build:

• Multiple choice -> Multiple choice
• True or false -> True or false
• Short answer -> Short answer
• Essay -> Open ended
• Matching -> Rebuild as multiple choice if needed

When a question type does not match perfectly, choose clarity over complexity. A simpler question is better than a broken one.

Step 4: Rebuild grading rules

Grading rules often change between LMS platforms:

• Passing score
• Allowed attempts
• Time limits
• Negative marking

Rebuild these rules in Tutor LMS and test with a dummy user. Do not assume default settings match LearnDash.

Step 5: Recreate certificates

Certificates do not carry over. In Tutor LMS:

• Create a new certificate template
• Add dynamic fields for name, course, and date
• Assign the certificate to the right course

If you used custom branding in LearnDash, export your old certificate as an image so you can replicate the layout.

Certificate QA checklist

Before launch, generate at least one certificate per course:

• Verify name and date fields populate correctly
• Check the certificate PDF link works
• Make sure the certificate looks good on mobile

If you use a custom logo, confirm it is sharp and not blurry. Students often share certificates publicly, so presentation matters.

Step 6: Test completion logic

Completion rules are often tied to quizzes and certificates. Test:

• Can a student complete the course with the expected score?
• Does the certificate generate after completion?
• Does the student receive the completion email?

Do not skip this step. Most migration complaints come from broken completion logic.

Step 7: Preserve the student experience

Students care about clarity more than advanced settings. Make sure:

• Quiz instructions are visible and clear
• Time limits and attempts are explained
• The pass or fail rule is obvious

If you change the UI, update your course instructions to match the new flow.

Step 8: Decide what to do about past progress

Most sites cannot migrate past quiz scores without a custom script. Choose one of these paths:

• Reset and restart: Students retake quizzes on Tutor LMS
• Manual credit: Give credit for completed courses and skip quizzes
• Custom migration: Hire a developer for a script

If progress data matters, budget time and money for custom work.

Manual credit and completion records

If you cannot migrate historical scores, you still need a fair way to honor past students. Two common approaches:

• Manually mark completed students as finished in Tutor LMS
• Provide a short re-validation quiz and issue certificates after completion

If you have a large student base, export a list of completions from LearnDash and store it as a backup. Even a spreadsheet record helps if a student requests proof later.

Accessibility and retake support

Tutor LMS handles accessibility differently than LearnDash. Test quizzes with keyboard navigation and ensure timer settings do not disadvantage students who need more time. If you allow retakes, document the rules in the course intro so expectations are clear.

Step 9: QA checklist for quizzes

• [ ] All quizzes exist in Tutor LMS
• [ ] All questions are present
• [ ] Passing grade and time limits are correct
• [ ] Completion rules work
• [ ] Certificates generate
• [ ] Emails send correctly

Run at least one quiz from start to finish on staging.

Common migration issues and fixes

Issue: Quiz settings reset to defaults

• Recheck each quiz and update settings manually

Issue: Certificates do not generate

• Confirm Tutor LMS Pro is active and certificates are assigned

Issue: Students cannot access quizzes

• Check lesson visibility and enrollment rules

Tips for faster rebuilds

• Rebuild the most important quizzes first
• Use a spreadsheet to track progress
• Keep question text short and consistent
• Save one quiz as a template and duplicate it

The goal is functional accuracy, not perfection.

As a rough estimate, a small quiz can take 10 to 20 minutes to rebuild, while a large quiz with many questions can take an hour or more. Use that estimate to plan your migration timeline.

Communicate changes to students

If quizzes or certificates change, tell students before launch. A short update email reduces confusion and support tickets:

• Explain what stays the same (course content)
• Explain what changes (quiz UI, certificate style)
• Provide a support contact for questions

If you reset progress, be transparent and offer a simple path to re-completion. Students are more forgiving when they understand the reason. Students appreciate clear expectations. It reduces refunds and complaints later.

FAQ

Can I import LearnDash quizzes into Tutor LMS?

Not directly. Use exports as reference and rebuild the quizzes manually, or hire a developer to build a custom import.

Do certificates require Tutor LMS Pro?

Yes. Certificates are a Pro feature in most Tutor LMS setups.

Should I keep LearnDash quizzes live during migration?

No. Keep them on staging. Running both systems live confuses students.

How long does quiz migration take?

It depends on volume. A small site can finish in a day or two. Larger catalogs can take a week or more.

Related guides

• LearnDash vs Tutor LMS (2026)
• How to migrate from LearnDash to Tutor LMS
• LearnDash to Tutor LMS SEO and Redirect Checklist
• Tutor LMS Post-Migration Setup Checklist
• How to Check WordPress Plugin Compatibility

If you get quizzes and certificates right, the rest of the migration is easy. Use this checklist to reduce surprises and student support tickets. It also protects course credibility and completion rates. Clear assessments build trust.