Cloning and Sharing Learning Paths

Cloning and sharing capabilities enable administrators to efficiently replicate successful learning path structures while controlling visibility and access across organizational communities. Cloning creates duplicate learning paths that preserve program configuration and course sequences, while sharing options determine which users, groups, or security roles can discover and access learning paths within the learning management system.

These features support scalable training program development, content reuse across different learner audiences, and flexible access control that aligns with organizational security policies and training delivery strategies. Effective cloning and sharing management ensures learning paths reach appropriate audiences while maintaining program quality and consistency.

Requirements

To clone and share learning paths, users must be assigned a security role with the following permissions:

• Administrator System Role
• Access Level: Training Manager

Cloning Learning Paths

Learning path cloning creates duplicate programs that preserve all learning path settings including name, description, status, course sequence, category assignment, and configuration options. Cloning accelerates learning path development by enabling administrators to start from proven program structures rather than building from scratch.

Cloning Overview

The cloning process creates a new learning path that duplicates the original learning path's configuration, settings, and course list. The newly cloned learning path operates independently from the original—modifications to either learning path do not affect the other, allowing administrators to customize cloned programs without impacting source learning paths.

What cloning duplicates:

• Learning path name, description, and reference code
• Status setting (Draft or Published)
• Course sequence including all courses and their ordering
• Learning path settings (self-registration, language, pricing, request URL, survey linkage)
• Display settings including category assignments
• Certificate templates and badges if present

What cloning does not duplicate:

• User assignments—cloned learning paths start with no enrolled learners
• Learning path pictures—cloned learning paths use default images unless pictures are uploaded separately
• Sharing options—cloned learning paths default to owner-only visibility
• Completion records and progress tracking from the original learning path
• Activity logs and historical data associated with the original program

When to Clone Learning Paths

Program versioning: Create new versions of learning paths for different time periods, audiences, or content iterations while preserving original programs for historical reference or active enrollments

Audience customization: Develop customized learning path variants for different organizational segments, partner tiers, or customer types starting from common foundational structures

Localization: Create language-specific learning path versions by cloning base programs and adjusting descriptions, course selections, or sequences for different regional audiences

Tiered certification programs: Build progressive certification levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) by cloning foundational programs and adding advanced courses for higher tiers

Testing and development: Clone active learning paths to test new course sequences, different settings configurations, or experimental program structures without affecting learners enrolled in production programs

Rapid program deployment: Accelerate new learning path creation by starting from similar existing programs rather than configuring all settings and course sequences from scratch

Archive creation: Clone learning paths before major modifications to preserve original program structures for compliance documentation or rollback capabilities

Cloning Learning Paths

Accessing Learning Path Cloning

1. Navigate to the Training module and select the Learning Paths tab
2. Locate the learning path you want to clone in the learning paths list
3. Click the Actions dropdown menu (three dots icon) beside the learning path name
4. Select Clone from the menu options
5. A Clone Learning Path dialog or page appears with the original learning path's configuration pre-populated

Alternative access method:

1. Open a learning path by clicking its name in the Learning Paths list
2. Click the Actions dropdown menu in the upper right corner of the Learning Path Details page
3. Select Clone from the menu options
4. The cloning interface opens with original learning path settings displayed

Cloning Process

1. The system creates a new learning path with all settings and course sequences copied from the original
2. The cloned learning path name typically includes identifiers like "Copy of [Original Name]" or similar text to distinguish it from the source
3. All learning path settings, course sequences, and configurations are duplicated exactly
4. The cloning dialog closes or redirects to the newly created learning path's detail page
5. The new learning path appears in the Learning Paths list with cloned configuration

Immediate Post-Cloning Actions

After cloning creates the duplicate learning path:

Update identification fields:

1. Navigate to the Settings tab of the newly cloned learning path
2. Modify the Name field to clearly distinguish the cloned learning path from the original (e.g., "Sales Certification - 2025 Edition" vs. "Sales Certification - 2024 Edition")
3. Update the Reference Code to maintain organized cataloging and prevent confusion in reporting systems
4. Revise the Description to reflect any differences from the original learning path or specify the target audience for the cloned version
5. Click Save or Update to apply naming and description changes

Review and adjust settings:

1. Verify that Status is set appropriately—cloned learning paths may default to Draft status requiring publication
2. Review self-registration settings to ensure they align with the new learning path's access policies
3. Confirm category assignments match the intended organizational classification
4. Adjust language, pricing, or survey linkages if the cloned learning path serves different purposes or audiences
5. Update request URLs if custom enrollment workflows differ for the cloned program

Configure sharing options:

1. Navigate to the Actions menu and select Sharing Options
2. Set appropriate visibility controls for the cloned learning path's target audience
3. Configure user groups, security roles, or organizational segments that should have access
4. Save sharing configurations to control learning path discovery and access

Manage visual assets:

1. Upload learning path pictures if the cloned program requires distinct visual identity
2. Review or update certificate templates if completion credentials should differ from the original
3. Upload new certificate badges if the cloned learning path represents different achievement levels or programs

Post-Cloning Customization

Course sequence modifications:

• Add additional courses to expand the cloned learning path beyond the original program scope
• Remove courses that are not relevant for the cloned learning path's target audience or objectives
• Reorder courses to establish different learning progressions appropriate for modified program goals
• Import specialized courses that support the cloned learning path's unique focus areas

Settings adjustments:

• Modify compliance settings if the cloned learning path serves different certification or regulatory requirements
• Adjust pricing for different audience segments or market positioning strategies
• Change self-registration settings based on qualification verification needs for the target population
• Update due date expectations or completion timeframes based on learner characteristics

Content refinement:

• Review all course descriptions within the learning path to ensure alignment with the cloned program's objectives
• Verify that course sequences support the intended learning progression for the new audience
• Test the complete learner experience using Learner View to validate program flow and navigation
• Gather stakeholder feedback before publishing the cloned learning path to broad audiences

Sharing Options

Learning path sharing options control visibility and determine which users can discover, request, or access learning paths through learner interfaces. Sharing settings operate independently from user assignments—sharing determines who can see that a learning path exists, while assignments determine who must or can take the program.

Accessing Sharing Options

From the Learning Paths Page:

1. Navigate to the Training module and select the Learning Paths tab
2. Locate the learning path you want to configure in the learning paths list
3. Click the Actions dropdown menu (three dots icon) beside the learning path name
4. Select Sharing Options from the menu
5. The Learning Path Sharing Options dialog appears with visibility configuration options

From the Learning Path Details Page:

1. Open a learning path by clicking its name in the Learning Paths list
2. Click the Actions dropdown menu in the upper right corner of the page
3. Select Sharing Options from the menu
4. The Learning Path Sharing Options dialog appears with visibility configuration options

Access Permissions

The Learning Path Sharing Options dialog provides three visibility levels that determine learning path access scope, functioning identically to course sharing options while applying to multi-course training programs.

Visible only to owner

Default setting for newly created learning paths. The learning path appears only to the learning path owner and administrators with appropriate management permissions. Learners cannot discover the learning path through browsing, search, or the course catalog regardless of their security role or organizational affiliation.

Use this option when:

• Developing draft learning paths that require review and approval before broader visibility
• Creating private training programs for specific individuals requiring manual assignment
• Building learning paths under construction that are not ready for learner discovery
• Maintaining confidential training programs with restricted access requirements
• Testing new learning path structures before releasing them to wider audiences
• Preparing seasonal or event-specific programs that should remain hidden until launch dates

Important behaviors:

• The learning path owner can still assign users directly even when visibility is restricted
• Administrators with appropriate Manage Courses permissions can view and edit the learning path regardless of sharing settings
• Learners cannot request access to owner-only learning paths through self-service workflows
• Learning path appears in the owner's learning path list but remains hidden from learner-facing course catalogs

Visible to all users

Makes the learning path visible to all users within the portal regardless of security role, organizational affiliation, or account hierarchy. Learners can discover the learning path through browsing, search the course catalog, and request enrollment if self-registration is not enabled.

Use this option when:

• Deploying universal training programs applicable to all portal users
• Creating foundational learning paths that serve as prerequisites for advanced certification
• Supporting open enrollment training initiatives that encourage broad participation
• Delivering company-wide compliance programs that apply across all organizational segments
• Maximizing learning path visibility for general interest topics or voluntary professional development
• Promoting new certification programs to all potential learners for awareness and enrollment

Important behaviors:

• Learning path appears in all users' course catalogs and search results
• Learners can request learning path access if self-registration is disabled
• Administrators can still control actual enrollment through assignment workflows and approval processes
• Visibility does not automatically assign users—it only enables discovery and access requests
• All constituent courses within the learning path must also be accessible to learners based on their individual sharing settings

Visible to certain groups of users

Limits learning path visibility to specific user groups, security roles, or organizational segments. Administrators configure which groups have access, enabling targeted training delivery that aligns with job roles, partner tiers, customer segments, or internal departments.

Use this option when:

• Delivering role-specific learning paths relevant only to certain job functions
• Supporting partner tier programs where advanced certifications apply only to qualified partners
• Creating customer segment training that varies based on product editions or service levels
• Maintaining departmental training that applies only to specific internal teams or business units
• Implementing tiered certification frameworks with progressive access to advanced programs
• Restricting high-value or capacity-limited programs to qualified learner populations

Important behaviors:

• Only users belonging to configured groups can discover and access the learning path
• Group membership determines visibility—users see the learning path only while active in permitted groups
• Administrators configure specific groups after selecting this option through group selection interfaces
• Learning path appears in permitted users' catalogs but remains hidden from users outside designated groups
• Changes to group membership automatically grant or revoke learning path visibility

Configuring Group-Specific Visibility

When selecting "Visible to certain groups of users":

1. The dialog expands to display group selection options
2. Search for and select user groups, security roles, or organizational segments that should have learning path access
3. Add multiple groups to grant visibility to diverse user populations across different organizational areas
4. Review selected groups to ensure appropriate access coverage for the learning path's target audience
5. Remove groups to restrict access when organizational structures or training requirements change
6. Click Done to save group visibility configuration

Group selection considerations:

• Choose groups that align with the learning path's target audience and training objectives
• Verify that selected groups remain current as organizational structures evolve
• Coordinate group-based visibility with learning path content and difficulty level
• Consider creating dedicated training groups if existing organizational groups don't align with learning path audiences
• Document group selection rationale to support future administrators managing access controls

Saving Sharing Changes

After selecting the appropriate visibility level and configuring any group-specific access:

1. Click Done to save your sharing option selection
2. The Learning Path Sharing Options dialog closes automatically
3. The learning path's sharing configuration updates immediately
4. The updated visibility setting appears in the learning path's Security column on the Learning Paths page
5. Learners gain or lose learning path visibility based on the new sharing configuration

Sharing change impacts:

Immediate visibility effects:

• Learners immediately gain or lose ability to discover learning paths in course catalogs
• Search results reflect updated sharing settings for affected learner populations
• Course catalog filters and browse interfaces show or hide learning paths based on new visibility

Existing enrollments:

• Sharing changes affect only learning path discovery and visibility—they do not modify existing user assignments
• Learners already enrolled in learning paths retain access regardless of sharing restriction changes
• Reducing visibility does not remove learners already working through learning path programs
• Administrators can still manually assign users to learning paths even with restricted sharing settings

Request and enrollment workflows:

• Learners newly able to see learning paths can request or enroll based on self-registration settings
• Learners who lose visibility cannot request access but existing requests remain in approval queues
• Self-registration workflows function only for learners who can see learning paths through sharing settings

Best Practices and Recommendations

Strategic Cloning Decisions

Plan naming conventions: Establish clear naming patterns for cloned learning paths before creating duplicates to maintain organized learning path catalogs (e.g., "[Program Name] - [Year]", "[Program Name] - [Audience]", "[Program Name] - [Level]")

Clone intentionally: Use cloning for meaningful program variations requiring different configurations rather than creating excessive similar programs that fragment learner attention

Update immediately: Modify cloned learning path names, descriptions, and reference codes immediately after cloning to prevent confusion between original and duplicate programs

Document relationships: Maintain records of which learning paths were cloned from source programs to support content management decisions and troubleshoot unexpected similarities

Test thoroughly: Validate cloned learning paths completely before publishing—verify course sequences, settings, and sharing options align with intended program objectives

Communicate purpose: Clearly explain to stakeholders and learners why cloned learning paths exist and how they differ from original programs to prevent confusion

Effective Sharing Configuration

Start restrictive, expand strategically: Begin with owner-only visibility during learning path development and progressively expand sharing as programs reach appropriate quality and readiness milestones

Align with organizational structure: Use group-specific visibility to mirror organizational hierarchies, partner tiers, customer segments, or departmental structures for intuitive access patterns

Review sharing regularly: Audit learning path sharing configurations periodically to ensure visibility settings remain aligned with current organizational structures and training program objectives

Consider self-registration implications: Combine sharing options with self-registration settings—broader visibility with self-registration enables autonomous enrollment, while broader visibility without self-registration supports discovery with controlled approval workflows

Coordinate with course sharing: Remember that learning path visibility and constituent course visibility both affect learner access—learners need visibility to both the learning path and all included courses for full program access

Content Management After Cloning

Customize appropriately: Modify cloned learning paths to serve their specific purposes rather than maintaining unnecessary similarity to source programs

Break dependencies: Ensure cloned learning paths operate independently—avoid assumptions that changes to original programs should apply to clones

Maintain quality standards: Apply the same quality assurance processes to cloned learning paths as to originally created programs

Update descriptions comprehensively: Revise descriptions to accurately reflect any course sequence changes, audience modifications, or objective adjustments in cloned programs

Archive strategically: Use cloning for archival purposes before major updates to preserve historical program structures for compliance or reference

Access Control Strategy

Respect content sensitivity: Use owner-only or group-specific visibility for confidential, proprietary, or sensitive training programs requiring access control beyond user assignments

Coordinate with permissions: Remember that sharing options work in conjunction with Training Module permissions—users need both learning path visibility through sharing and appropriate role permissions to access training features

Monitor group membership: When using group-specific visibility, maintain current group membership to ensure users gain and lose learning path access appropriately as roles or affiliations change

Document access decisions: Maintain clear documentation of why specific sharing configurations were chosen to support future administrators and ensure consistent access control policies

Balance security and accessibility: Avoid overly restrictive sharing that limits legitimate learner access while maintaining appropriate controls for qualified-access programs

Administrative Efficiency

Leverage cloning for scale: When creating multiple similar learning paths, clone the first and modify copies rather than configuring each program from scratch

Batch sharing configuration: When launching multiple related learning paths, plan sharing options systematically to ensure consistent access patterns across program families

Use templates mentally: Develop standard sharing configurations for different learning path types to accelerate setup and maintain consistency

Test learner experience: After cloning and configuring sharing, use Learner View to verify that learning paths appear appropriately and enrollment workflows function as intended

Coordinate with stakeholders: Involve training managers, department heads, or program owners in cloning and sharing decisions that affect training delivery and learner access

Communication and Stakeholder Engagement

Announce new programs: When publishing cloned learning paths to broader audiences, communicate availability through appropriate channels and explain program benefits

Explain relationships: Help learners understand how cloned learning paths relate to original programs and which versions are appropriate for their needs

Share visibility changes: Notify stakeholders when sharing configurations change, particularly when restricting previously open programs or expanding access to previously restricted content

Provide guidance: Offer clear guidance about which learning paths learners should choose when multiple similar programs exist due to cloning

Gather feedback: Use completion surveys and learner feedback to validate that cloning and sharing decisions effectively serve training objectives and learner needs

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