User Management: User Roles
User Management

User Roles and Permissions
In a Learning Management System (LMS), user roles refer to the different levels of access and permissions that users have within the system. For companies using an LMS, user roles are used to ensure that the right people have access to the appropriate content and tools within the system.
The specific elements included in a user’s role assignment can vary depending on the LMS software being used and the company using it, but role permissions generally define a user’s capabilities to view, create, edit, or delete course content, manage user accounts, view reports, or perform other tasks. These permissions are then mapped to the needs of different types of users, so that their experience on the LMS can be customized and streamlined in the following areas:
- User roles can define which courses or training materials a user has access to within the LMS. In this way, companies can use role assignments to ensure that only authorized employees have access to sensitive information or content.
- User roles can define the responsibilities and tasks that a user is expected to perform within the LMS. Roles can, for example, be used to assign course creators and instructors who are responsible for developing and delivering training materials. This helps companies to ensure that the content is developed and delivered by the right people with the appropriate skills and expertise.
- User roles can define which reports a user has access to within the LMS. Roles can be used to provide managers and supervisors with access to employee progress reports, allowing them to track their team’s performance and identify areas where additional training may be needed.
- User roles can define which fields are visible or editable in a user’s profile within the LMS and can, in this way, restrict access to sensitive data within the LMS.
By defining these elements in a user’s role assignment, an LMS can help companies ensure that users have the appropriate level of access and capabilities to perform their intended functions within the system while maintaining security and data privacy.
Available User Roles
The specific roles and permissions available can vary depending on the LMS software being used, but here are some common user roles that help companies to effectively delegate and streamline access and responsibility on their LMS:
Administrator:
This is the highest level of access in the LMS, usually reserved for the person or team responsible for managing the entire system. Administrators have complete control over all aspects of the LMS, including user accounts, course content, and system settings.
Course Creator:
This role is usually assigned to individuals responsible for developing and designing courses within the LMS. Course creators can create and manage course content, set up assessments and assignments, and manage course enrollment.
Instructor:
This role is typically assigned to the individuals responsible for creating and delivering course content within the LMS. Instructors can create and manage course content, assign assessments and assignments, and monitor learner progress.
Reporter:
This role is assigned to individuals responsible for monitoring and reporting on learner progress. Reporters can access and export relevant reports on the LMS.
Learner:
This is the most common role in an LMS, assigned to individuals who are taking courses within the system. Learners have access to course materials, can complete assessments and assignments, and can communicate with their instructor and other learners.

Appropriate user roles can be of great benefit to companies using an LMS because they can help ensure security, compliance, efficiency, accountability, and personalization in the learning process. By assigning specific roles to users within the LMS, companies can create a tailored and effective learning experience for their employees.
Pluto LMS
Pluto LMS is a Business-to-Business training platform with comprehensive user management features that allow companies to create tailored learning experiences for their employees by assigning appropriate user roles and permissions.
If you would like to learn more about how Pluto LMS can help your company streamline your users’ learning experience, you are welcome to schedule a call with one of our LMS experts: