Key terms

A plugin type within Totara that provides functionality in a ‘widget’ type format. Blocks are added to columns on a range of different pages, including course pages, dashboards and the user profile. Blocks can be moved, removed, or edited by Site Administrators.

An area within a course, front page or dashboard that can host a block. Block regions are only visible when editing has been turned on and are indicated by a rectangle with a dotted outline and the Add a Block icon.

Capabilities are used to define what a particular role can do in the system. These are normally associated to roles by default but can be added or removed by a Site Administrator to customise a role or create a new one. For example, capabilities might include the ability to grade assignments, create performance activities or add new users.

The catalogue is a searchable, filterable, customisable view of courses, programs, certifications, playlists and resources available on your Totara site. The catalogue can be displayed as a grid or list view.

A grouping or folder of similar or associated courses, programs and/or certifications. A category may have any number of sub-categories.

An activity type which is an electronic award of achievement based on a traditional paper-based certificate layout. Certificates can be branded, personalised and set to be automatically issued to individuals based on predefined criteria (most commonly on course completion).

A recurring training requirement where an initial certification and a re-certification learning path is defined, tracked, and managed to ensure completion and compliance. Certification pathways consist of one or more courses.

An image representing a certification within the featured links block and/or the course catalogue. A default image is displayed unless a custom image has been added via a certification's general settings.

A child item is a component within a hierarchical structure that sits under a top level item or a parent.

An achievement, skill, or knowledge a user may or must obtain and/or demonstrate. In Totara Perform, competencies can have multiple achievement paths to meet a variety of proficiency levels.