The verdict in three sentences
A custom e-learning platform for a training provider in Dublin costs between 30,000 and 70,000 EUR in 2026, with learning paths, quizzes, learner tracking, certificate generation and compliance traceability. Against a SaaS LMS (Teachable, Podia), custom makes you the owner of your brand and data, and removes per-learner fees. Budget 4 to 6 months of development and compliance designed from day one for the accreditation audit.
Budget breakdown of a custom LMS
The pedagogical core (paths + tracking + certificates) is most of the budget; compliance is a thread running through, not an isolated module.
| Module | Scope | 2026 order of magnitude (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Paths & content | Modules, video, documents, sequencing | 8,000 - 16,000 |
| Quizzes & assessments | MCQ, grading, thresholds, feedback | 5,000 - 11,000 |
| Tracking & dashboard | Progress, time spent, attendance | 6,000 - 13,000 |
| Certificates & attestations | PDF generation, signature, archiving | 4,000 - 9,000 |
| Compliance | Traceability, sign-in sheets, evidence | 4,000 - 10,000 |
| Trainer/admin space | Course creation, session management | 5,000 - 11,000 |
A provider getting started prioritizes paths + quizzes + certificates + traceability: the core that lets you sell certifying courses and pass the audit.
SaaS LMS vs custom platform
The choice depends on learner volume and how much your brand matters.
| Criterion | SaaS LMS (Teachable, etc.) | Custom platform |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 cost | 1,200 - 6,000 EUR/yr | 30,000 - 70,000 EUR |
| Per-learner/sale fee | 0 - 8% or tier | 0 |
| Brand & domain | Limited, subdomain | 100% yours |
| Specific compliance rules | Workarounds | Natively built in |
| Data ownership | With the vendor | With you (EU hosting) |
| Path customization | Templated | Unlimited |
Below a few hundred learners/year, a SaaS LMS stays cheap. Above 1,000 learners/year or with high per-sale fees, custom pays back in 2-4 years, and you stop paying a percentage on every enrollment.
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Mini case study
Thomas, director of an accredited training provider in Dublin, 1,500 learners/year. His SaaS LMS costs 4,000 EUR/year plus a 5% fee on 300,000 EUR of online sales = 15,000 EUR/year of fees, i.e. ~19,000 EUR/year total. The custom platform (chosen budget: 48,000 EUR) removes the fee and the subscription. Net annual saving (excluding hosting and maintenance ~5,000 EUR/year): ~14,000 EUR/year. Return on investment in about 3.5 years, plus data ownership and a fully controlled brand.
FAQ
Will the platform meet accreditation requirements? Yes: sign-in tracking, path traceability, evidence of progress and attendance, attestation generation. This foundation is 4,000 to 10,000 EUR and is designed from scoping to pass the audit.
Can certificates be generated automatically? Yes, with PDF generation at the end of a passed path (defined pass threshold), signature and timestamped archiving. It is a 4,000 - 9,000 EUR module.
How long until go-live? Budget 4 to 6 months. A first version (paths + quizzes + tracking) can open around month 3-4, with certificates and the trainer space following.
Can we add video and virtual classes? Yes: video hosting or third-party integration, plus connection to a video tool for remote live sessions. It adds to the core depending on your needs.
Can we migrate our existing content? Yes, we import your modules and learner base. Allow 1-3 weeks of migration depending on the format and volume of current content.
Let's scope your project. Share your learner volume, your certification and compliance needs, and an indicative budget. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
