Modernize Moodle: Staged Upgrade & Migration

Project Title:

Upgrade Moodle 2.8.5 (2015 build) to Moodle 4.3 LTS on Staging, Then Migrate Live

Project Overview:

Abacus Training / BuiltByU operates an active Moodle site with ~5,000 users at training.ownerbuildercourses.com.
The current version (2.8.5) is outdated and needs to be upgraded in stages to Moodle 4.3 LTS to enable modern API and automation features.

We require a skilled Moodle developer or system admin to perform a safe, multi-stage upgrade on a staging clone, verify functionality, then migrate to live once tested.

Scope of Work

Clone existing Moodle 2.8.5 into a new staging subdomain.

Perform multi-stage upgrades:

2.8.5 → 3.1 → 3.5 → 4.3 LTS

Confirm full functionality after each step:

User logins

Course access & completion tracking

Certificates / SCORM

Enable and test REST API / Web Services for automation integration.

Install recommended modern plugins:

Certificate (mod_certificate)

Completion Progress

Configurable Reports

Boost Theme (or Boost Union)

After successful testing, migrate the staging instance to live.

Deliverables

Working Moodle 4.3 LTS installation with existing data and courses intact.

REST API endpoints enabled and token tested via Postman.

Backup archives of both old and new instances.

Short summary of upgrade steps performed.

Environment

cPanel hosting with phpMyAdmin access

Current Moodle: 2.8.5 (Build 20150310)

~5 000 users, 12 courses

Preferred Candidate

Proven Moodle upgrade experience (3 → 4 series).

Comfortable with legacy → modern transitions.

Available to start immediately and communicate via Freelancer messages or Zoom.

Budget

AUD $400 – $800 depending on scope confirmation.