Learning /Training Development

Learning & Development
Level 6_C.B.C




Training Needs Assessment (TNA)


Learning Outcome:
Carrying out Training Needs Assessment
Unit Content
1) Introduction to Training Needs Assessment (TNA)
2) Purpose of TNA
3) Benefits of TNA
4) Methods of TNA
5) Elements of a TNA
6) Process of a TNA
7) TNA Report
8) Uses of a TNA report
9) Other sources of training needs
Performance Criteria:
 Organization objectives are identified according to SOPs.
 Functional units within the organization identified according to SOPs.
 Training needs assessment tools developed and disseminated according to SOPs.
 Competencies within each function identified according to SOPs.
 Performance appraisal reports reviewed as per the performance appraisal guidelines.
 Gaps in the performance appraisal report identified as per the SOPs.
 Training needs assessment report prepared as per the SOPs.

2.1 Definitions:
2.1.1 Training Need Assessment (TNA)
TNA is the method used by the line manager to determine the training requirements for the team
members as per the Standard Operating Procedures(SOPs).


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, TNA is a process that serves as diagnostic tool for determining the training needs that employees’
require to undertake in the organization. The process entails collecting data to determine what training
to be developed to help individuals and the organization accomplish their goals and objectives.
Training Needs Assessment (TNA) is the method of determining if a training need exists and, if it
does, what training is required to address the gap.

The assessment looks at the employee and the required organizational knowledge, skills and abilities
as per the SOP’s to identify any gaps or areas requiring to be addressed.
Once the training needs are identified, the next step involves addressing the gaps through the
necessary interventions like training.
2.1.2 Operating Standards:
A standard operating procedure (SOP) is a set of step-by-step instructions compiled by an
organization to help workers carry out routine operations. SOP’s aim to achieve efficiency, quality
output and uniformity of performance, while reducing miscommunication and failure to comply with
industry regulations.

2.2 Organization objectives are Identified according to SOPs.

2.2.1 Functional units within the organization identified according to SOPs.

Functional units in an organization are the teams of employees who have similar skills and
expertise and carry out similar roles.e.g. Sales Department, Marketing, Customer Service, Finance,
Human Resource etc. The staff in each of these departments focuses on similar activities as per the
functional roles.

Functions in an organization:

 Finance
 Administration
 Human resource
 Supply chain management services
 Accounts
 Sales and marketing

2.3 Training needs assessment tools developed and disseminated according to SOPs.

A training needs assessment identifies individuals' current level of competency, skill or knowledge
in one or more areas and compares that competency level to the required competency standard
established for their positions or other positions within the organization. The difference between the
current and required competencies can help determine training needs. Rather than assume that all
employees need training or even the same training, management can make informed decisions about
the best ways to address competency gaps among individual employees, specific job categories or
groups/teams.

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