We’ve created a simple training needs assessment template you can use for your business

as a creator or enterprise. We’ll also show you how to customize this template for different
use cases, including sales and customer support training sessions.

How to use this template:

● Replace the placeholders with relevant information for the employee being
analyzed.
● Tailor the performance criteria, skill gaps, and training recommendations to match
the employee's job role and needs.
● Adjust the number of rows in each table as needed to accommodate the specific
needs of the employee.
● Use the "Priority" column in the Performance Review table to rank the importance of
each performance criteria (1 being the highest priority and 5 being the lowest).
● For the training timeline, set realistic start and end dates for each training topic.
● Clearly define the training goals and expected outcomes for each training topic.

I. Employee information

Employee Name Job Title Department Manager

[Employee Name] [Job Title] [Department] [Manager's Name]

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 II. Performance review

Performance Criteria Current Proficiency Desired Proficiency Priority (1-5) Notes

[Criteria 1] [Current Level] [Desired Level] [Priority]

[Criteria 2] [Current Level] [Desired Level] [Priority]

[Criteria 3] [Current Level] [Desired Level] [Priority]

III. Identified skill gaps

Skill Gap Description Training Required

[Skill Gap 1] [Description of the gap between current and desired proficiency] [Training]

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[Skill Gap 2] [Description of the gap between current and desired proficiency] [Training]

[Skill Gap 3] [Description of the gap between current and desired proficiency] [Training]

IV. Training recommendations

Estimated

Training Topic Duration Format (Online/In-Person) Trainer/Provider Cost

[Training Topic 1] [Hours] [Format] [Trainer/Provider] [Cost]

[Training Topic 2] [Hours] [Format] [Trainer/Provider] [Cost]

[Training Topic 3] [Hours] [Format] [Trainer/Provider] [Cost]

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 V. Training timeline

Training Topic Start Date End Date Notes

[Training Topic 1] [Start Date] [End Date] [Additional Notes]

[Training Topic 2] [Start Date] [End Date] [Additional Notes]

[Training Topic 3] [Start Date] [End Date] [Additional Notes]

VI. Training goals and expected outcomes

Training Topic Training Goal Expected Outcome

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[Training Topic 1] [Specific goal of the training] [Outcome]

[Training Topic 2] [Specific goal of the training] [Outcome]

[Training Topic 3] [Specific goal of the training] [Outcome]

Customized training needs assessment templates

Here’s a list of plug and play training templates for different use cases in your business.

● Sales training needs template

● Customer support training needs template
● Customer success training needs template
● New manager training needs template
● Leadership training needs template
● Team/department training needs template

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 1. Sales training needs template

This sales training needs assessment template will help you discover the specific areas
where your sales team may need additional training or development to improve their
performance.

I. Employee information

Employee Name Job Title Department Manager

John Doe Sales Executive Sales Jane Smith

II. Performance review

Performance Criteria Current Proficiency Desired Proficiency Priority (1-5) Notes

Needs deeper
Product Knowledge 3 (Intermediate) 5 (Expert) 1
understanding of features

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Sales Techniques 4 (Advanced) 5 (Expert) 2 Improve closing techniques

Struggles with advanced

CRM Usage 2 (Beginner) 4 (Advanced) 3
CRM features

III. Identified skill gaps

Skill Gap Description Training Required

Product Knowledge Gap in understanding the full range of product features Product Training

Sales Techniques Needs improvement in closing deals Advanced Sales Techniques

CRM Usage Limited knowledge of advanced CRM features CRM Training

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 IV. Training recommendations

Estimated

Training Topic Duration Format (Online/In-Person) Trainer/Provider Cost

Product Training 8 Hours In-Person In-House Product Expert $0 (In-House)

Advanced Sales
16 Hours Online SalesMaster Training $500
Techniques

CRM Training 6 Hours Online CRM Software Vendor $300

V. Training timeline

Training Topic Start Date End Date Notes

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Product Training 2023-06-01 2023-06-01 Full-day training

Advanced Sales Techniques 2023-06-10 2023-06-17 2 hours/day for 8 days

CRM Training 2023-06-20 2023-06-22 2 hours/day for 3 days

VI. Training goals and expected outcomes

Training Topic Training Goal Expected Outcome

Enhance understanding of the full range of Increased product knowledge and better sales
Product Training
product features pitches

Advanced Sales Improve closing techniques and overall sales Increased deal closing rate and better customer

Techniques process relationships

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 Improved CRM usage and more effective sales
pipeline management
Learn advanced CRM features for efficient
CRM Training
sales tracking

2. Customer support training needs template

Use this customer support training needs template to assess the knowledge, skills, and
competencies required for your customer support representatives.

I. Employee information

Employee Name Job Title Department Manager

Jane Doe Customer Support Representative Customer Support John Smith

II. Performance review

Performance Criteria Current Proficiency Desired Proficiency Priority (1-5) Notes

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 Needs deeper
Product Knowledge 3 (Intermediate) 5 (Expert) 1
understanding of features

Improve empathy and

Communication Skills 4 (Advanced) 5 (Expert) 2
active listening

Struggles with advanced

Ticketing System Usage 2 (Beginner) 4 (Advanced) 3
ticketing features

III. Identified skill gaps

Skill Gap Description Training Required

Product Knowledge Gap in understanding the full range of product features Product Training

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Communication Skills Needs improvement in empathy and active listening Communication Skills Training

Ticketing System Usage Limited knowledge of advanced ticketing features Ticketing System Training

IV. Training recommendations

Format Estimated

Training Topic Duration (Online/In-Person) Trainer/Provider Cost

$0
Product Training 8 Hours In-Person In-House Product Expert
(In-House)

Communication Skills
12 Hours Online CommunicationGuru $400
Training

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Ticketing System Training 6 Hours Online Ticketing Software Vendor $250

V. Training timeline

Training Topic Start Date End Date Notes

Product Training 2023-06-01 2023-06-01 Full-day training

Communication Skills Training 2023-06-10 2023-06-15 2 hours/day for 6 days

Ticketing System Training 2023-06-20 2023-06-22 2 hours/day for 3 days

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 VI. Training goals and expected outcomes

Training Topic Training Goal Expected Outcome

Enhance understanding of the full range of Increased product knowledge and

Product Training
product features better customer support

Communication Skills Enhanced customer satisfaction and

Improve empathy and active listening skills
Training problem resolution

Learn advanced ticketing features for Improved ticketing system usage and
Ticketing System Training
efficient support tracking faster issue resolution

3. Customer success training needs template

This training template will help you identify gaps in your customer success employees’
knowledge, develop training programs, and track their progress objectively.

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 I. Employee information

Employee Name Job Title Department Manager

Mary Johnson Customer Success Manager Customer Success Sarah Brown

II. Performance review

Performance Criteria Current Proficiency Desired Proficiency Priority (1-5) Notes

Needs deeper
Product Knowledge 3 (Intermediate) 5 (Expert) 1
understanding of features

Improve client
Relationship Building 4 (Advanced) 5 (Expert) 2
engagement strategies

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 Struggles with advanced
Data Analysis 2 (Beginner) 4 (Advanced) 3
data analysis techniques

III. Identified skill gaps

Skill Gap Description Training Required

Product Knowledge Gap in understanding the full range of product features Product Training

Relationship Building Needs improvement in client engagement strategies Relationship Building Training

Data Analysis Limited knowledge of advanced data analysis techniques Data Analysis Training

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 IV. Training recommendations

Estimated

Training Topic Duration Format (Online/In-Person) Trainer/Provider Cost

$0
Product Training 8 Hours In-Person In-House Product Expert
(In-House)

Relationship Building
12 Hours Online SuccessCoach Academy $450
Training

Data Analysis Training 10 Hours Online DataMaster University $350

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 V. Training timeline

Training Topic Start Date End Date Notes

Product Training 2023-06-01 2023-06-01 Full-day training

Relationship Building Training 2023-06-10 2023-06-15 2 hours/day for 6 days

Data Analysis Training 2023-06-20 2023-06-24 2 hours/day for 5 days

VI. Training goals and expected outcomes

Training Topic Training Goal Expected Outcome

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 Enhance understanding of the full range of Increased product knowledge and better
Product Training
product features customer success support

Relationship Building Enhanced client satisfaction and

Improve client engagement strategies
Training long-term relationships

Learn advanced data analysis techniques for Improved data-driven decision-making

Data Analysis Training
better decision-making and customer success insights

4. New manager training needs template

Use this template to assess the knowledge, skills, and competencies required for
individuals transitioning into managerial roles within your team.

It will help you to easily identifying areas where new managers may need additional training
or development to effectively lead their teams and contribute to the team’s success.

I. Employee information

Employee Name Job Title Department Manager

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James Williams New Manager Operations Elizabeth Johnson

II. Performance review

Performance Criteria Current Proficiency Desired Proficiency Priority (1-5) Notes

Needs to develop
Leadership Skills 2 (Beginner) 5 (Expert) 1
leadership capabilities

Improve delegation and

Time Management 3 (Intermediate) 5 (Expert) 2
prioritization skills

Develop better conflict

Conflict Resolution 3 (Intermediate) 5 (Expert) 3
resolution strategies

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 III. Identified skill gaps

Skill Gap Description Training Required

Leadership Skills Needs to develop leadership capabilities Leadership Training

Time Management Improve delegation and prioritization skills Time Management Training

Conflict Resolution Develop better conflict resolution strategies Conflict Resolution Training

IV. Training recommendations

Estimated

Training Topic Duration Format (Online/In-Person) Trainer/Provider Cost

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Leadership Training 16 Hours In-Person Leadership Academy $800

Time Management Training 10 Hours Online TimeSaver Guru $350

Conflict Resolution Training 8 Hours Online Peaceful Resolutions $300

V. Training timeline

Training Topic Start Date End Date Notes

Leadership Training 2023-06-01 2023-06-08 2 hours/day for 8 days

Time Management Training 2023-06-10 2023-06-14 2 hours/day for 5 days

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Conflict Resolution Training 2023-06-15 2023-06-18 2 hours/day for 4 days

VI. Training goals and expected outcomes

Training Topic Training Goal Expected Outcome

Effective team management and increased

Leadership Training Develop strong leadership capabilities
employee engagement

Improve delegation and prioritization Efficient workflow management and better team
Time Management Training
skills performance

Develop better conflict resolution Harmonious workplace environment and

Conflict Resolution Training
strategies increased team morale

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 5. Leadership training needs template

This assessment tool will help assess the knowledge, skills, and competencies required for
effective leadership within your team.

I. Employee information

Employee Name Job Title Department Manager

Susan Thompson Senior Manager Finance Michael Brown

II. Performance review

Performance Criteria Current Proficiency Desired Proficiency Priority (1-5) Notes

Needs to develop

Strategic Thinking 3 (Intermediate) 5 (Expert) 1 long-term strategic

planning

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 Improve data-driven
Decision Making 3 (Intermediate) 5 (Expert) 2
decision-making skills

Enhance employee

Team Motivation 4 (Advanced) 5 (Expert) 3 engagement and

motivation techniques

III. Identified skill gaps

Skill Gap Description Training Required

Strategic Thinking
Strategic Thinking Needs to develop long-term strategic planning
Training

Decision Making Improve data-driven decision-making skills Decision Making Training

25
Team Motivation Enhance employee engagement and motivation techniques Team Motivation Training

IV. Training recommendations

Estimate

Training Topic Duration Format (Online/In-Person) Trainer/Provider d Cost

Strategic Thinking
10 Hours In-Person StrategyMaster Academy $600
Training

Decision Making Training 12 Hours Online DecisionPro Institute $400

Team Motivation Training 8 Hours Online EngageYourTeam $300

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 V. Training timeline

Training Topic Start Date End Date Notes

Strategic Thinking Training 2023-06-01 2023-06-05 2 hours/day for 5 days

Decision Making Training 2023-06-10 2023-06-15 2 hours/day for 6 days

Team Motivation Training 2023-06-20 2023-06-23 2 hours/day for 4 days

VI. Training goals and expected outcomes

Training Topic Training Goal Expected Outcome

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Strategic Thinking Enhanced organizational vision and goal
Develop long-term strategic planning skills
Training setting

Effective decision-making and better

Decision Making Training Improve data-driven decision-making skills
resource allocation

Enhance employee engagement and Increased employee satisfaction and

Team Motivation Training
motivation techniques improved team performance

6. Team/department training needs analysis template

A team/department training needs analysis template spells out the goals your team wants
to achieve and the skills required to meet these goals within a specific timeframe.

I. Team/department information

Team/Department Name Total Members Manager Name Team/Department Goal

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 Increase brand awareness by 50% in
Marketing Team 12 Jane Smith
2023

II. Performance review

Performance Criteria Average Proficiency Desired Proficiency Priority (1-5) Notes

Improve social media

Social Media Marketing 3 (Intermediate) 5 (Expert) 1
strategies

Enhance storytelling
Content Creation 4 (Advanced) 5 (Expert) 2
skills

Better understanding
Analytics & Reporting 2 (Beginner) 4 (Advanced) 3
of marketing data

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 III. Identified skill gaps

Skill Gap Description Training Required

Social Media Marketing Improve social media strategies Social Media Marketing Training

Content Creation Enhance storytelling skills Content Creation Training

Analytics & Reporting Better understanding of marketing data Analytics & Reporting Training

IV. Training recommendations

Estimated

Format Cost per

Training Topic Duration (Online/In-Person) Trainer/Provider Person

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Social Media Marketing
12 Hours Online SocialBoost Academy $450
Training

Content Creation Training 10 Hours In-Person Storyteller's Workshop $500

Analytics & Reporting

8 Hours Online DataDriven Marketing $350
Training

V. Training timeline

Training Topic Start Date End Date Notes

Social Media Marketing Training 2023-06-01 2023-06-06 2 hours/day for 6 days

Content Creation Training 2023-06-10 2023-06-14 Full-day sessions for 2 days

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Analytics & Reporting Training 2023-06-20 2023-06-23 2 hours/day for 4 days

VI. Training goals and expected outcomes

Training Topic Training Goal Expected Outcome

Social Media Marketing Increased engagement and brand awareness on

Improve social media strategies
Training social media platforms

Higher-quality content that resonates with the

Content Creation Training Enhance storytelling skills
target audience

Analytics & Reporting Better understanding of marketing Improved data-driven decision-making and

Training data marketing campaign optimization

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Basic needs assessment outline
Beyond training, needs assessment can serve other aspects of your business such as
product and service development and financial management.

Here's a simple outline for conducting needs assessments for these areas.

Introduction

● Briefly introduce the purpose of the training needs assessment and provide any
necessary background information.

Objectives

● Clearly state the objectives of the training needs assessment.

Methodology

● Describe the methods you will use to conduct the assessment (e.g., surveys, focus
groups, interviews, observations, etc.).
● Explain how you will select participants for the assessment.
● Indicate the timeline for the assessment.

Areas for assessment

● Identify the areas of the organization or job roles that will be assessed (e.g.,
technical skills, communication skills, leadership abilities, etc.).

Assessment questions

● Develop a list of questions that will be used to assess the training needs of the
participants. Tailor these questions to the specific areas identified for assessment.

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 Data analysis

● Explain how you will analyze the data collected during the assessment.
● Identify any tools or techniques that will be used for analysis (e.g., statistical
software, coding, etc.).

Training recommendations

● Based on the assessment results, provide recommendations for training and

development programs that will address the identified needs.
● Indicate the expected outcomes of the proposed training programs.

Conclusion

● Summarize the key findings of the training needs assessment.

● Provide any concluding thoughts or recommendations.

Appendices (Optional)

● Include any supplementary materials used during the assessment, such as survey
questionnaires or interview guides.

Sample needs assessment plan

Category Description

Organizational Analysis Identify the goals and objectives of the organization that the training will support.

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 Determine the skills and knowledge required to achieve those goals and objectives.

Identify the performance gaps that training can help to address.

Determine the resources available for training.

Job Analysis Identify the tasks and responsibilities of the job or role for which the training is intended.

Determine the skills and knowledge required to perform those tasks and responsibilities

effectively.

Identify the performance gaps that training can help to address.

Determine the critical tasks or areas of the job where training is most needed.

Person Analysis Identify the individuals or groups who will receive the training.

Determine the current knowledge, skills, and abilities of those individuals or groups.

Identify the performance gaps or areas of weakness that training can help to address.

Determine the learning preferences and styles of the individuals or groups.

Identify the most appropriate delivery method for the training (e.g., classroom, online,
Training Delivery Analysis
on-the-job).

Determine the duration of the training.

Identify the necessary resources (e.g., materials, equipment) for the training.

Determine the qualifications and availability of trainers or facilitators.

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 Identify the evaluation methods and criteria to be used to measure the effectiveness of
Evaluation Analysis
the training.

Determine when and how the evaluation will be conducted.

Identify the individuals or groups responsible for conducting the evaluation.

Determine how the evaluation results will be used to improve future training programs.

Additional resources
● How to do a training needs assessment

● How to implement employee training and development

● How to set up a continuous learning culture in the workplace

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