Training Needs Analysis

Training needs analysis (TNA), sometimes called training needs assessment, is the process of identifying what training is needed. The goal of TNA is to identify the precise knowledge, skills, or attitudes (KSAs) necessary for workers to perform their jobs efficiently and effectively and to compare how well individuals are presently equipped to do their jobs based on what they know and can do, or how they feel about it. TNA thus compares individuals’ current KSAs to the essential KSAs needed to do the work and achieve necessary results. TNA is the single most important step in training design for the simple reason that, if TNA is not performed or is not performed properly, the training will not be properly focused. TNA is sometimes confused with the data collection process-that is, how information is collected about needs. TNA is often the focus of criticism, which focuses around several issues.