Human Resources
Training needs analysis (TNA)
Definition
A training needs analysis is a structured review that compares the skills a job requires with the skills employees have, to decide which training to fund.
How does a training needs analysis work?
- Define the skills each role needs, for example from competency units.
- Assess current skills through appraisals, tests or interviews.
- List the gaps and rank them by business impact.
- Turn the top gaps into a training plan and budget.
Why run a TNA before spending the training budget?
It links each programme to a real gap, which makes spending from the budget or the HRD Corp levy easier to justify. The Training Needs Analysis and Competency Gap Assessment course teaches the method.
Where can you go next?
Courses, checks and reading on the same work.- CourseTraining Needs Analysis & Competency Gap Assessment
- CourseCurriculum Design, Development & Evaluation
- CertificationCertified Curriculum Development Manager (CCDM)
- Free online assessmentAre your training programmes built on real needs? Free training design check
- Glossary termCompetency unit
- Glossary termHRD Corp levy
- Glossary termPerformance appraisal
Which sources does this page use?
This page states no statutory figures, so it cites no official source.
Updated 20 October 2026. General information from the Certifyd team, not legal, tax or safety advice for your workplace.