Assessments are tools that can be used to measure or evaluate something. In training, facilitators utilize assessments to measure things like knowledge, skills, or attitude of the learners. There are various types of assessments that can be used in training, hence, in designing and conducting training programs, you must find the best ones that fit the goals of the course. In this article, we will talk about 4 different types of assessments you can use for the next training.

Uses of Assessments in Training

In designing any training program, it is important to ensure that the learners are able to understand the concepts and acquire the necessary skills in order for them to become effective and efficient in the workplace.

Assessments help training facilitators to:

• Identify areas where participants need more help;
• Understand what participants know (or don’t know);
• Measure learner progress over time; and
• Ensure that the training objectives are met.

Diagnostic Assessment

Diagnostic assessments are usually written questions given to the learners at the start of the training. Trainers are provided with an overview of the learner’s strengths and weaknesses as well as the existing knowledge of the learners about the topic. Oftentimes, training facilitators use this to also determine the views and opinions of the learners prior to the start of the session.

Examples of Diagnostic Assessment:

• Survey

• Mind map

• Journal entries

Formative Assessment

A formative assessment is used to provide feedback to learners during a training program. Unlike diagnostic assessments, trainers utilize this after each unit or module within the training program. Consequently, these assessments aid trainers in determining learner performance and improvement as they progress through the program.

Examples of Formative Assessment:

• Questionnaires

• Peer or Self Evaluation

• Class Discussions

Skills Assessment

In training programs where learners are expected to gain a new skill or perform a specific task, learners take what we call a skills assessment. Trainers utilize this assessment in order to measure the skills of the learners against a pre-determined standard, skills checklist, or criteria. It is given at the end of a training program to ensure that the learner has mastered the material.

Examples of Skills Assessment:

• Skills/Behavioral Checklist

• Rubrics

• Work Simulation

Summative Assessment

At the end of every training program, a learner takes a summative assessment. Trainers used summative assessments to evaluate the learner’s overall performance. Unlike the first three types, training facilitators use this assessment to determine whether the learner has met the objectives of the program. Additionally, to create a good and effective summative assessments, it is important to make sure to cover the objectives of the course and all the modules covered in the training.

Examples of Summative Assessment:

• Standardized tests

• Portfolios

• Final reports

These are just four of the many types of assessments available for training. By incorporating the right assessment methods, training facilitators can effectively measure learner progress, identify skill gaps, and enhance overall training outcomes. Additionally, assessments also help determine the need for supplemental materials, hands-on exercises, or additional coaching to support learning objectives. If you’re looking for more insights on how to choose and implement assessments in your training programs, feel free to reach out—we’d be happy to help!

Are you interested to know more about assessment? Check out these blog posts below!

Are Your Assessments Helping or Hurting Learning? An Introduction to Item Analysis

Beyond Standardized Testing: Using Item Analysis for Adaptive Learning