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Training needs survey template — with sample entries

Before you build a plan, ask your people what training they actually need. The survey asks about both importance and current skill level, turns them into numeric priorities, and includes a sample tally that shows how to rank the results.

FormatWord (.docx) — just swap in your logo and approval block
What's includedA blank template plus a filled-in example for a fictional company
How to get itEnter your company, name, and email for an instant download plus a copy by email
CostFree

Get This Template Free See Tips for Filling It In

Training needs survey template preview — filled-in example, page 1

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Sample page 1

Fields in this template

Respondent info · 10 competencies rated for importance and current level on a 5-point scale
Desired topics, preferred formats, and barriers to applying learning on the job
Extra questions for managers
Sample analysis — needs score calculation and priority table (Borich)

How to fill it in

Asking only about 'training you want' surfaces only popular topics. Ask about importance and current level together to find the competencies with the biggest gaps.
Needs score = (mean importance − mean current level) × mean importance. The top 3 go on next year’s course candidate list.
Adding a separate manager section lets you compare 'skill gaps managers see in their team members' against self-ratings.
Collect responses anonymously and keep the survey under 5 minutes. When it runs long, the response rate is the first thing to drop.

Sample entries — view as a table

This excerpt comes from an example filled in for a fictional company, Hanbit Precision Co., Ltd. (auto parts manufacturing, 280 employees). The file contains the blank template first, followed by the full example. All amounts and figures in the example are assumed, for illustration only.

Needs score and priority by competency (top 5)

Rank	Competency	Importance	Current level	Needs score
1st	Generative AI for Work	4.4	2.3	9.24
2nd	Coaching and feedback (managers)	4.5	2.9	7.20
3rd	Data analysis & Excel	4.1	2.8	5.33
4th	Document and report writing	4.3	3.1	5.16
5th	Performance management & goal setting (managers)	4.2	3.0	5.04

Needs score = (importance − current level) × importance. Based on 214 fictional responses — the file includes all 10 competencies and the interpretation.

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FAQ

How do I tabulate training needs survey results?

For each competency, calculate the mean importance and the mean current level, multiply their gap by the mean importance to get the Borich needs score, and rank by that score. The tabulation example at the back of the template walks through the calculation and ranking for all 10 competencies.

What response rate is enough?

For company-wide surveys, aim for a response rate of 60% or higher. Asking department heads to send a reminder two days before the deadline raises responses significantly.

Are the templates free?

Yes, they are free. Just leave your company name, name, and email to download the template you choose right away. We also email you the same file.

Can I edit the templates to match our company format?

Yes. You may replace the company logo and approval block and use the templates as your internal forms. Please just refrain from selling them elsewhere or redistributing them as they are.

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※ The statutory mandatory training cycles and tax rates are general guidelines to make drafting easier. They may vary by your company’s industry and size, so please check the underlying statutes and your company’s tax policy.