Consider the following training needs analysis content elements:

• Are there essential building blocks one needs to learn in order to do this job?
• Are these building blocks of knowledge laid out in manuals or other documentation?
• In what order and how are these building blocks normally taught?

These are some of the analysis questions that are answered in a process called content training needs analysis. With this approach, material such as administrative procedures, laws, and computer application documentation are used to identify learning topics.

The raw material of content training needs analysis may present itself as an existing course that needs to be updated (our harassment training needs analysis scenario), policies that need to be taught (our safety training needs analysis scenario), or material that a group of experts has brought together. Content training needs analysis helps to establish a logical flow (teaching people to walk before they run), ensures that definitions are found for key terms (sometimes experts assume that everyone knows key terms), groups the data into digestible parts (if the material is easy-to-follow, participants will feel comfortable with it) and ensures that the level and clarity of the training content are appropriate to the needs of the users - as established in the user training needs analysis.

"Criticality" needs to be benchmarked during content training needs analysis. If it is essential that the users understand the material, then teach it. If it is not critical, do not teach it. A seasoned trainer establishes criticality in concert with the course designer who challenges the trainer to justify why it is essential to learn the identified material.