What is Pre and post assessment?
Also called: Pre-test and post-test · Pre/post measurement · Before-and-after assessmentDefinition
Pre and post assessment is a method of evaluating training by measuring the same knowledge, skills or behaviours before a programme and again afterwards, using the same or equivalent instruments, and comparing the results. The difference shows how much learners moved. It is the simplest credible way to evidence Kirkpatrick Level 2 (learning), and when the post-measurement is delayed by weeks or months and uses work-based tasks, it also gives evidence of retention and application on the job.
A good design uses the same competencies and scoring rules both times, with parallel forms or fresh items so learners cannot simply remember answers. The post-assessment is often taken twice: once immediately after training, to show learning, and again weeks later, to show what stuck. Results are reported as movement per person and per competency, alongside the share of people who improved meaningfully.
For corporate L&D, pre and post data turns a programme report from “92% completed” into “average written clarity moved from 38 to 51”. It also exposes programmes that do not work. Bodhih re-measures at 90 days and reports movement below 8 points on its 0–100 scale as “held steady”, so small changes within normal measurement noise are not claimed as improvement.
Common mistakes: using a different test after training; measuring only immediately after, when scores are inflated by recency; no threshold for meaningful change; and claiming the training caused all the movement without a comparison group or other isolation method.
Key points
- Same competencies and scoring before and after.
- Use parallel forms to avoid memorised answers.
- Delayed post-measurement (for example at 90 days) shows retention.
- Set a threshold for meaningful change.
- Isolate the training effect before claiming causation.
An example at work
A Delhi NCR consulting firm measures 60 consultants’ email writing on a 0–100 rubric before a business writing programme, immediately after and at 90 days. Average scores move from 41 to 58 immediately and settle at 54 at 90 days; nine consultants show under 8 points of movement and are reported as held steady.
Where this is used at Bodhih
Related terms
Diagnostic assessment
A diagnostic assessment is a test taken before training to measure a learner’s current level and identify specific gaps, so training can target them.
Kirkpatrick model
The Kirkpatrick model is a four-level framework for evaluating training: reaction, learning, behaviour and results.
Training ROI
Training ROI is the net monetary benefit of a training programme divided by its total cost, expressed as a percentage.
Competency assessment
Competency assessment is the process of measuring a person’s proficiency against defined competencies, using evidence from tests, tasks, observation or work samples.
Training needs analysis
Training needs analysis (TNA) is the process of identifying the gap between the skills people have and the skills they need, and whether training can close it.
More about Pre and post assessment
How do you measure training effectiveness with pre and post tests?
Assess learners on the target skills before training, run the programme, then assess again with an equivalent test immediately and after a delay such as 90 days. Compare scores per person and per skill, set a threshold for meaningful change, and report the share who improved as well as the average gain.
Should the pre-test and post-test be the same?
They should measure the same skills at the same difficulty with the same scoring, but ideally not use identical questions, because learners may remember them. Parallel forms, or a large item bank from which each test is drawn, give a fairer comparison.