A training checklist is your blueprint for building effective employee training programs. Your teams are pressed for time, and every session needs to make an impact.
Whether you’re onboarding new employees or meeting compliance standards, you need to have an organized approach. Using a training checklist prevents steps from being overlooked. When you need to track progress, it’s right there waiting for you.
So much rides on having a prepared team. By putting in time on the front end to organize your training, you’re setting up to build a highly capable workforce.
What is a training checklist?
A training checklist is a structured document used in employee training programs that outlines the essential steps, tasks, and topics to be covered. It guides trainers to cover all components of training without missing critical information.
A training checklist is used by:
- Staff
- Trainers
- Managers
- Team leaders
- HR professionals
Having a standardized training process helps deliver consistent and comprehensive training to your employees.
Why is a training checklist important?
A well-constructed training checklist helps optimize the training process. The goal of training is to ensure your staff receives the knowledge and skills they need to perform their roles. A training checklist can do just that.
Here’s why:
- Ensures consistent and quality training
Providing a structured approach to training with a checklist ensures everyone is receiving the same level of training regardless of the trainer. - Reduces errors and omissions
Checklists provide guardrails against forgetting critical training components. Using one helps reduce the risk of errors and omissions of important information. This is especially important in safety and compliance training, where missing a step could lead to serious consequences. - Increases training effectiveness
Having clear objectives and structured content is only enhanced with training checklists. They provide a roadmap for both trainers and learners so they stay focused on learning outcomes. - Improves compliance and safety
You should use training checklists if your industry has strict regulatory requirements, such as those covered in DEI training. Using one will help with meeting OSHA standards and maintaining a safe work environment. - Streamline the onboarding process
New employees can often feel overwhelmed when starting a job. Comprehensive training and a new employee checklist break down essential tasks and learning goals. An additional step is to adapt your onboarding checklists for different generations.
Types of training checklists
Choosing the right checklist depends on your training goals and industry needs. Let’s look at some of the most common types of checklists.
New hire training checklist
Covers the basics like company policies and role-specific training to get new employees up to speed.
Onboarding training checklist
A deeper dive into your company culture, compliance, and job-specific skills to set up new hires for success.
Safety training checklist
Focuses on essential safety topics like emergency procedures and protective gear.
OSHA required training checklist
Makes sure you’re covered on all mandatory OSHA safety topics to stay compliant.
Leadership training checklist
Helps develop managers by building communication skills, decision-making, and team leadership.
The training checklists you use are dependent on your industry and business needs. Other types of training checklists include:
- Technical skills training checklist
- Soft skills training checklist
- Customer service training checklist
What are the key components of a training checklist?
Once you know the training checklists you need, you’ll have to begin the creation process. While you want each to be unique to the training topic, they should all follow a similar format.
A well-designed training checklist is more than just a to-do list. It makes your training thorough, organized, and effective.
Here’s what you should include:
- Pre-training preparation
Define clear learning objectives and assess the trainee’s needs. Gather all resources needed for the training.
- Content and program development
Organize steps in the order they will be completed, from preparation to follow-up. Make sure all key topics are covered, and don’t assume prior knowledge exists until you’ve checked.
- Session delivery
Create an engaging learning environment. Incorporate interactive elements when possible. Facilitate the training in a way that keeps your staff involved and focused.
- Clear task assignments
Be specific about who is responsible for each task. Assign deadlines to keep everything on track.
- Progress tracking and evaluation
Ensure no steps are missed by using checkboxes or digital tools like an enterprise LMS to monitor completion. Collect feedback and evaluate the training’s effectiveness based on predetermined criteria.
How to create a training checklist
If you’re wondering how to create a corporate training program, start by building structured training checklists. An enterprise LMS can streamline this process by storing all materials in one place, automating checklist creation, and allowing for seamless updates.
From defining objectives to evaluating outcomes, here’s how to get started:
- Keep it simple
Include essential details to avoid overwhelming users. The checklist should complement the training, not complicate it. - Stay consistent and standardized
Training should be uniform, no matter who conducts the session. Ensure that all trainees receive the same coverage of topics. - Organization and structure
Arrange training items logically. The training should be easy to implement and follow. - Make it interactive and engaging
Use visuals, interactive elements, and clear formatting to enhance usability and motivation. - Customization and updates
You’re using a standardized creation process but will still need to tailor each checklist to fit specific needs and roles. Be sure to update them regularly to keep up with changing training requirements and best practices.
Training checklist templates
Even with all of the necessary information, having a template to guide you is valuable. From onboarding a new employee checklist to an OSHA required checklist and everything in between, start here with these easy-to-follow templates.
General training checklist template
This training checklist template provides a basic framework that can be customized.
☐ Define learning objectives and outcomes
Establish clear goals for what trainees should learn or be able to do by the end of training.
☐ Prepare training materials and resources
Gather all necessary materials, like presentations, handouts, and digital resources.
☐ Set up training environment (physical or virtual)
Arrange the training space, whether physical, virtual, or a blended learning approach, ensuring all tools and equipment are ready.
☐ Introduce training topics and schedule
Provide an overview of the training content and outline the schedule for the sessions.
☐ Conduct training sessions and interactive activities
Deliver training content through presentations, discussions, and hands-on activities.
☐ Review key takeaways and address questions
Summarize important points and allow time for participants to ask questions.
☐ Assign post-training tasks or follow-up activities
Provide additional tasks or exercises to reinforce learning and encourage practical application.
☐ Collect feedback and evaluate training effectiveness
Use surveys or discussions to gather feedback and assess how well the training met its objectives.
Onboarding training checklist template
A thorough introduction with an onboarding training checklist, sometimes referred to as a training a new employee checklist, helps your new hires integrate smoothly into your organization.
☐ Welcome and company introduction
Introduce new hires to your company’s mission, values, and culture.
☐ Review company policies and employee handbook
Go over essential policies, procedures, and the employee handbook.
☐ Set up workstations and IT access
Ensure all necessary equipment, tools, and systems are ready for their first day.
☐ Introduce team members and direct supervisor
Facilitate introductions to key team members and the new hire’s supervisor.
☐ Complete mandatory training
Cover essential topics like compliance, safety protocols, and any role-specific requirements.
☐ Assign initial tasks and role-specific training
Provide new hires with their first assignments and any specialized training related to their role.
☐ Schedule check-ins to review progress and provide support
Set regular meetings to discuss progress and address any questions or challenges.
☐ Collect feedback on the onboarding experience
Have a standardized way to collect feedback on the onboarding experience. Use the input to continuously improve your process.
Safety training checklist template
In order to maintain a safe work environment, it’s crucial to cover all safety protocols and procedures.
☐ Emergency procedures
Go over emergency and evacuation plans so everyone is prepared in the event of a crisis.
☐ Hazard identification and safety equipment training
Train employees to identify potential hazards and what to do when they find one. Be sure they are proficient in using safety equipment.
☐ Instructions on the usage of personal protective equipment (PPE)
Teach how to choose, use, and maintain PPE to protect against workplace hazards.
☐ Handling and storage of hazardous materials
Educate employees on safe methods for handling, storing, and disposing of hazardous substances.
☐ Safe operation of machinery and tools
Demonstrate the correct way to use machinery along with safety precautions. Allow for hands-on time to practice under supervision.
☐ Fire safety and first aid training
Train on fire prevention, evacuation, and basic first aid procedures for emergencies.
☐ Safety responsibilities and emergency contacts
Designate safety roles and provide a list of emergency contacts and procedures.
☐ Document training completion and compliance
Keep records of training sessions and ensure all employees have completed necessary safety training.
OSHA required training checklist template
Creating an OSHA required training checklist for general industry usage is crucial for workplace safety compliance. Below are the topics recommended for general industries. You can create a template for each using the general training checklist template.
☐ Hazard communication standard
Educate employees on hazardous chemicals. Implement a written Hazard Communication Program.
☐ Emergency action plan
Develop a plan outlining steps for emergencies, including evacuation routes and communication procedures.
☐ Fire safety
Establish a Fire Prevention Plan and go over fire hazards, prevention methods, and emergency actions.
☐ Exit routes
Ensure all exits are clearly marked, accessible, and meet OSHA standards for safe evacuation.
☐ Walking and working surfaces
Prevent slips and falls by maintaining safe surfaces and using proper fall protection systems.
☐ Medical and first aid
Provide first aid supplies and training tailored to workplace hazards, ensuring quick response to injuries.
Leadership training checklist template
Develop essential leadership skills for managers and team leaders with this training checklist.
☐ Identify leadership strengths and areas for improvement
Assess your trainee’s current skills and pinpoint areas for development. Tailor the training program to help them reach their goals.
☐ Train on effective communication and active listening
Develop skills in clear communication and listening to understand and support team members.
☐ Conduct conflict resolution and problem-solving workshops
Provide practical training on managing conflicts and making effective decisions in challenging situations.
☐ Provide training on team motivation and engagement strategies
Teach techniques to inspire, motivate, and engage teams to achieve high performance.
☐ Teach time management and delegation techniques
Equip leaders with strategies for prioritizing tasks. Inform them on how to effectively delegate responsibilities.
☐ Develop strategic thinking skills
Strengthen abilities to make informed decisions. Prioritize thinking strategically for long-term success.
☐ Assign leadership projects or mentorship roles
Offer hands-on experience through projects or mentorship to apply leadership skills in real scenarios.
☐ Gather feedback and set goals for continued growth
Collect input from participants and set actionable goals for ongoing development and improvement.
FAQs
- What should be on a training checklist?
To ensure a comprehensive and well-organized approach to achieving your training goals, you should include the following in your training checklist:
- A clear learning objective
- Structured sequence of training steps
- All topics and resources needed
- Clear task assignments
- Method for tracking progress and evaluating effectiveness
- What are the benefits of training checklists?
Training checklists offer clear structure and consistency. They break down complex tasks into manageable steps. When used properly, they ensure all essential elements are covered and streamline the training process.
Elevate your training with the right training checklists
Your training checklists are more than just guides. They’re strategic tools that elevate your training programs and set your team up for success. By providing clear structure and focus, it helps streamline complex processes, maintain high standards, and ensure that no essential information slips through the cracks.
Leveraging an enterprise LMS to manage your checklists can further enhance your training efforts. From automating tasks to tracking progress, it ensures consistency across the board.
Invest in creating tailored, effective checklists, and watch your workforce, and your business, thrive.
Key takeaways
- Training checklists provide structure and clarity, making complex tasks manageable.
- They ensure consistent, high-quality training across all sessions.
- Checklists save time and improve efficiency by outlining necessary steps.
- They help track progress and boost learner motivation.
- Effective training checklists reduce errors and enhance accountability in training programs.
