Conclusions from the EU-related training need assessments in Estonia in 2002-2013

The aim of the study is to assess whether the training need assessment instruments used in Estonian public sector have been appropriate in identifying the gap between actual and desired competencies. The analysis is based on the comparison of training needs assessment techniques applied in studies conducted in Estonia in 2002, 2008 and 2013 to determine the EU-related training needs of the local officialdom. Particular attention is devoted to the scope of needs? identification process, the occurrence of answer ?as expected? on ?dangerous? questions, and the subjective nature of self-assessment known as the Dunning-Kruger effect.Findings: Training need assessment in public administration has been conducted in a non-systematic manner in Estonia not only with regard to the specific problems occurred at centrally co-ordinated level, organizational level and with regard to the training of top-ranked officials, but also related to the lack of consistent approach to the techniques used. To get an adequate overview, self-assessment should be combined with other instruments offering measurable information.