Capacity self-assessment is a way for training institutions to assess and develop the capacities needed for their own development and for the provision of high quality training services. Self-assessment refers to a participatory process driven by the training institutions themselves rather than external actors.

This methodology is specifically adapted to training institutions and similar organizations providing training for local governments on urban issues. It focuses on capacity within four areas: resources (physical and human), organization and management, training and regional capacities(enabling environment).

Training institutions need to constantly assess and develop capacities to keep up with the ever-changing reality of local governments and the challenges cities are facing. The proposed process is recommended that a small group of staff is in charge of the process and a bigger group, from different units and with various roles, are involved in the assessment, option generation, prioritization, and action planning exercises.