The Pre/Post Confidence Survey

The Pre/Post Confidence Survey is a method used to measure the perceived impact of a community programme, event, or educational intervention. It works by asking participants to rate their confidence on a specific topic or skill both immediately before the experience (the 'pre' survey) and immediately after it concludes (the 'post' survey). By comparing the two sets of results, community professionals can quantify the change in confidence levels and thereby demonstrate the programme's effectiveness in a tangible way.

Why it matters — The Pre/Post Confidence Survey

In community management, demonstrating value is paramount. While activity metrics like post counts, attendance figures, or download numbers are easy to track, they often fail to capture the true impact on members. The Pre/Post Confidence Survey helps bridge this gap by shifting the focus from simple participation to meaningful transformation. It provides a clear, data-driven narrative about how the community helps its members learn, grow, and become more capable.

This method matters for several key reasons: