Complimentary Financial Education Assessment Tools

The ultimate goal of any financial education program is to produce measurable, real-world outcomes that benefit learners well beyond the classroom. Assessing the impact of financial education programming must include diverse measures that range from behavior and sentiment measures to systems established and actions taken.

We provide complimentary sample assessments across 10 core areas that together create a multidimensional picture of learner progress and program impact. Used as baseline, formative, and outcome measures, the assessments help target instruction, demonstrate measurable results to stakeholders, and drive continuous improvement for lasting learner success.

business woman discusses with the business team financial performance 600×900

Problems with Content Knowledge as a Primary Measure

Most programs simply measure content knowledge gains. While content knowledge is easy to assess and provides a surface-level snapshot of what learners understand, relying on it as the primary or sole indicator of success can be misleading. Below are several limitations:

Some learners are good test takers; scores do not equal mastery.
Tests do not show real-world application or behavior change.
Rapid forgetting makes short-term scores unreliable.
Tests miss improvements in confidence, motivation, and habits.
Heavy testing encourages one-size-fits-all instruction.
Memorization-focused exams reduce relevance and engagement.
Scores can reflect prior knowledge or test anxiety rather than teaching quality.

Complimentary Sample Assessments

Our full assessment bank includes more than 200 validated questions, prompts, and quick tools that collect baseline, formative, and outcome data across ten core areas. These complimentary instruments produce actionable reports, facilitator guidance, and simple improvement plans so programs can measure growth not only in knowledge but in readiness, behavior, and real-world results.

We hope these sample questions help your efforts:

Interest - Their level of engagement and motivation to learn the subject matter.

Sample questions:
1. How connected do you feel to the content being covered?

2. How likely are you to pursue related topics in the future?

3. What’s something new you learned that grabbed your attention?

4. Which parts of the course did you find most useful or interesting?

5. What’s kept you engaged with what you learned from the program?

Stage of Change – Their readiness and willingness to apply what they’ve learned.

Sample questions:
1. Have you thought about making any changes in this area of your life?

2. Are you starting to make plans to put this knowledge into action?

3. What’s motivating you to make change now?

4. Do you feel you’ve moved forward in your readiness to make change?

5. Have you relapsed or encountered challenges – and if so, how did you respond?

Sentiment – Their feelings, confidence, and mindset toward applying what they learned in the lessons.

Sample questions:
1. How nervous or anxious do you feel about participating in this course?

2. How has your confidence changed since starting the program?

3. How empowered do you feel to make changes in this area?

4. Have you encountered any emotional challenges while learning?

5. What’s helped you maintain a positive mindset about this topic?

Behaviors – Observable actions that support their journey to becoming effective stewards of their finances.

Sample questions:
1. What’s one habit you’d like to improve or change?

2. Do you feel your current routines help or hurt your progress?

3. Have you noticed any changes in your day-to-day behaviors since starting this course?

4. What are you doing differently now compared to when the program began?

5. How consistent have you been with your new habits?

Content Knowledge – What learners understand about teaching personal finance topics.

The content knowledge questions you select will come directly from the materials you are using. The NFEC curriculum has integrated testing and quizzes built into each lesson. Here are some sample questions:

1. One of the main benefits of budgeting is that it reduces stress and worry about money. By having a clear picture of your monthly income and expenses and by sticking to a budget, you can avoid worrying about whether you have enough money to cover your monthly bills.
a. True
b. False

2. What are the two components of a credit profile?
a. Employment History & Salary
b. Credit Report & Interest Rates
c. Bank Balances & Transaction History
d. Credit History & Credit Score

3. Based on their skills, which of the following individuals is least likely to have to worry about their position being replaced by automation?
a. Marco pulls data from one source to the main database.
b. Elizabeth is a technical salesperson and is responsible for generating sales and making sure the customers understand how her product can benefit them.
c. Pete has worked as a barista for 4 years and has good customer service skills.
d. Elaine has worked in a retail clothing store for the last 10 years. She is knowledgeable about her job, but has poor customer service skills.

4. It is better to receive a substantial income tax refund, as a result of overpayment, than to break even.
a. True
b. False

5. Which of these strategies may help reduce an individual’s financial risk?
a. Maintaining a number of varied investments
b. Investing in major tech start-ups
c. Investing for short periods of time
d. Selling when investments peak

Systems – The routines, tools, or structures they’ve developed to support their personal finance management.

Sample questions:
1. Is there a structure or method you rely on to stay organized?

2. Have you ever tried using a checklist, planner, or app to help with this?

3. Have you identified any tools that might help support your goals?

4. What routines or steps have you begun to build into your week?

5. How do you maintain progress or track your goals now?

Support – The networks, resources, or people they access to help them succeed.

Sample questions:
1. Who do you usually turn to for advice or encouragement when you’re working toward a goal?

2. Are there any community resources, groups, or mentors you’re connected with right now?

3. What kinds of support would help you feel more confident or successful right now?

4. Did you build or strengthen any relationships as a result of this program?

5. How have friends, family, or others helped you stick with your goals?

Actions – Specific steps learners take as a direct result of the training.

Sample questions:
1. Do you have any goals you’ve been planning to act on but haven’t started yet?

2. Have you recently made any life changes related to the topic of this training?

3. Is there something new you’ve tried or committed to doing?

4. How are you applying what you’ve learned to your real life right now?

5. Looking back, what’s one action you’re proud of taking because of what you learned?

Outcomes – Real-world impact and measurable results stemming from their learning experience.

Sample questions:
1. Have you started saving money or reducing debt as a result of what you learned?

2. Have your habits changed in ways that you feel are sustainable?

3. What real changes have occurred since you completed the program?

4. How much have you saved or paid off since the course ended?

5. Looking back, what’s the biggest result or improvement you’ve experienced?

Professional Reporting

This example shows how a polished program report communicates impact with clarity and credibility – it’s an illustrative model you can use as a reference when preparing your own documentation. Use it to understand the expected structure, tone, and visual elements of a report that convinces stakeholders and summarizes outcomes effectively.

The example includes typical sections you’ll find in a finished report: a concise program overview and goals, participant demographics, instructional hours and activities, key performance indicators and measured results, testimonial highlights, simple charts or callouts, methodology notes and limitations, and recommended next steps. It’s meant to demonstrate how to present data, narrative, and evidence together so your story reads professionally and persuasively.