The Strengthening Voices for Better Choices (SVBC) project is currently operating in six tropical forest countries (Brazil, Ghana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Sri Lanka and Viet Nam). To allow key stakeholders to acquire the skills and knowledge that will allow them to participate more effectively in the development and implementation of new and improved forest governance arrangements, a capacity needs assessment (CNA) process for the six national components of SVBC was designed. This publication describes a staged approach to the assessment process, one that is detailed yet flexible enough to respond to a wide variety of needs in the different countries.