What is transfer of learning?

• A. The application of skills and knowledge learned in training to job performance
• B. Learning new information during training
• C. Improved test scores
• D. Employee retention

Answer: (A)

Transfer of learning is the application of skills and knowledge learned in training to job performance. It means what you practiced in a training setting shows up in real work tasks, helping you perform more effectively on the job rather than only in the training room or on a test. For example, using a new consultative selling approach with real customers, or following a newly learned safety protocol every shift, demonstrates true transfer. This concept matters because the value of training is measured by how well those new behaviors or capabilities are carried over into everyday work.

Factors that support transfer include having opportunities to use the new skills on the job, receiving supervisor support and coaching, training that aligns with actual job tasks, and opportunities for practice and feedback after the course. In contrast, simply learning new information during training, improving test scores, or focusing on retention as an outcome do not by themselves indicate transfer to job performance.