​The Capacity Development Assessment Tool (CDAT) establishes a common and systematic approach to assessing the capacity development needs of partners and/or evaluating impact in terms of strengthening capacity. The tool is designed to be comprehensive, yet flexible enough to be tailored to a range of capacity development scenarios.

This includes working to develop the capacity of individuals, organisations and national or multi-national networks and collaborations. The CDAT is composed of a suite of Excel worksheets at different scales that allow the user/s to better understand and prioritise capacity development needs in relation to performing a task, achieving an objective, or implementing a project or programme. Each element of capacity is assessed and scored for its current level of capacity and the feasibility to achieve the desired capacity.