Self-directed Check-ins let Trainees confirm a skill or completion on their own, so training keeps moving even when no facilitator is available.
Here's how the two types compare:
Facilitated: a Manager or facilitator meets with the Trainee, submits the form on their behalf, and marks them as passed or failed.
Self-directed: the Trainee fills out and submits the form themselves. It completes automatically as soon as it's submitted, with no review step or pass/fail decision.
⚠️ No pass/fail: Self-directed Check-ins don't support pass/fail outcomes. If your Check-in needs a Passing Requirement, use a facilitated Check-in instead.
Table of Contents:
How to Create a Self-Directed Check-in
Create a new Check-in:
Open a Module in the dashboard, go to the Build tab, and click Edit. Then click Add content and select Check-in.
Or go to Training > Library, select the Check-ins filter, and click New Check-in, then build with AI or click New check-in from scratch. From there, add your Check-in to any Module.
Build your Check-in: A new Check-in opens in the editor. For an existing one, go to the Build tab and click Edit. Then add a name, description, and verification steps.
Click Add a step to build out your form. Step types include Yes/No, Text entry, Multiple choice, Rating (1-10), and more.
Set it as self-directed: Click Facilitated in the top right corner of the Check-in form to open the Check-in type dialog. Select Self-directed and click Save.
Publish: Click Publish to make the Check-in available for assignment.
💡 Change it later: You can turn any existing facilitated Check-in into a self-directed one. On the Check-in's Overview tab, click the Sign-off value on the Settings card and select Self-directed, or click … > Settings and set Self-Directed to Yes.
How to Complete a Self-Directed Check-in
Trainees complete self-directed Check-ins in the Opus Training app. When they open one, they're taken straight to the verification form to fill out and submit. Once submitted, it's marked complete automatically.
Trainees find self-directed Check-ins inside their Modules:
Inside a Module: The Trainee opens an assigned Module and taps the Check-in to go straight to the verification form.
➡️ Learn more:
How to Facilitate & Delegate a Check-in: complete or hand off a facilitated Check-in.
How to Create & Assign a Check-in: build a Check-in and assign it through a Module.
When to Use Self-Directed Check-ins
Self-directed works best when you don't need a Manager present to verify the skill. It's a good fit for Trainees who have foundational knowledge and don't need external sign-off.
Common situations include:
Self-assessments: the Trainee confirms they've completed something on their own, like reviewing a policy or finishing a Task.
When a Manager isn't available for review: useful for busy Locations or teams spread across multiple sites.
Routine confirmations: things that don't need to be observed, like acknowledging a new procedure or confirming equipment is set up.
Reflections before or after training: a simple Check-in to help Trainees think through what they're about to learn or what they took away from a session.
⚠️ Compliance needs a witness: If the skill needs to be witnessed or you're tracking compliance, use a facilitated Check-in instead.
Best Practices
Keep your steps simple: Yes/No and checkbox steps work best when there's no facilitator in the room to clarify questions.
Link relevant content: Give Trainees everything they need to complete the Check-in on their own.
Plan a formal sign-off later: Pair a self-directed Check-in with a facilitated one down the line if you need it.
FAQ
Can I convert an existing facilitated Check-in to self-directed?
Yes. Open the Check-in in the dashboard and, on the Overview tab, change Sign-off on the Settings card to Self-directed.
You can also click … > Settings and set Self-Directed to Yes.
Will I see a pass or fail result on a self-directed Check-in?
No. Self-directed Check-ins complete automatically on submission, with no pass/fail outcome. If you need a pass/fail result, use a facilitated Check-in instead.
Can a Manager or Admin see when a self-directed Check-in has been completed?
Yes. Completed Check-ins appear in the Trainee's profile and on the Check-in's Reporting tab in the dashboard.
Can I use self-directed Check-ins inside a Module?
Yes. Self-directed Check-ins can be added to Modules just like facilitated ones.