To increase the yield and quality of cocoa beans, a variety of institutions in Colombia have developed training processes to improve the level of knowledge of the producing families. However, yet our research has found persistent deficiencies because many of the training topics do not respond to the gaps in knowledge and training needs. This study identified the level of local knowledge of cocoa producers through the participatory action research methodology called "Cacota test" in different municipalities of cocoa growing departments in Colombia (Santander, Huila, Meta, Caquetá and Guaviare). The "Cacota Test" was used to identify the links on which the academic training contents should be focused according to the characteristics and needs of each municipality. Cacota Test was applied in 40 sessions in 30 municipalities to 857 cocoa producers. The level of knowledge was measured in nine links of the cocoa production chain: a) Crop design, b) Clones, c) Soil fertility, d) Pruning, e) Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPPM), f) Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), g) Harvest, h) Postharvest and i) Processing. The level of knowledge per link was expressed as a subscript in the interval [0,1] obtained from the number of correct answers. The cocoa knowledge index (IKC) was constructed by averaging the knowledge of the sub-indexes per link in an interval of [0,1]. An analysis of variance was performed to determine the differences between departments, both for each sub-index and for the IKC using linear models. A cluster analysis was carried out to obtain homogeneous groups of municipalities in terms of training needs. Results show that local knowledge is determined by municipal dynamics and does not generalize to the department. Post-harvest and crop design are the most critical stages in cocoa farming management. The level of cocoa knowledge at the national level is at a deficient level (IKC=0.57), with variability at the spatial level ((Santander 0,63±0,01, Huila 0,58±0,01, Meta 0,58±0.01, Caquetá 0,55±0.01, Guaviare 0,53±0.01). The level of knowledge identified three programs on which training should be focused in the monitored areas: 1. Integrated management of cocoa cultivation, 2. Bean quality and cocoa agroindustry; 3. Soil fertility management.