This user companion explains how the PROVIA Guidance on Assessing Vulnerability, Impacts and Adaptation to Climate Change, can be used to better understand key concepts and available methods and tools throughout the national adaptation plan (NAP) process. PROVIA is the Global Programme of Research on Climate Change Vulnerability, Impacts and Adaptation, an initiative launched jointly by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and hosted by UNEP in Nairobi. The PROVIA Guidance is structured along a five-stage iterative adaptation learning cycle: 1) Identifying adaptation needs 2) Identifying adaptation options 3) Appraising adaptation options 4) Planning and implementing adaptation options 5) Monitoring and evaluation of adaptation.