Foundation level

Certified User

The Certified User learning pathway is a structured online programme designed for hydropower professionals who want to confidently apply the Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS) in real projects.

This pathway bundles three core courses, guiding you from foundations to practical application, and leading to formal recognition as a Certified User of the HSS.

15–20 hours
3 courses
Certification
exam included
Digital certification
included
€497 if bought separately  €399  Save €98 + exam free
Enrol in the pathway

Your learning journey

1
2
3
4

HSS Fundamentals

Build a strong foundation in hydropower sustainability and the core concepts, structure and principles of the HSS.

HSS Assessment Planning

Learn how HSS assessments are planned, scope and prepared, including roles, timelines, evidence requirements and assessment pathways.

Applying the HSS in Practice

Develop practical skills to apply the HSS to real-world hydropower projects, interpret gaps and support sustainability improvement.

Certified User Exam

Demonstrate your understanding and application of the HSS through a formal online exam.

Course Individual price In bundle

HSS Fundamentals

Course 1 of 3

 €99 ✓

HSS Assessment Planning

Course 2 of 3

 €199 ✓

Applying the HSS in Practice

Course 3 of 3

 €199 ✓

CU Certification Exam

Included in pathway only

 N/A — pathway only ✓ Included
Courses purchased separately (no exam) €497 —

HSS Certified User pathway bundle + exam included

 €399 All 3 courses + exam
Save €98 vs buying courses individually — and the exam is included free

Enrolment provides 1 year of access to your pathway from the date of purchase.

Discounts available

Students — 50% off Academia — 25% off Developing countries — 25% off Referral — 10% off

What you will achieve?


Master international sustainability practices

Gain expert knowledge in sustainability practices that are reshaping the hydropower industry. Equip yourself with the cutting-edge skills and knowledge of the Standard for environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues in hydropower.

Enhance your decision-making skills

Acquire the ability to strategically plan projects with a sustainability-first approach, ensuring long-term viability and reduced environmental impact. Understand how to incorporate sustainability into every phase of your project, from construction to operation, minimising risks and enhancing efficiency.


Conduct comprehensive internal assessments

Develop the skills to perform thorough internal assessments on ESG issues, enabling your organisation to self-monitor and adapt swiftly to regulatory changes. Learn how to identify potential issues before they become problematic, ensuring compliance with international standards and improving overall project performance.

What will you gain as a Certified User?

By completing the pathway and passing the exam, you demonstrate your ability to apply the HSS in practice
– a valuable credential for professionals working across hydropower development, ESG and sustainability.

Professional recognition
Earn the title of Certified User of the Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS).
Shareable credentials
Receive a printable certificate and digital badge for LinkedIn and email signatures.
Career and industry value
Strengthen your profile in sustainability and ESG, increasing your value to employers and project teams.
Long-term progression
Your certification remains valid for five years, supporting ongoing professional development.

Who should attend?

Project managers

looking to integrate sustainability practices into their hydropower project lifecycle.

Environmental consultants

eager to deepen their expertise in hydropower-specific sustainability issues and offer additional services to their clients.

Regulatory compliance officers

who would like to align national regulations and policies with international best practices.

Investors and financial analysts

interested in adopting the Standard in their investment risk framework and due diligence processes.

What's included?

Here are all the products that are included in this pathway:

Take a sneak peek of this course 👀


Read what others have to say about our trainings

As someone working in the energy sector, the Certified User Training on the Hydropower Sustainability Standard has been extremely helpful. The modules were well-structured, the facilitators were knowledgeable, and the real-world examples made the concepts easy to apply.

Dorji Yangdon

Environment Officer

Druk Green Power Corporation

I’m proud to be the first ITAIPU Binacional professional to earn the Hydropower Sustainability Standard User certification. This achievement gives me the skills to support robust sustainability assessments and advocate for best practices in sustainable hydropower, contributing to our organization’s leadership in sustainability.

Daniel Ramírez Brizuela

Asistencia de la Dirección General Paraguaya

Itaipu Binacional

The Certified User Training was an excellent and pragmatic course. I liked the design, structure, topics, pace and content which works well for people like us at multilateral institutions heavily working on hydropower in the region.

Roberto Aiello

Principal Energy Regional Specialist

Inter-American Development Bank

Prefer a different way to learn?

This learning pathway is also available as live virtual sessions or in-person classroom training (2.5 days) for your organisation, with pricing available on request.

Request a quote

Ready to get started?

Take the first step towards understanding and applying sustainability in hydropower.

Start your sustainability journey today with our flexible learning options.

Individual enrollment
(3 courses + exam)
€399
€497 separately Save €98 + exam included free
Save 20% vs stand-alone courses
Best for individuals
or independent consultants
With subscription
Included
In all organisation plans
Best for hydropower developers, utilities, consultants, and financiers to train multiple staff