Course description

The Accredited Assessor training provides knowledge and skills to prepare individuals to becoming Accredited Assessors and assess projects against the Hydropower Sustainability Standard. The training course is designed for professionals with significant prior experience in the hydropower sector and in relevant sustainability issues. 

This five-day in-person course is comprised of a structured training programme, group discussion, practical exercises and a final exam, all of which are designed to focus on issues commonly arising with hydropower projects. 

Learn more about becoming an Accredited Assessor
and take a look at our network of Assessors.



Registration details

We are planning an Accredited Assessor training in Australia (location TBC)
on 16-20 March 2026. 

The cost of this training is €3,950 + VAT per participant, excluding accommodation and personal expenses. 

To express interest and apply for the training, please submit the application form and your CV to [email protected].


Course outcomes

  • Skills and competencies to conduct sustainability assessments

    Participants will have a comprehensive knowledge of the Hydropower Sustainability Standard and possess the skills to prepare, execute and deliver official assessments

  • Meet the requirements to become a Provisionally Accredited Assessor

    Participants will gain a professional certificate and licence and meet the conditions of becoming a Provisionally Accredited Assessor

  • Join our network of assessors

    On successful completion of the course, participants can advertise their services on the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance website and join the network of fellow assessors

Watch feedback from previous training:


Who should attend?

Applicants should have:

  • Language: Proficient knowledge of English

  • Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent

  • Work experience: at least 8 years of work experience in hydropower and/or in environmental and social impact assessment and management

  • Appropriate auditing qualification or experience: certification on an IRCA-certified auditing course with sufficient content on ISO 19011 and/or 14001 (e.g. EMS Lead Auditor course) prior to training. In total, the applicant should have 40 hours of IRCA-certified training in EMS, health and safety or social auditing

  • Prior knowledge: familiarity with the Hydropower Sustainability Standard

Steps to become an Accredited Assessor

Step 1: Submit an application
 
This application should include completed application form, CV and copies of relevant certifications. Please note that prior to the start of the training, participants are expected to have completed the HSS online course and a 40-hour EMS Lead Auditor training with sufficient content on ISO 14001 or 19011 (certified by IRCA or equivalent organisation in your country). 
 
Step 2: Take the training to become a Provisionally Accredited Assessor (PAA)
 
Once the training has been completed and the exam successfully passed, a 5-year PAA licence agreement is issued. Individuals are only awarded the PAA status if all relevant documentation is submitted including the ISO certificate.

*Please note that if the training has been successfully completed, but it has not been possible to obtain the ISO course, individuals will automatically become an Internal Assessor (IA). They will not be able to participate in official assessments but they can conduct internal assessments and various capacity building work. Once the ISO certificate has been provided, their status can be updated to PAA.

Step 3: Participate in official Assessments
 
PAA status allows individuals to make contractual arrangements with a client, however for full Assessor accreditation, PAAs are required to participate in at least one official Assessment using the HS Standard. During this assessment the PAA is mentored by an Accredited Lead Assessor(s) on the assigned topic evaluations and general performance. 
 
Step 4: Appraisal
 
After an assessment, a PAA evaluation form is completed and submitted by the Accredited Lead Assessor(s) to the HS Secretariat for approval. If a second official Assessment is deemed necessary then feedback will be provided and the ALA and HS Secretariat will work with the PAA on areas that require further development.
 
Step 5: Become an Accredited Assessor (AA)
 
Once the appraisal has been approved, the HS Secretariat will update the status of the individual to Accredited Assessor. A new 5-year AA agreement will be signed, and an annual licence fee of EURO 250 will be paid.

To maintain these licences, PAAs and AAs are expected to comply with all the terms of the licences, including adherence to the code of ethics and continuous professional development through participation in focal area workshops and trainings.
 
Learn more about becoming an Accredited Assessor and take a look at our network of Assessors. For more information, please email us at [email protected].