HSS Assessment Planning

Learn how to plan, coordinate and prepare effectively for an assessment

Course 2

Online course overview

This course introduces the Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS) assessment process. It is designed for anyone who wants to understand how assessments are structured, what counts as evidence, and the roles and responsibilities of key parties involved.

Through clear explanations and practical examples, the course builds a working understanding of the assessment activities from planning through on-site inspection to reporting so learners can engage confidently with the process, whatever their role.

What you will achieve

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Understand the HSS assessment process

Learn the phases, timelines and the roles typically involved in an HSS assessment.

Identify types of evidence

Recognise the different categories of evidence Assessors rely on and how each contributes to an assessment finding.

Understand on-site inspection

Understand the time, effort and resources needed to plan and manage an assessment.

How does this course fit into the pathway?

HSS Assessment Planning is the second course in the Certified User learning pathway.

It builds understanding of how assessments are conducted before learners move on to applying the HSS in practice.

HSS
Fundamentals

HSS
Assessment Planning

Applying the
HSS in Practice

Certified User
Exam

Who should attend

Sustainability and E&S professionals wanting to understand how HSS assessments are conducted

Consultants and advisors supporting clients through the assessment process

Anyone pursuing the Certified User pathway or interested in becoming an Accredited Assessor

Professionals from hydropower developers, utilities and financing institutions seeking an understanding of the assessment process

Committed to an assessment? This course is on us.

If your organisation has committed to an assessment, we'll give you free access to this course to help your team prepare.

Course curriculum

1. Hello from your trainers
2. Course outline, objectives and structure
3. How to navigate the platform
1. Lesson 1: Assessment Process
2. Activity 1: Assessment phases and activities
3. Lesson 2: Roles and responsibilities
4. Activity 2: Match the roles to responsibilities
5. Lesson 3: Preparing for an assessment
6. Activity 3a: Categorising evidence
7. Activity 3b: Interview skills
8. Lesson 4: Post-assessment
9. Activity 4: Certification levels
1. Quiz: Course summary
2. Congratulations and next steps
3. Closing survey