Social Specialist Exam and Certification
Take the final step in your learning journey and earn the title of HSS Social Specialist
Course Exam
Online course overview
The Social Specialist Exam is designed to assess your knowledge of social sustainability in hydropower and your ability to apply the Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS) in practice. Successfully passing the exam demonstrates your competence in identifying and managing social risks and impacts, and assessing projects against international good practice in social performance and safeguards.
Exam format
Online exam with automatic grading
Multiple-choice, matching, categorisation and scenario-based questions
75-minute duration
Passing score: 60%
How this exam fits into the pathway
1
Environmental and Social Management
2
Resettlement Management
3
Indigenous
Peoples
4
Certified User
Exam
What you gain as a Social Specialist
By completing the E&S Management, Resettlement and Indigenous Peoples courses and passing the exam, you demonstrate your ability to apply the social requirements of the HSS in practice. This is a valuable credential for professionals working across hydropower development, ESG and sustainability.
Professional recognition
Earn the title of HSS Social Specialist.
Shareable credentials
Receive a printable certificate and digital badge for LinkedIn and email signatures.
Career and industry value
Strengthen your profile in social performance and stakeholder engagement, increasing your value to employers and project teams.
Long-term progression
Your title is valid for five years, supporting ongoing professional development.