Course description

The Accredited Assessor training provides knowledge and skills to prepare individuals to becoming Accredited Assessors and certifying 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

The next Accredited Assessors training will take place in
Jakarta, Indonesia from 21-25 October 2024.

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 complete the application form
and submit 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 recognised by the International Hydropower Association and the hydropower sector 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 website and join the network of fellow assessors

Who should attend?

Applicants should have:

  • Language: Proficient knowledge of English

  • Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent

  • Work experience: at least six years of relevant experience

  • 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 becoming an Accredited Assessor

Individuals who meet all eligibility requirements and successfully complete the Accredited Assessor training become Provisionally Accredited Assessors. A Provisionally Accredited Assessor can make contractual arrangements with a client but needs to work with at least one Accredited Assessor to conduct assessments against the HS Standard.

For full accreditation, Provisionally Accredited Assessors are required to participate in at least one Official Assessment and receive a positive appraisal submitted by the Accredited Lead Assessor(s), mentoring them on the assigned topic evaluations and general performance. An evaluation form is completed and submitted to the HS Secretariat for approval. Once the appraisal is received, the HS Secretariat will update the status of the individual to Accredited Assessor and issue a Licence Agreement. 

To maintain the licence, the individual is expected to comply with all the terms of the licence, including adherence to the code of ethics and continuous professional development through participation in focal area workshops and in updates to accreditation training.

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



Frequently asked questions

  • Is this course right for me?

    Accredited Assessor training enables you to provide commercial services using the Hydropower Sustainability Standard, most notably conducting official assessments for external organisations.

  • Am I right for this course?

    We encourage you to review the eligibility requirements above and submit your application form.

  • Will I receive a certificate?

    Yes. Participants who successfully complete the exam will receive a professional certificate and licence from the International Hydropower Association and will be accredited as Provisionally Accredited Assessor of the Hydropower Sustainability Standard.

  • How much does this course cost?

    The cost of this training is €3,950 + VAT per participant. IHA members and HS Alliance members can benefit from a discount of 10%. The course fee only covers the cost of the course. You will need to arrange and pay for all other costs including transportation, accommodation and other subsistence costs. Please contact our training team for more information: [email protected]

  • What is the difference between a Certified User and an Accredited Assessor Training?

    Certified User training enables you to undertake unofficial assessments within your organisation. You can also prepare an organisation for an official assessment to be conducted by an independent Accredited Assessor, as well as lead on assessment follow up activities. Accredited Assessor training enables you to provide commercial services using the Hydropower Sustainability Standard, most notably conducting official assessments for external organisations. The decision on which course is right for you will often depend on the organisation you work for and your career path. If you need to discuss which course is best for you please contact our training team.