Course description

The Certified User Training covers the recently launched Hydropower Sustainability Standard and its application to improve the sustainability performance of hydropower projects. 

Participants will get a comprehensive understanding of the international good and best practices and learn the skills to make informed choices when planning, constructing or operating hydropower projects.

The course will be delivered in-person over a period of 3 days. At the end of the course, the participants will need to complete an exam to be accredited as Certified Users of the Hydropower Sustainability Standard.



Registration details

The next Certified User Training course will take place in-person on 28-30 November. The training will take place in London at the Aga Khan Centre.

The standard rate for the training course is £1,500 + VAT per participant. IHA and Council members are eligible for a 10% discount. Group discounts are available for groups above 5.

UK based participants: Please contact [email protected] to arrange payment.

Registration is only confirmed upon payment. To register, please email us at [email protected].

Course outcomes

  • Increased sustainability knowledge

    Participants will have a thorough understanding of the history, structure, content and value of the Hydropower Sustainability Standard

  • Heightened confidence in hydropower decision-making

    Understand international good and best practices to make informed choices when planning, constructing or operating hydropower projects

  • Improved ability to assess project performance

    Have the skills and competencies to support and manage sustainability assessments of hydropower projects

Course curriculum

    1. Meet your trainers

    2. Course outline, objectives and structure

    3. Opening survey

    1. Lesson 1: Overview and value

    2. Lesson 2: Structure, topics and scoring logic

    3. Activity 2.1: Find the gap

    4. Lesson 3: How to interpret assessment results

    5. Activity 3.1: Interpret assessment results

    6. Quiz 1: Fundamentals of the Hydropower Sustainability Standard and Tools

    1. Lesson 4: Assessment Process

    2. Activity 4.1: Typical assessment phases and activities

    3. Activity 4.2: Roles and responsibilities

    4. Lesson 5: Preparing an assessment and determining significance

    5. Lesson 6: Useful information for assessments

    6. Activity 6.1: Interview flaws

    7. Activity 6.2: Categorising evidence

    8. Activity 6.3: Score this topic

    9. Quiz 2: Assessing a project

    1. Lesson 7: Accessing green bonds

    2. Lesson 8: Standard certification

    3. Activity 8.1: Assess a project for Standard Certification

    4. Lesson 9: Developing an action plan

    5. Exam

    6. Reflection and feedback

Frequently asked questions

  • Is this course right for me?

    This course offers a dynamic and thorough look into hydropower sustainability. You will learn how to apply an internationally recognised framework to elevate hydropower development around the world.

  • Am I right for this course?

    Yes! We encourage applications from professionals with all levels of knowledge and experience.

  • Will I receive a certificate?

    Yes. Participants who successfully complete the exam will receive an official certificate from the International Hydropower Association and will be accredited as Certified Users of the Hydropower Sustainability Standard and Tools.

  • What happens if I fail the exam?

    Not to worry, if you fail your first attempt at the exam, you will be able to resit the exam at a later date.

  • How much does this course cost?

    The cost of this training is £1,500 + VAT per participant. IHA members and Council members are eligible for a 10% discount. UK based participants: please contact [email protected] to arrange payment.

  • 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 and Tools, 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.