How to Become a TSP

Is Becoming a TSP right for you?

Individuals, private businesses, American Indian tribes, non-profit organizations, and public agencies are eligible to become Certified Technical Service Providers (TSPs).  But is becoming a TSP right for you? 

Before beginning the application process, here are a few suggestions for you to consider which may help you determine whether you qualify to become a certified Technical Service Provider (TSP) and to better understand the TSP application process. 

Investigate – Learn more about the TSP process and the expertise NRCS is seeking on behalf of their program participants under “Benefits of the TSP Program.”

Determine – Identify the services you want to offer NRCS program participants.  There are two board categories –

• planning, designing, and implementing conservation practices through participation in Farm Bill programs or
• development of conservation planning activities (CPAs) to address specific natural resource challenges.

Inventory – Do you have the necessary skills, abilities, licenses, certifications, and other qualifications to provide services based on Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) standards and specifications as well as certification criteria? Make sure to include any additional requirements needed by state, local, Tribal laws or regulations.  Detailed information on the criteria requirements for each practice and/or activity can be found here:

• State TSP Criteria Requirements FY26.xls - Updated 9.26.25 (71.6 KB)
• National TSP Criteria Requirements FY26.xls - Updated 1/28/26  (49 KB)

Review – Familiarize yourself with the conservation practice standards and specifications, including the statement of work and implementation requirements found in the on-line Field Office Technical Guide (eFOTG) used by each state to share national and state requirements for implementing conservation practices. The eFOTG is located here: NRCS Field Office Technical Guide.

To begin the process of becoming a Technical Service Provider, please contact one of the Regional Coordinators assigned to your state. A map of the Regional Coordinators is found here:  

The Steps to becoming a TSP are:

1. Create your USDA Login.gov Account
2. Log in to NRCS TSP Registry
3. Complete verification of your Login.gov account
4. TSP Training requirements - Logging into AgLearn
5. Obtain TSP Certification (Let’s Review and Submit Application)

Step 1: Create Your USDA LOGIN GOV Account

Step 1: Create Your USDA Verified LOGIN GOV Account (NEW TSP APPLICANTS)

Creating your LOGIN.GOV Account

1. Use a browser to access the LOGIN.GOV site: https://secure.login.gov/sign_up/enter_email
2. If new to LOGIN.GOV, click “Create an account”.
3. Enter your email address. 

Choose an email address that you’ll always be able to access. Once your account is created, you can add an additional email address, such as a work email or alternate personal email address, to access your account.

4.  Select your email language preference AND check you have read and accept the LOGIN.GOV Rules of Use
5. Click the “Submit” button.
6. Check your email for a message from LOGIN.GOV.
7. Click the “Confirm your email address” in the message. This will take you back to the LOGIN.GOV website.
8. Create your LOGIN.GOV password.
9. Set up a second layer of security. 
10. Success! Once you have authenticated, you have created your LOGIN.GOV account.

How to Become a TSP 

• STEP 1
• STEP 2
• STEP 3
• STEP 4
• STEP 5