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How to Become a TSP

A full set of instructions can be found here that details the process of becoming an NRCS Technical Service Provider.

How to Become a TSP

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 below under “benefits.”

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:

TSP Criteria Requirements Both Final FY2025 (138.78 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: https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/#/

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. Begin the application
  5. TSP Training requirements (AgLearn account)
  6. 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 Customers:

All users of NRCS applications are required to obtain a verified login.gov account.  This account allows you to access Registry and AgLearn to complete the application and obtain any required training.

Items to have on hand or to know as you start the Login.gov account establishment process: 

  1. Email address
    • We recommend a personal email address that you’ll always be able to access rather than a work email address.
    • If you already have an account with Login.gov with that email address, we’ll send you an email to let you know how you can reset your password and access the account.
  2. Secure password
    • Passwords must be at least 12 characters and should not include commonly used words or phrases.
  3. One or more authentication methods such as:
    • More secure:
      • Face or touch unlock
      • Security key
      • Authentication application
      • Federal government employee or military identification (PIV/CAC)
    • Less secure:
      • Text/voice message
      • Backup codes

Creating your Login.gov Account

  1. Enter your email address at https://secure.login.gov/sign_up/enter_email to begin.
    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.
  2. Click the “Submit” button.
  3. Check your email for a message from Login.gov.
  4. Click the “Confirm your email address” button in the message. This will take you back to the Login.gov website.
  5. Create your Login.gov password.
    • To help prevent identity theft, consider strengthening your password by using:
      • Unique phrases that only you recognize
      • Multiple words with spaces to get to 12 characters
      • Numbers and special characters
    • Your password must have 12 or more characters and avoid combinations such as:
      • Common phrases or repeated characters, like abc or 111
      • Parts of your email address or personal dates, like your birthday
      • The same password, or parts of it, that you use for other accounts, such as your bank account or email
  6. Set up a second layer of security. 

    As an added layer of protection, Login.gov requires you set up an authentication method to keep your account secure. This is referred to as multi-factor authentication (MFA).

    We encourage you to have more than one authentication method on your account. You can choose from several authentication options:
    • More secure:
      • Face or touch unlock
      • Security key
      • Authentication application
      • Federal government employee or military identification (PIV/CAC)
    • Less secure:

  7. Success! Once you have authenticated, you have created your Login.gov account.

    You will be taken to your Login.gov account page or the government agency you are trying to access. You can add additional authentication methods, email addresses or update your information on the Login.gov account page. 

    Login.gov Troubleshooting 01.03.2025 (674.79 KB)

 

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