Step-by-Step Guide for Registering as a TSP
TechReg is an Internet application that allows individuals, businesses, and public agencies to register and become certified as Technical Service Providers. It also provides conservation program participants with a public directory for obtaining lists of certified TSPs for the specific conservation practice(s) and Conservation Activity Plan for the state and county the need assistance. To become a certified TSP, follow the steps below:
Step by Step Guide-Detailed Instructions for Obtaining an eAuth Level 2 Account and Completing TSP Profile Parts 1 and 2
Step 1: Create an eAuthentication User ID and Password
View Detailed Instructions on creating an eAuth Level 2 account
View Tips on Creating a Strong Password for your eAuth Account
You must obtain a USDA eAuthentication Level 2 account (User ID and password) to access TechReg to register as a TSP. eAuth registration for a Level 2 account is a 4 step process: 1) Account Registration; 2) Account Verification, 3) Confirmation Email and LRA Instructions and 4) Account Activation. Steps 1-3 are done online and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. Step 4 involves visiting a USDA Service Center to have your identity verified and account activation completed which takes approximately 15 minutes.
Access to all USDA web sites protected by eAuthentication (eAuth) is handled through a common login screen. As a security precaution, you have three chances to login using your USDA eAuth account. After three consecutive unsuccessful tries, your account is temporarily locked. The lock on the account should release itself after a period of 60 minutes of inactivity.
For issues related to account passwords, account usage, and account maintenance, please contact the USDA eAuthentication Help Desk via email at eAuthHelpDesk@ftc.usda.gov. or by telephone at (800) 457-3642. Make sure that you are using the correct User ID and password.
NOTICE: If you don not updated your eAuth password within six months, your password will expire. You can reset your password by using the self-service option by clicking on the I forgot my password or Change my Password links from the eAuth log in page or contact the eAuth Help Desk for assistance. If you have forgotten your User ID, you may request a reminder using the self-service option by clicking on I forgot my User ID link on the log in page or contact the eAuth Help Desk for assistance. If you have not used your eAuth log in to access any USDA application including TechReg or AgLearn within one year your account may be deactivated. The eAuth Help Desk can enable your account. Do not go to the eAuth web site and request another Level 2 account.
If you already have a USDA eAuthentication Level 2 account and your account is enabled, you may click on the “Log into TechReg” button located on the TSP website home page and enter your eAuth User ID and password to access TechReg to start creating and updating your TSP Profile.
Remember: USDA eAuthentication passwords expire after 6 months and accounts are disabled after 12 months of inactivity. See the NOTICE above for more instructions to address these situations.
Once logged into TechReg, if you have questions navigating the TechReg site or need assistance with a specific issue, contact TechReg Technical Support by email at Techreg@nrcs.usda.gov. You can use the “Contact Us” button located at the top right hand corner of the TechReg site to locate a link for TechReg Technical Support, your State TSP Coordinator and other important contacts.
If you do not have an eAuthentication Level 2 Account
You can begin the eAuth registration process:
- Obtain an eAuthentication level 2 Account.
- Fill out the fields (including a phone number which is required for TSP registration). Be sure to enter your first and last name exactly as they appear on your government-issued photo ID, such as state driver’s license or U.S. passport. (You will later bring that same ID to a USDA Service Center for verification.)
- Once you have submitted the information requested, you will receive an email that will instruct you to activate your account within 7 days. Click on the ACTIVATE MY ACCOUNT link in the email. If you do not complete the activation within 7 days you will need to start the registration process over.
- After you click on the activation link, you will be instructed to visit a Local Registration Authority (LRA) at your local USDA Service Center. Contact your local Service Center prior to your visit to be sure the office has an LRA onsite and they will be available when you visit. You will need to take your eAuth User ID and a current government issued photo ID to complete the process. The LRA will verify your identity and activate your Level 2 account. You can find the location and contact information for a Service Center near you at http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app.
- Once your account is activated by the LRA, you should receive an email stating that your account has been upgraded to Level 2 authorization and is ready for use. You will be able to access TechReg and to register for AgLearn account immediately.
- Applications may be submitted by individuals, businesses, or public agencies. A prospective TSP is advised to review the certification categories available and their certification options and criteria requirements and the certification agreement before beginning the application process.
View and Print Detailed Instructions for the Application Process
View and Print Instructions for Registering for an AgLearn Account
View Technical Service Provider Certification Agreement
View Certification Options and Criteria for Conservation Practice Categories
View Certification Options and Criteria Conservation Activity Plans (CAP)
View Civil Rights Responsibilities
- If you are filling out a profile to become a certified TSP, complete Part 1 (Background), Sections A through F1. At a minimum complete these sections by providing specific information that documents how you are meeting certification criteria for each of the categories/Conservation Activity Plan(s) (CAP) you are applying for in Sections G1, G2 and H in Part 2 of your profile. Potential TSPs must be able to demonstrate knowledge and experience in their respective areas of expertise through documentation of licensure, certification, training and education, work experience and customer references. To become certified as a TSP, applicants must meet all of the certification requirements contained in TechReg for the specific category(ies) of technical services or CAP they wish to provide. For those categories and CAPs that have more than on certification option, the TSP must choose only one certification option and meet all requirements within the option to qualify. Some categories and all CAPs require sample plans which are identified in the certification criteria. The TSP must abide by all state, local and tribal laws including possession of any required licenses or certifications. Applicants must document how they are meeting qualifications in Part 1 of their TSP Profile and may be asked to submit additional supporting documentation upon request.
- Please note the TSP Orientation and Conservation Planning Course is a basic training requirement for all TSPs regardless of the conservation practice category(ies) and Conservation Activity Plan(s) being applied for certification. Some categories and CAPs have additional training requirements which are specifically identified in the certification criteria.
TSPs may register to request access to The Agriculture Learning (AgLearn) Service http://www.aglearn.usda.gov USDA's training site for federal employees, contractors, partners and customers. NRCS provides access to TSPs so that they may take online courses needed for certification or recertification. More information on, registering for an AgLearn account, required training courses and other training opportunities for TSPs can be found on the TSP Training Opportunities webpage and within TechReg.
View or Print a Guide for Registering for an AgLearn Account
- The TSP must sign a certification agreement electronically to complete the application process. This is done within Part 2, Section J of the TSP Profile in TechReg.
Step 3: Become Certified
When a TSP signs their certification agreement in TechReg a message will be automatically transmitted to each state in which the TSP has applied for certification. NRCS personnel in those state(s) have up to 60 days to review the TSP's application and verify the TSP's credentials. The TSP will be contacted if discrepancies are noted. When the review is completed and the application is found to meet requirements, the TSP Team Regional Certifier will certify the application by electronically countersigning the certification agreement. Once certified by NRCS, the TSP will be displayed as certified on the public side of TechReg for the specific conservation practice categories/practices and Conservation Activity Plans in the specific states showing in a TSP's certification agreement as long as the certification agreement remains current.
Step 4: Provide Services
Conservation program participants can search the public side of TechReg to find certified TSPs in their state and county. Once selected and hired by the participant, the TSP can provide the technical services they are certified to perform as long as they maintain their certification credentials and certification agreement remains current. TSPs can check individual state NRCS web pages for potential business opportunities. Please contact the State TSP Coordinator for specific information.
