Renewing TSP Certification

I've forgotten my password or user ID and can't login to TechReg. What should I do?

All eAuthentication account holders have the ability to reset their forgotten passwords using the self-service reset forgotten password features on the eAuthentication web site. If you have forgotten your USDA eAuthentication user ID and/or password, and cannot remember the answers to your security questions, e-mail the eAuthHelpDesk@ftc.usda.gov and request a password reset. Include in your message, how they can contact you (email, telephone number, mail address) as well as your user ID and a good description of the problem, such as "Technical Service Provider trying to access TechReg website". NEVER provide your password to any help desk.

For a password reset they may require you to provide answers to your security questions. When they reset your password, they provide you a temporary password. Once you login the next time, you will be prompted to change your password from the temporary one they provided to a new password you choose.

The eAuthentication folks recommend you login to your TechReg account every five months or less because the eAuthentication system automatically disables accounts after 6 months of inactivity to protect account owners' personal information. If you haven't logged in to TechReg for more than 6 months, you will probably need a password reset to enable your account again.

How do I change my personal information, such as address, phone number, or e-mail?

You can update your personal TSP contact information in your TechReg account on the TSP Profile Part 1 (Background) Section A - Contact Information. Click on the 'Add/Update Contact Info' to add new or update existing contact information.

You should also update your eAuthentication information, which you can do yourself on-line. Go to the TechReg website and begin to login. When you see the eAuthentication Login screen that has the green banner labeled "eAuthentication Login", click on "Update your account" under "Quick Links" on left hand side of screen. Update your information as appropriate.

How do I change business information, such as address, phone number, or e-mail?

If you are the business representative, you can update business contact information in your TechReg business account Business/Agency Profile Section A - Business/Agency. Click on the 'Add Business Agency' to add contact information for a new business. Click on the 'Add/Update Contact Info' in the business record to update contact information for an existing business.

You should also update your eAuthentication information, which you can do yourself on-line. Go to the TechReg website and begin to login. When you see the eAuthentication Login screen that has the green banner labeled "eAuthentication Login", click on "Update your account" under "Quick Links" on left hand side of screen. Update your information as appropriate.

How can I satisfy the training requirements in Section F1-NRCS Conservation Planning Training Requirement?

Conservation Planning Modules 1-5 are currently available online at http://www.aglearn.usda.gov.

Other courses available on-line include:

1. TSP Orientation
2. Animal Waste Management Systems – A Primer
3. Animal Waste Management Systems – Level 2
4. Cultural Resources Modules 1-8
5. Nutrient and Pest Management Considerations in Conservation Planning (2 courses)
      Track 1 – Nutrient Management, Part 1
      Track 2 – Pest Management, Part 1
6. Introduction to the Field Office Technical Guide

For additional on-line training options, go to the “Receive TSP Training” under the “I want to…” section on TechReg (http://techreg.usda.gov).

Equivalent training to NRCS Conservation Planning will also satisfy the Conservation Planning Requirement.

I have changed some things on my TSP application, but I don't see anywhere to submit my application? Where's the 'Sign Agreement (Click Only Once)' green button that's supposed to be at the bottom of the Profile Part 2 (Technical Services) screen?

In Section G—Certification Categories the status needs to be marked "Ready to Sign" before the "Sign Agreement (Click Only Once)" green button appears.

If the button is hidden, click on the "Confirm Qualifications" button beside each of the categories. Once that new screen opens up, check the boxes that describe how you obtained the qualifications for that particular category option (Education, Work Experience, References, or NRCS familiarity).

Once you make these changes, then the "Sign Agreement (Click Only Once)" green button should appear (status should have changed from "Incomplete" to "Ready to Sign") at the bottom of the Profile Part 2 (Technical Services) screen. Click the "Sign Agreement" button (and subsequent ones) to electronically sign the TSP agreement and submit your TSP application to NRCS for verification.

After you have electronically signed your application, the status category will change from "Ready to Sign" to "Submitted." Any category marked "Incomplete" will not be submitted for NRCS review. Only those categories marked "Submitted" will be reviewed by NRCS.

How long does NRCS have to review my application once I have submitted it?

NRCS has 60 days to review your application. You will be notified by e-mail once NRCS has reviewed your TSP application and certifies or defers your application. Any deferral will list any problems and how they could be corrected.

If you apply only to one state, only one state will need to review your application. If you have applied to many states, each of those states will have to review your application. Generally, single-state reviews are much faster (weeks) than multi-state applications (1-2 months).

What should I do if I don't want to renew as a TSP?

If you do nothing, once your 3-year TSP certification period ends, your TSP account will automatically lapse.

If you want to remove your name before the end of the 3-year certification period, you can remove your name from public display on the TechReg website. Login to TechReg and under the "Display to Public" box enter "NO" instead of "YES". When someone searches on the TechReg website to find a TSP, your name will not appear if you have checked "NO".