Interim TSP Certification Process Overview
Certification pathway is based on type of TSP application:
Lead State has most of responsibilities for certification process, especially in multi-state applications. Lead State is responsible for entering applicant info into dashboard (TSPD); reviewing initial completeness; notify TSP of deficiencies; obtaining sample plans for review and provide them to applicable states – as needed; gather responses from all states to certify or defer; if not in agreement on certification– set up meeting for multi-states discussion; report results to Regional Certifiers; and provide final determination to regional certifiers.
Timeline for each step is well outlined for review. TSPs have 15 days to fix any deficiencies and submit sample plans for practices and CAPs, otherwise their application is deferred. States have 15 days to review sample plans. Which in my opinion limits number of plans to review and timetable for TSP to provide modifications back to states – especially if multi-states provide comments.
Comment on sample plans/CAPs: TechReg has a document that provides certification requirements and options based on Category and CAP, including if sample plans are required. Applicants need to understand Category and CAP requirements when they are developing their profile and verifying qualifications. At a minimum I suggest that applicants have an up-to-date sample plan developed and ready to go when applying for new certification. I prefer the applicant provides sample plans prior to submission of their application just because it gives NRCS more time to review sample plans and the applicants get more time to make modifications for approval; and hopefully less applicants are deferred when they submit their application.
Multiple state applications could cause some split decisions to certify/defer by state TSP Coordinators. Final recommendation would be determined by regional certifier if states’ decision is not unanimous.
Renewals are straight forward when TSPs are not applying for new practices or new states.
No sample plans are required being TSP is already certified for that practice/CAP. State TSP coordinators job is to review applicable state laws and make sure their licensures/certifications and additional learning requirements are up to date.
Lead state has 7 days to enter applicant info into TSPD, determine completeness, notify other states of renewal. Within 15 days, non-leads states have 15 days to create entry into TSPD, review application, check on state laws requirements, and submit recommendation to lead state. Lead state has 7 days from the last state notification (after multi-state notifications) to submit recommendations to regional certifier in TSPD.
After Certification, the TSP is adding “NEW” state(s) to existing certified practices/CAPs.
Timeline is simplified & NEW state is lead. (No direction if multiple states are NEW, i.e. who is lead). No sample plan(s) required. NEW State TSP Coordinator has 7 days to enter applicant info into TSPD and document that state law requirements are met. If deficiencies are found, TSP is notified and has 15 days to fix issues or be deferred. I would assume the NEW state has another 7 days to certify/defer the TSP after any deficiencies are fixed.
General Comments from a State TSP Coordinator Point of view:
- New Applications and/or Existing Certified TSP that is adding new practices/CAPs;
- Renewal – no changes, i.e. no additional practices or states; and
- During 3 years after certification, when the TSP applies in a NEW State for an existing certified practice(s).
Lead State has most of responsibilities for certification process, especially in multi-state applications. Lead State is responsible for entering applicant info into dashboard (TSPD); reviewing initial completeness; notify TSP of deficiencies; obtaining sample plans for review and provide them to applicable states – as needed; gather responses from all states to certify or defer; if not in agreement on certification– set up meeting for multi-states discussion; report results to Regional Certifiers; and provide final determination to regional certifiers.
Timeline for each step is well outlined for review. TSPs have 15 days to fix any deficiencies and submit sample plans for practices and CAPs, otherwise their application is deferred. States have 15 days to review sample plans. Which in my opinion limits number of plans to review and timetable for TSP to provide modifications back to states – especially if multi-states provide comments.
Comment on sample plans/CAPs: TechReg has a document that provides certification requirements and options based on Category and CAP, including if sample plans are required. Applicants need to understand Category and CAP requirements when they are developing their profile and verifying qualifications. At a minimum I suggest that applicants have an up-to-date sample plan developed and ready to go when applying for new certification. I prefer the applicant provides sample plans prior to submission of their application just because it gives NRCS more time to review sample plans and the applicants get more time to make modifications for approval; and hopefully less applicants are deferred when they submit their application.
Multiple state applications could cause some split decisions to certify/defer by state TSP Coordinators. Final recommendation would be determined by regional certifier if states’ decision is not unanimous.
Renewals are straight forward when TSPs are not applying for new practices or new states.
No sample plans are required being TSP is already certified for that practice/CAP. State TSP coordinators job is to review applicable state laws and make sure their licensures/certifications and additional learning requirements are up to date.
Lead state has 7 days to enter applicant info into TSPD, determine completeness, notify other states of renewal. Within 15 days, non-leads states have 15 days to create entry into TSPD, review application, check on state laws requirements, and submit recommendation to lead state. Lead state has 7 days from the last state notification (after multi-state notifications) to submit recommendations to regional certifier in TSPD.
After Certification, the TSP is adding “NEW” state(s) to existing certified practices/CAPs.
Timeline is simplified & NEW state is lead. (No direction if multiple states are NEW, i.e. who is lead). No sample plan(s) required. NEW State TSP Coordinator has 7 days to enter applicant info into TSPD and document that state law requirements are met. If deficiencies are found, TSP is notified and has 15 days to fix issues or be deferred. I would assume the NEW state has another 7 days to certify/defer the TSP after any deficiencies are fixed.
General Comments from a State TSP Coordinator Point of view:
- Timeline is based on calendar days not workdays.
- Multi-State applications are the most challenging for the Lead State.
- TSP coordinators who haven’t been using TSPD must learn quickly.
- TSP State Coordinators are NRCS employees with existing duties. TSP certification work is an add on and has not been a primary focus.
- States will need to train a backup coordinator when the main coordinator is out on vacation, etc. due to timelines set forth.