New IA-NRCS Technical Service Provider pilot program!

NEW: IA-NRCS Technical Service Provider pilot program

IA and NRCS have developed a pilot program intended to make the TSP qualification process even easier for eligible CID – Agriculture and CAIS holders. The pilot is currently available to eligible credential holders who are active IA members and provide services in Arizona, California, Nevada or Utah.

The Irrigation Association recently signed a memorandum of understanding with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service to streamline the process for CAIS and CID-Ag certified professionals to become certified NRCS Technical Service Providers in pilot states.

NRCS has identified irrigation-related technical assistance as a significant need and is working to expand the number of TSPs available to assist farmers and landowners. This might be a business opportunity for you!

You are eligible for the pilot if you:

  • Hold a CAIS or CID-Agriculture Certification
  • Are an IA member in good standing
  • Provide services in pilot states: Arizona, California, Nevada and/or Utah.

To participate in the pilot:

  1. Complete the pilot application form. The IA will follow up with you within 15 days and share a link to the recorded TSP Orientation Course.
  2. Watch the TSP Orientation and Conservation Planning course (NRCS-NEDC-000191).
  3. Pass the accompanying quiz, linked within the TSP Orientation and Conservation Planning Course, to demonstrate that you completed the course.
  4. The IA will follow up with you within 15 days to confirm whether you meet the preliminary requirements for the streamlined TSP process.




If you meet the preliminary requirements, the IA will recommend eligible applicants to USDA-NRCS for TSP certification on a monthly basis. USDA-NRCS will then complete its certification review process and notify approved applicants when they have been added to the publicly available list of certified TSPs.

The IA and NRCS will use the initial pilot to identify opportunities to improve the process and consider future expansion to additional states.

If you have any questions about this pilot program, please reach out to: certification@irrigation.org