Verifier Information

Verifiers

Verifiers collaborate with the Sagebrush Ecosystem Technical Team (SETT) to conduct greater sage-grouse (GRSG) habitat assessments both through field data collection and through desktop GIS analysis with the Conservation Credit System’s (CCS) Habitat Quantification Tool (HQT) for Debit and Credit projects. Verifiers are expected to act as an impartial third party to objectively assess project conditions and assist project proponents with paperwork.

Verifier Certification

The Sagebrush Ecosystem Program (SEP) provides an annual opportunity for experienced environmental consultants to become, or remain, certified as Verifiers in the CCS. Verifier training typically takes place during the last week of January every year. 

To become a certified verifier for the CCS:

• Meet the minimum requirements outlined in Nevada Administrative Code 232.400-480
• Participate in the multi-day in-person training
• Pass the verifier tests (closed-book and take-home)
• Field verifiers working on Credit Projects: Attend Proper Functioning Conditions (PFC) training within your first year as a verifier

To remain a certified verifier for the CCS:

• Participate in a yearly one-day refresher course that will be offered online
  • If you worked as a verifier on a project, no tests required
  • If you did not work as a verifier on any projects, tests must be retaken
  • If you miss the refresher course, you will not be re-certified for the year, and you will need to attend the in-person training the following year
• Re-take the in-person training and pass the tests every 5 years
• Field verifiers working on Credit Projects: Attend PFC training every 5 years

If interested in attending Verifier Training or to keep your verifier contact information current, please contact Sarah Hale of the SETT. 

If interested in more detail about the project verification process, please see the CCS User's Guide and the CCS Manual for policy and management information.