The PSLF form: how to certify employment
Short answer: The PSLF form (formerly the Employment Certification Form, ECF) is used both to certify qualifying employment and to apply for forgiveness. Fill it out with the official PSLF Help Tool on studentaid.gov, get your employer's signature (often electronically), and submit it at least once a year and whenever you change jobs. It's free — never pay a company to file it.
Last verified November 5, 2026 · PSLFCheck Editorial
Step by step
- Log in to studentaid.gov and open the PSLF Help Tool (you enter your own credentials only on studentaid.gov — never on third-party sites, including this one).
- Search your employer by EIN (on your W-2).
- Enter employment dates and hours.
- Sign, then send to your employer for signature (e-sign option available).
- After processing, check your updated qualifying payment count on studentaid.gov.
Common mistakes
- Wrong EIN or a parent organization's EIN.
- Waiting years to certify — records get harder to obtain.
- Being on a non-qualifying plan, so payments don't count.
- Paying a "document preparation" company — the form is free.
Check my forgiveness options →RAP calculatorPSLF employer search
FAQ
How often should I submit the PSLF form?
At least once a year and each time you leave a qualifying employer, so your count stays current.
Is the ECF the same as the PSLF form?
Yes. ED combined the employment certification form and the forgiveness application into one PSLF form.
Sources
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness — studentaid.gov — accessed November 5, 2026
- PSLF Help Tool & form — studentaid.gov — accessed November 5, 2026
- 34 CFR 685.219 — PSLF (eCFR) — accessed November 5, 2026
- Avoiding student aid scams — studentaid.gov — accessed November 5, 2026
Related: What is PSLF · PSLF requirements · PSLF form · Teacher forgiveness · Forgiveness in 2026 · Apply for RAP · Get out of default · Wage garnishment