Follow these steps to ensure proper certification of service:

1. Request the appropriate certification form by:
   

   • Printing a form from the Online Forms section of the Web site.

   • Review the “Purchasing Service Credit Fact Sheet” that will accompany the certification form.

   • Contacting STRS Ohio directly toll-free at 1-888-227-7877 to request a form by mail.
     

2. Have the certification form completed by an official record keeper where the service was performed. Because records are sometimes difficult to obtain, it is advisable to certify service credit as soon as possible.

3. Return the completed certification form to STRS Ohio at 275 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH  43215.

If service is purchasable, an initial cost statement will be mailed to you. This cost statement does not obligate you to buy credit, but it does verify the credit amount and current cost. A payroll deduction cost, if available, will be included with the cost statement. Before purchasing service credit, an individual counseling session with an STRS Ohio benefits counselor is strongly recommended.