How to Reset Your Passphrase

  1. Click the blue "Login" button.
  2. On the "Sign in to certify.SBA.gov" page (below the email and passphrase fields) click on the "Forgot your passphrase?" link.
  3. On the "Forgot Passphrase" page, enter the email address you used to register with Certify.sba.gov. (note: it is very important that your email address contains no typos or misspellings to ensure that you receive the email containing the password reset link.)
  4. When you receive the reset email, click on the link contained within to create a new passphrase. Please note the instructions below for creating your new passphrase.

Creating Your New Passphrase

Your passphrase must be showing as "strong" in order to be accepted.

Pick four words (or more) that you can easily remember to create your passphrase.

Generally, the longer a passphrase is, the stronger it is. 

You can create a strong passphrase by following these guidelines:

  • Use 4 random but memorable words
  • Don’t form a sentence
  • Don't use previous passphrases
  • Special characters and numbers are helpful but not necessary
  • Don’t use personally relevant words that are publicly available (your real name, company name, industry, email/username etc...)
Examples of a strong passphrase (please don't use):
  • DIFFIDENT-sunshine-ROBIN-Welcome
  • space-camp-Mashed-Potatoes4!
  • WEAK-KITCHEN-SENT-near-FORGOTTEN
  • neck-BROTHER-SUDDEN-belfast
  • SAY-spoken-journey-GREATLY

If you are unable to find help using our Knowledge Base please submit a ticket to our Help Desk by emailing help@certify.sba.gov.