The spectral characteristics of SrS:HoF3 thin films are investigated. The aim is to analyse the electroluminescent(EL) mechanism in the SrS:HoF3 thin film. Direct impact excitation mechanism is not the main excitation mechanism according to the relation between the EL spectra and the applide voltage. The ionization of the luminescent center could not happen because there is no trailing edge emission whe the thin film is driven by square voltage. Comparing the EL and photoluminescent (PL) spectra, we think the main excitation mechanism is that the hot electrons impact and excite the host and then their energy is transferred to the luminescent centers.