Match Registration | Match Ranking | Match Results |
Post-Match: Applicants | Post-Match: Institutions & Programs |

The following categories contain common questions about the NRMP matching process for fellowship applicants and program directors. If you do not find the information you seek, please review the Match Participation Agreement.

I. Match Registration

What is the "new" R3 system, and which version of the R3 system should I use?

I received an email about the "new" R3 system. How do I use the token number I was assigned?

Why does NRMP want my e-mail address? What if I have not received any email from the NRMP?

How will NRMP be using Facebook and Twitter? Do I need to have accounts?

How are program tracks used in the R3 system?

II. Match Ranking

I would like to participate in the Match as a couple with my partner. Can that be done and will the NRMP link our rank order lists?

How late can I add a new program or change my program's quota?

Can program directors make quota changes, additions, and withdrawals in the R3 system?

Can I ask applicants where else they are applying?

Can I make changes or additions to my rank order list (ROL) after I certify it? If so, how quickly is my list updated, and are previous versions of my ROL maintained in the R3 system?

Will I be able to print a copy of my rank order list (ROL) before or after submission?

How will I know that NRMP received my certified rank order list (ROL)?

How does the NRMP know when my rank order list (ROL) is ready to be used in the Match?

Is there a limit to the number of ranks I can submit?

Can anyone else see my rank order list (ROL)?

III. Match Results

How will I know if I matched to a program?

What happens if I do not match to a position?

How will I know if my program(s) filled? What happens if my program does not fill?

IV. Post-Match: Applicants

I matched to a program, but I just learned that I am ineligible to begin training. What should I do?

What happens if I match to a program and I decide not to accept the position? Can my program issue me a waiver?

What happens if I match to a program and begin training but then decide I want to leave the program to change specialties and/or accept another position?

I've signed a contract outside the Match. What should I do?

What is the process if I am investigated for a violation of the Match Participation Agreement?

How can I learn whether an institution or program I am interested in ranking has been the subject of a violation investigation conducted by the NRMP?

V. Post-Match: Institutions & Programs

How do I know if an applicant has a binding commitment to another NRMP Match-participating program?

A non-Match-participating program at my institution offered a position to an applicant who has a concurrent year match to another program. Is my institution liable?

An applicant has contacted me about an open position in my program. What should my first step be?

What do I do if an applicant who has a binding commitment to my program does not show up for training?

Can I offer a position to an applicant who has been released by his/her matched program? What about releasing an applicant from my own program?

How long must a matched applicant remain in my program?

What is the process if I am investigated for a violation of the Match Participation Agreement?

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What is the "new" R3 system, and which version of the R3 system should I use?

NRMP has launched a new and improved version of the Registration, Ranking, and Results (R3) system. The new software will be used for all NRMP Matches except the 2012 Medical Specialties Matching Program and the 2013 Main Residency Match, both of which will transition next year. The current version of the R3 system still is in use, so designated institutional officials with programs in multiple Matches must register and activate programs in both versions of the R3 system.

To determine which version of the R3 system you should use, go to www.nrmp.org, and select "Register/Login" from the top navigation bar. The Register/Login page lists the 2013 Main Residency Match and Fellowship Matches in the Specialties Matching Service. All open Matches have a hyperlink to the correct version of the R3 system, so simply click on your desired Match to launch the registration process. Fellowship Matches that are not hyperlinked are not yet open for registration. Please see the schedule of dates for details.

I received an email about the "new" R3 system. How do I use the token number I was assigned?

First-time users of the new version of the R3 system receive via email a one-time-use token number that must be changed to a username and password of the user's own choosing. To access the R3 system:

• Use the link embedded in the token assignment email, or go to www.nrmp.org, select Register/Login from the top navigation bar, and select the desired Match.
• Under Option 3 on the login page - Token Redemption - enter your assigned token number and email address.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to create a unique username and password of your choice.

Why does NRMP want my e-mail address? What if I have not received any email from the NRMP?

E-mail is the primary mode of communication used by NRMP, so be sure your e-mail address is current in your personal profile in the Registration, Ranking, and Results (R3) system. To change it, log into the R3 system with your AAMC ID and Password, go to Update My Profile, click Edit, enter the corrected e-mail address, and click Submit.

Many e-mail messages from NRMP are sent simultaneously to multiple applicants. Some e-mail providers use filters to ensure that users do not receive spam (junk e-mail). In some cases, those filters can prevent NRMP e-mails from getting through to participants.

The good news: the majority of providers that offer such filters generally provide the user with the option to turn the filter on or off. Other providers make a "junk mail file" or a "bulk mail folder" that includes all messages sent to the user but identifies multiple-addressee e-mails. Our e-mail address, support@nrmp.org, should be added to your personal contact, address book, "Safe", or "People I Know" (for AOL users) list. For instance, if Hotmail sends an NRMP e-mail message to your Junk Mail box, you can tell Hotmail to add support@nrmp.org to your Safe List or to send it to your inbox.
If you are not receiving e-mail from NRMP and your provider does not offer such options, we recommend that you either contact your provider to determine the best way to access such messages or consider using an additional or replacement provider during your matching process for your primary e-mail address.

How will NRMP be using Facebook and Twitter? Do I need to have accounts?

The NRMP will be posting and tweeting the latest news, policy information, and deadline reminders about the Main Residency Match and Specialties Matching Service. We will not be inundating you with posts and tweets, but rather aiming for any way to reach our users. The NRMP is on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TheNRMP and its Twitter account is https://twitter.com/#!/TheNRMP. "Like" us on Facebook and "Follow" us on Twitter!

We encourage users to post their questions and comments to our social media sites, and we want our social media sites to be interactive and helpful for you. Remember to use good judgment when posting comments and questions. Posts including any identifying information will be deleted immediately to protect the individuals' privacy. In addition, posts that are obscene, hateful, threatening, or abusive will be removed. The NRMP reserves the right to remove any post at any time from our social media sites.

The NRMP will continue to send email announcements and reminders to all users so you are not obligated to register with Facebook or Twitter to stay current on Match developments. The NRMP also posts the latest information to www.nrmp.org.

How are program tracks used in the R3 system?

Tracks within the R3 system are used by institutions to differentiate between different program options within the same program and specialty. For example, tracks can be used to:

• Designate categorical, preliminary (PGY-1 only), advanced (PGY-2 beginning the year after the Match), and physician-reserved (PGY-2 beginning in the year of the Match) positions
• Distinguish between clinical and research options
• Highlight a program that operates on separate campuses or in different geographic areas

When using tracks, program directors should:

• Create a separate rank order list (ROL) of applicants for each track (and not one ROL aggregating all candidates);
• Place in each track the predetermined number of positions to be filled in the Match, being sure not to exceed the total number of positions in the program; and
• Set up a reversion in the R3 system to guard against the program being unfilled.

Each program track title should describe the type of training in a manner that distinguishes it from other tracks in the same institution and specialty.

I would like to participate in the Match as a couple with my partner. Can that be done and will the NRMP link our rank order lists?

The NRMP accommodates applicants who wished to be matched as a couple. Each partner of a couple must enroll individually in the Match and indicate in the R3 system that they want to participate as a couple. The NRMP allows the couple to form pairs of choices on their primary rank order lists, which are then considered in order of preference when the matching algorithm is processed. The couple will match to the most preferred pair of programs where each partner has been offered a position. The algorithm considers only a couple's primary rank order lists when attempting to find a match and does NOT treat a couple's supplemental rank order lists as a unit. Once a couple has obtained a match from their primary rank order lists, the algorithm searches the supplemental rank order lists attached to the primary list match and attempts to place applicants in their most preferred program. Consequently, couples' supplemental rank order lists should be assigned to programs on their primary lists based upon the geographic locations of the programs. For more information about couples, click here.

How late can I add a new program or change my program's quota?

You can add a program and change program quotas up until the program Quota Change Deadline. After that date, quotas can only be changed in cases of extreme emergency, (i.e., loss of funding, loss of accreditation, closing of institution) or to accommodate the results of an earlier match. In such cases, programs must request in writing an exception to the Quota Change Deadline.

Can program directors make quota changes, additions, and withdrawals in the R3 system?

Program changes can be made in the R3 system by the program director, but they must be approved on the Approve Changes screen by the institutional official. Program quotas cannot be changed after the quota change deadline except in cases of extreme emergency. Please check the schedule of dates for the applicable Quota Change Deadline.

Can I ask applicants where else they are applying?

Section 6.0 of the Match Participation Agreement states that applicants are free at all times to keep confidential the names or identities of programs to which they have or may apply. A program director may request the names of other programs, but it is a violation of the Agreement to require applicants to disclose that information.

Can I make changes or additions to to my rank order list (ROL) after I certify it? If so, how quickly is my list updated, and are previous versions of my ROL maintained in the R3 system?

Yes. Your rank order list can be modified or re-ordered any number of times up until 9:00 p.m. eastern time on the Rank Order List Deadline. Programs in the middle of a session at 9:00 p.m. will not be able to complete their session and will be forced off the server. Participants are advised not to wait until the last minute to enter their ROLs so as to avoid any problems at the deadline.

If you change your certified ROL by adding, moving, or deleting a program, the change is saved immediately and the previous rank order list is deleted from the R3 system. You must recertify your ROL again for it to be used in The Match. No changes can be made to your rank order list after the Rank Order List Deadline. The NRMP will not add, delete, or in any way modify your rank order list.

Will I be able to print a copy of my rank order list (ROL) before or after submission?

OYes. You can print your ROL at any step during the process by using the web browser button. You also can open a printer-friendly version of your ROL by using the View/Print ROL link that appears on the My Rank Order List page under the Options heading.

How will I know that NRMP received my certified rank order list (ROL)?

When you certify your ROL, the NRMP will send you an e-mail confirmation that includes the number of applicants on your list.

How does NRMP know when my rank order list (ROL) is ready to be used in the Match?

When you have entered all of your ranks, you must certify your ROL. Click the red Certify List button. You will then be asked to enter your password. If you make changes to your ROL, you must re-certify it. A Status of CERTIFIED on the Program Options Page is the indication that you have finished your rank order list.

Is there a limit to the number of ranks I can submit?

Technically, there is no limit for applicants. However, there is a $30 charge per program ranked for each program over the first 20 on an applicant's rank order list (ROL). For example, a list of 50 would cost an additional $900. For each partner of a couple, there is $30 charge for each additional "unique" program ranked over the first 30.

There is no limit and no extra charge to programs for entering their ROL

Can anyone else see my rank order list (ROL)?

You are the only person, other than NRMP staff, who can access your ROL unless you give your AAMC ID and password to someone else. Your ROL is limited to need-to-know NRMP staff.

How will I know if I matched to a program?

Beginning at 12:00 noon eastern time on Match Day, applicants may use their AAMC ID and password to access the Registration, Ranking and Results (R3) system and

1. find out whether they matched and, if so, to which program, and
2. view associated reports.
   

What happens if I do not match to a position?

Applicants who learn at 12:00 noon eastern time on Match Day that they did not match to a program can access the List of Unfilled Programs that displays available positions for unmatched applicants. Sharing Match information from the R3 system, including the List of Unfilled Programs, with individuals not authorized to receive it or posting Match information to any web site or non-NRMP-related matching service is a violation of the Match Participation Agreement.

Applicants also can access the following documents that are posted to the R3 system at 12:00 noon eastern time on Match Day:

• Match Outcome for All Programs by State, displays the number of positions offered and filled for all programs in the Match.
• Match Results Statistics, provides detailed statistical information about the programs, positions, and applicants in the Match.
  

How will I know if my program(s) filled? What happens if my program does not fill?

Beginning at 12:00 noon eastern time on Match Day, program directors and institutional officials may use their AAMC ID and password to access the R3 system and obtain Match results and associated reports. Program directors can learn who matched to their programs, as well as the number of unfilled positions, if any, by accessing the Confidential Roster of Matched Applicants found under the "My Reports" option on the left bar menu. Institutional officials also may access to Match Day reports under the "My Reports" option on the left bar menu.

Program directors who learn at 12:00 noon eastern time on Match Day that they did not fill their positions can access the List of Unmatched Applicants that displays potential candidates. In addition, programs can access the following documents that are posted to the R3 system at 12:00 noon eastern time on Match Day:

• Match Outcome for All Programs by State, displays the number of positions offered and filled for all programs in the Match.
• Match Results Statistics, provides detailed statistical information about the programs, positions, and applicants in the Match.
• Match Results by Ranked Applicant, displays the match results for each applicant ranked by the program; the NRMP's confidentiality policy restricts it from releasing information about how specific applicants rank specific programs.
  

I matched to a program, but I just learned that I am ineligible to begin training. What should I do?

Section 2.1 of the Specialties Matching Service Match Participation Agreement states that applicants must meet ACGME and institutional requirements prior to the start of training in order to be eligible for the matched position. If you learn you are ineligible to honor your match, you must immediately notify the NRMP in writing so that the NRMP can determine whether you and/or the program qualify for a waiver.

What happens if I match to a program and I decide not to accept the position? Can my program issue me a waiver?

The Match Participation Agreement states that a match between an applicant and a program creates a binding commitment to accept a position if a match results and to start training in good faith (i.e., with the intent to complete the program) on the date specified in the appointment contract. A decision not to honor that commitment is a breach of the Agreement and will be investigated by the NRMP in accordance with the Policies and Procedures for the Reporting, Investigation, and Disposition of Violations of NRMP Agreements. Penalties may be levied if a violation is confirmed.

Under certain limited circumstances, the NRMP may grant to an applicant or program a waiver of the Match commitment if honoring the Match outcome would result in serious and extreme hardship. Waivers must be requested from, and can be granted only by, the NRMP. To read the NRMP's Waiver Policy, click here.

What happens if I match to a program and begin training but then decide I want to leave the program to change specialties and/or accept another position? Can that be done?

Section 5.1 of the Specialties Matching Service Match Participation Agreement requires an applicant to enter training in good faith with the intent to complete the program. Section 5.1 also states that an applicant who terminates or resigns a position within 45 days of the start date specified in the appointment contract shall be in violation of the Match Participation Agreement. You may elect to leave your matched program, but an investigation of your actions could be initiated if the NRMP believes it has received credible evidence that you did not enter training in good faith and/or you applied for, discussed, interviewed for, or accepted a position in another program during the first 45 days of training.

I've signed a contract outside the Match. What should I do?

Under the terms of the Match Participation Agreement, an applicant who accepts a concurrent year position outside the Specialties Matching Service (SMS) or through another national matching plan must withdraw from the Match. Withdrawal must be completed prior to the Rank Order List Deadline. Failure to do so is a violation of the Match Agreement, and an investigation will be conducted by the NRMP in accordance with the Policies and Procedures for the Reporting, Investigation, and Disposition of Violations of NRMP Agreements. Applicants who elect to participate in the SMS are prohibited from applying for, discussing, interviewing for, or accepting a concurrent year position outside the SMS or through another national matching plan after the Rank Order List Deadline.

What is the process if I am investigated for a violation of the Match Participation Agreement?

Subsequent to receiving a written report of an alleged violation, the NRMP will solicit information from the program, and any other individuals with knowledge of the situation. A Preliminary Report that documents the nature of the allegation is prepared.

If the results of the investigation indicate that a violation has not occurred, the case will be closed and all parties will be so notified. If the results of the investigation indicate a violation has occurred, the Preliminary Report will be distributed to the subject of the investigation, the individual who reported the violation, and any other parties who provided information material to the investigation for their review and to correct the additional information provided to the NRMP.

The Preliminary Report will be reviewed by a Review Panel of the NRMP's Violations Review Committee, which will make the final determination of whether a violation occurred and, if so, the appropriate penalty. A Review Panel Report will be issued to the subject of the violation, who will have ten business days to notify the NRMP of the intent to initiate arbitration. If the subject of the violation initiates arbitration, the NRMP will note in the Registration, Ranking, and Results (R3) system that the party is the subject of a "pending action" and that designation will remain in place for the duration of the arbitration process. In addition, if the subject of the violation initiates arbitration, he/she/it has thirty days from receipt of the Review Panel Report to file with the American Arbitration Association. If the subject of the violation does not request arbitration within ten business days, the Review Panel Report will become the Final Report, and it will be issued to all parties listed on the Report. All Match registrants should review carefully The Policies and Procedures for the Reporting, Investigation, and Disposition of Violations of NRMP Agreements.

How can I learn whether an institution or program I am interested in ranking has been the subject of a violation investigation conducted by the NRMP?

The NRMP maintains an Institution and Program Violations Report in the Registration, Ranking, and Results (R3) system that is available to applicants who register for any NRMP Match. The report displays information about graduate medical education programs and sponsoring institutions that have violated the Match Participation Agreement. Term limits of any sanction(s) imposed for the violation are included to identify the length of time the sanction is in effect

How do I know if an applicant has a binding commitment to another NRMP Match-participating program?

The Registration, Ranking, and Results (R3) system includes an Applicant Match History that must be used by program directors and NRMP institutional officials to determine, prior to offering the applicant an interview, whether that applicant has a binding commitment to another NRMP Match-participating program. The Applicant Match History lists the appointment status of an applicant and indicates whether that applicant has requested a waiver of the binding commitment and/or been involved in an NRMP violation investigation.

The Applicant Match History is available throughout the year. To access it, you must log in to the R3 system using your AAMC ID number and password. From the left menu bar, click the 'Applicant Match History' link. System users can search for records by an applicant's AAMC ID, SSN, or name.

A non-Match-participating program at my institution offered a position to an applicant who has a concurrent year commitment to another program. Is my institution liable?

Institutional officials must ensure that none of their programs, regardless of Match participation status, discusses, interviews for, or offers a position to an applicant who has matched to or accepted a concurrent year position in another program or who is ineligible because of a denied waiver or a confirmed violation. If any of the institution's programs discusses or offers a position to an applicant who has matched to or accepted a concurrent year position, the institution will be in breach of the Match Agreement and subject to a violation investigation.

An applicant has contacted me about an open position in my program. What should my first step be?

Prior to discussing, interviewing for, or offering a position to an applicant, program directors must determine the applicant's eligibility by verifying the applicant's appointment status in the Applicant Match History that is available in the R3 system and/or by calling the NRMP to obtain that information. Any program that discusses, interviews for, or offers a position to an applicant who has matched to or accepted a concurrent year position in another program or who is ineligible because of a denied waiver or a confirmed violation will be subject to a violation investigation by the NRMP. If the applicant is not ineligible, you can discuss the position and schedule an interview.

What do I do if an applicant who has a binding commitment to my program does not show up for training?

The Match Participation Agreement states that a match between an applicant and a program creates a binding commitment to offer and accept a position if a match results and to start training in good faith (i.e., with the intent to complete the program) on the date specified in the appointment contract. A decision not to honor that commitment is a breach of the Agreement; accordingly, program directors are expected to report to the NRMP the name of any applicant who does not honor his/her binding commitment. Program directors also must request a waiver of the commitment if they wish to recruit another candidate for the position. The NRMP will initiate a violation investigation of the applicant in accordance with the NRMP's Policies and Procedures for the Reporting, Investigation, and Disposition of Violations of NRMP Agreements.

Can I offer a position to an applicant who has been released by his/her matched program? What about releasing an applicant from my own program?

As stated in Section 3.4 of the Match Participation Agreement, applicants and programs are not authorized to release each other from their binding commitment. Once a party has matched, a waiver of the binding commitment may be obtained only from the NRMP; accordingly, applicants released by their program are not eligible for a concurrent-year appointment to another program unless the NRMP has granted a waiver. Moreover, Section 5.1 of the Agreement prohibits any program at a Match-participating institution from offering a concurrent year position to an applicant who has not received a waiver from the NRMP. Programs that offer positions to applicants with concurrent year commitments will be investigated by the NRMP to determine whether the applicant, the program, and/or the institution has violated the terms of the Agreement. The decision to grant or deny the waiver is at the sole discretion of the NRMP and is not subject to arbitration.

How long must an applicant remain in my program?

Section 5.1 of the Specialties Matching Service Match Participation Agreement states that an applicant who terminates or resigns a position within 45 days of the start date specified in the appointment contract shall be presumed to have breached the Agreement. Applicants who match to or accept a position during SOAP are expected to start training in good faith (e.g., with the intent to complete the program).

What is the process if I am investigated for a violation of the Match Participation Agreement?

Subsequent to receiving a written report of an alleged violation, the NRMP will solicit information from the program director, the institutional official, and any other individuals with knowledge of the situation. A Preliminary Report that documents the nature of the allegation is prepared.

If the results of the investigation indicate that a violation has not occurred, the case will be closed and all parties will be so notified. If the results of the investigation indicate a violation has occurred, the Preliminary Report will be distributed to the subject of the investigation, the individual who reported the violation, and any other parties who provided information material to the investigation for their review and to correct the additional information provided to the NRMP.

The Preliminary Report will be reviewed by a Review Panel of the NRMP's Violations Review Committee, which will make the final determination of whether a violation occurred and, if so, the appropriate penalty. A Review Panel Report will be issued to the subject of the violation, who will have ten business days to notify the NRMP of the intent to initiate arbitration. If the subject of the violation initiates arbitration, the NRMP will note in the Registration, Ranking, and Results (R3) system that the party is the subject of a "pending action" and that designation will remain in place for the duration of the arbitration process. In addition, if the subject of the violation initiates arbitration, he/she has thirty days from receipt of the Review Panel Report to file with the American Arbitration Association. If the subject of the violation does not request arbitration within ten business days, the Review Panel Report will become the Final Report, and it will be issued to all parties listed on the Report. All Match registrants should review carefully The Policies and Procedures for the Reporting, Investigation, and Disposition of Violations of NRMP Agreements.

For further information, contact the NRMP at 202-400-2233 or 1-866-653-NRMP.

Updated 08/29/2012