Get Ready for the Match

Before rank order lists can be submitted and a training position secured, applicants must take a few steps to prepare for their Match. 

Are you Eligible?

Before registering for a Fellowship Match, be sure to review the relevant fellowship page for eligiblity criteria, length of training, and links to information about the subspecialty and its profressional association.

Registering for the Match

Registering for a Match is a separate and distinct process from applying to training programs. Applicants first apply to programs either through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS®), a service of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), or whatever application the program is accepting. After applications are submitted and interviews are underway, applicants come to the NRMP to register for a Match. For applicants who use ERAS, an NRMP ID is not required to submit applications; however, applicants must have an AAMC ID to register for a Match. After registering with NRMP, applicants using ERAS are encouraged to log back in to ERAS and update their profile with their NRMP ID to make it easier for program directors to identify them for placement on the program’s rank order lists.

The following identification numbers are REQUIRED for registration:

  • USMLE® ID for U.S. MD graduates;
  • ECFMG ID for international medical school graduates (IMGS); and
  • AOA ID and NBOME® ID for U.S. DO graduates.

Note: USMLE ID is not required for IMGs, but it can be entered. It is the same as the ECFMG ID.

Participating in the Match as a Couple?

Learn about the special considerations for applicants looking to partner to secure residency training.

The Registration Process

Registration is a multi-step process. During registration applicants are asked to provide basic profile information, including name, date of birth, AAMC ID, as well as academic (exam scores, work, volunteer, and research experiences, etc.) and demographic information. Registration information can be updated at any time during the Match process. Email addresses and phone numbers must remain current in the R3 system. Applicants are encouraged to consent to the use of their academic and demographic information for research purposes. The data will allow NRMP to continue publishing valuable reports that help inform future applicants and the graduate medical education community.

Registering for the Match Guide – Fellowship Applicants

Fees to Participate

There is a nominal fee to participate in the Match.

Useful Tips When Getting Ready

  • Once you have your R3 system username and password, store it in a secure place to prevent a security breach.
  • Use the same name when registering for an NRMP Match that you use with other GME organizations like the AAMC or the ECFMG so program directors can correctly identify you for their rank order lists.
  • Provide all neccessary information to programs through the application and/or during interviews. Programs do not have access to information you provide during NRMP registration since that information is for NRMP use only.
  • Consider usng a personal email address because your residency email address may be disabled at graduation.