Is my program eligible to participate in the Specialties Matching Service?

Only programs in a subspecialty for which a Match is being conducted may offer positions through the SMS. To ensure a quality training experience for applicants, the NRMP may be selective in determining which programs are eligible to participate.

To be eligible to offer positions through an SMS Match, a program must be either:

• accredited by the ACGME or an entity acceptable to the NRMP, or
• if not ACGME-affiliated, be affiliated (e.g. shared resources, shared faculty for fellow training/supervision, program letter of agreement) with an ACGME-accredited program in the primary discipline or ACGME-accredited institution, or
• lead to certification or endorsement and oversight by a board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS^®).

Programs not affiliated with an ACGME-accredited program in the primary discipline or ACGME-accredited institution are eligible for the Match with NRMP Institutional Official attested oversight of program participation in and compliance with the rules of the Match.