Help & Support
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As a fellowship program director, one of my current residents has asked me for advice about other fellowship programs to which she should apply. Am I allowed to discuss programs in which she might be interested?
Yes. Restricting a program’s ability to ask applicants about the names, specialties, geographical locations, or other identifying information about programs to which applicants have or may apply is not intended to limit mentoring relationships. Residency and fellowship program directors are encouraged to help applicants and residents who seek guidance about their training plans.
As an applicant, how long must I remain in my matched program?
Applicants who give notice of resignation, resign, or vacate a position within 45 days of the start date specified in the appointment contract are presumed to have breached NRMP policy unless they can demonstrate, through the NRMP waiver process, that they entered into the program in good faith and the NRMP determines they have a…
Can I certify a blank rank order list?
If you did not receive any interviews or do not have any suitable programs to rank, you will not enter a rank order list. You will remain in Active status in the Match and can still participate in the Match and SOAP (in the Main Residency Match only) if you are eligible.
Can I make changes to my rank order list (ROL) after I have certified it?
Yes, you can make changes to an already certified ROL but, if changed, the list must be re-certified prior to the Rank Order List Certification Deadline for it to be used in the Match. You should not wait until the last minute to enter and certify your list. Technology glitches can occur and the ROL…
Can I rank multiple specialties?
Yes. The matching algorithm attempts to place you in the most preferred program possible, regardless of the specialty of the program, so be sure to rank programs in order of your true preference and not where you think you will match.
Can I view the List of Unfilled Programs if I did not register for a Match?
No. If you did not register for a Match prior to the applicable Rank Order List Certification Deadline, you will not have access to the List of Unfilled Programs. In addition, you cannot register after the deadline or the release of Match results to gain access to the List.
Do I have to have my NRMP ID to apply to programs through ERAS?
NRMP IDs are assigned when you register for a Match. Depending on the Match in which you are participating, applications may be sent to programs before the Match opens for registration. The NRMP ID is not a required field on the ERAS application. You can leave the field blank and submit your applications. Once registered…
Do I have to register for ERAS® or the application service designated by the program and NRMP to participate in the Match?
Most residency programs participating in the Main Residency Match and many fellowships participating in the Specialties Matching Service use the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS®) offered by the Association of American Medical Colleges® (AAMC). ERAS is a separate organization and thus requires a separate registration by applicants. You must register for both the application service designated by…
Do I need a token to register for the NRMP?
To register for a Match, go to the R3 system and select either Register for Residency or Register for Fellowship Match, depending on the type of Match you are seeking. If you participated in a previous Match, you must re-register in the R3 system for each Match in which you participate.
Does the NRMP have any Match data or analytics to assist me in preparing for the Match?
Part of the NRMP’s mission is to develop and distribute data reports and publications that inform national conversations about the transition to residency and advance understanding of the matching process and outcomes. Therefore, we offer a variety of data and reports to assist applicants, program directors, medical school and program faculty, and others involved or…
During my interview, the program director asked me about other programs to which I had applied and how I plan to rank them. Must I provide that information?
No. You may volunteer information about where you have applied and how you plan to rank programs, but programs are prohibited from asking you to disclose the information. Any program that asks an applicant to disclose information about preference signals or the names, specialties, geographic location, or other identifying information about programs to which an…
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 feature that indicates whether an applicant has a binding commitment to another Match-participating program and whether the applicant has been denied a waiver or has a confirmed violation of the Match Participation Agreement. The Applicant Match History must be used by program directors and…
How do I obtain a list of programs that do not participate with the NRMP?
NRMP does not maintain lists of programs that do not participate in our matching service.
How many programs can I rank?
Rank Order Lists cannot exceed 300 ranks total. The Match registration fee includes the listing of up to 20 unique NRMP program codes on the primary rank order list (and in the Main Residency Match, up to 20 unique NRMP codes on all supplemental rank order lists combined). Additional ranks are $30 per rank for…
How will I know if I have matched in the Fellowship Match?
Applicants in the Specialties Matching Service may log in to the Registration, Ranking, and Results (R3) system using their username and password at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time on their Fellowship Match Day to view their Match results.
I forgot to add my NRMP ID to my ERAS application. Can programs still find and rank me?
Yes. Programs have the ability to search for and rank you using AAMC ID, first and last name, and medical school in addition to the NRMP ID. They should not have a problem finding and ranking you by these other search criteria. Programs will typically reach out to either you or the NRMP if they…
I signed a contract outside the Specialties Matching Service®. What should I do?
If you already have registered with the NRMP, you MUST withdraw from the Match by the Rank Order List Certification Deadline. You can withdraw by logging in to the Registration, Ranking, and Results® (R3®) system and selecting a Withdraw option. Failure to withdraw by the Rank Order List Deadline is a violation of the Match Participation…
I understand programs cannot ask about the geographic locations of programs to which applicants have or may apply or rank. Can program directors inquire about geographic regions?
No. The restriction on questions about applicants’ interviewing behaviors includes geographic region; however, programs can ask applicants why they are interested in the city or state where that program is located.
I’m ready to create my rank order list. Should I include all programs where I interviewed even if I’m not sure I want to train there?
The Match Participation Agreement you signed electronically when you registered for the Match 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…
Is there a limit to the number of programs I can rank?
Up to 300 program codes can be listed on a rank order list. For rank order lists with 100 or more ranks, additional fees apply. Those fees are NOT REFUNDABLE if you certify a shorter list at a later time. View current fees. Keep in mind that if you have not interviewed at a program,…
Login and Register Help
The Registration, Ranking, and Results® (R3®) system is the web-based software application through which all NRMP Matches are managed. The R3 system maintains the highest level of security and confidentiality and can be used with any computer with access to the Internet. To participate in a Match, users must create a unique username and password that…
Should I rank all the programs at which I interviewed?
Rank only those programs where you are able and would be happy to train. Putting a program on your ROL creates a binding commitment if a match occurs, so review carefully each program’s eligibility requirements and the contract you will be expected to sign. You should receive that information from programs during the application/interview process.…
View and Certify Rank Order Lists for Couples – Fellowship Applicants
Guide to Couples Viewing and Certifying Rank Order List for Fellowship Applicants
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 and to start training in good faith (i.e., with the intent to complete the program) on the date specified in the appointment contract. For the Main Residency Match®, the same binding…
What does it mean if a program on my rank order list has the status of Withdrawn?
If the program has a status of Withdrawn that means it is no longer participating in the Match. You may want to confirm the program code to ensure it is correct. You do not have to change your rank order list. The algorithm will simply skip over that rank as if it were not there.
What happens if I do not match to a position?
Next steps depend on whether you are participating in the Main Residency Match or a Fellowship Match.
What happens if I obtain a position and decide not to accept it? Can my program release me from my obligation to attend?
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. For the Main Residency Match®, the same…
Where can I find the most recent Specialties Matching Service Results and Data report?
The Specialties Matching Service Results and Data report features five-year trend data by specialty on number of programs, positions, and applicants as well as match rates.
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?
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. Failure to ensure compliance could subject…
Activating Institutions and Programs
Guide to Activating Institutions and Programs
Can I certify a blank rank order list?
If your program has been activated in error and you did not intend to participate, the program should be withdrawn from the Match. If you did not have any suitable applicants to rank in the Match and would like to be listed on the List of Unfilled Programs, then your program does not need to…
Can I view and download previously published data for the Main Residency Match or Fellowship Match?
Yes, data and survey reports released by the NRMP can be accessed from the Match Data webpage. Reports are separated into a variety of topics such as Main Residency Match and SOAP Outcomes, Fellowship Match Outcomes, Applicant Demographics, and more. Archived reports are also available on the Match Data webpage.
Can programs have a quota of zero?
No, programs cannot have a quota of zero. Programs that elect not to participate in a Match are expected to withdraw from the Match.
Does the NRMP have any Match data or analytics to assist me in preparing for the Match?
Part of the NRMP’s mission is to develop and distribute data reports and publications that inform national conversations about the transition to residency and advance understanding of the matching process and outcomes. Therefore, we offer a variety of data and reports to assist applicants, program directors, medical school and program faculty, and others involved or…
Fellowship Institution Checklist
Download the Fellowship Institution Checklist
How do I activate my program?
Upon Match opening, the IO must activate the institution or mark it as not participating in the Match. Once the institution is active, each program track also must be activated. Activation may be done by the institutional official (IO), but they also have the option to direct the program director or institutional administrator to activate…
How do I add a new program or institution to the Match?
The NRMP support staff will assist you with adding your new program or institution to the Match. All programs new to the Match are asked to complete the New Program Form. The information provided on the Form will allow NRMP to create a record in the R3 system and add your program to the appropriate…
How do I update my institutional administrator?
The update of a new institutional administrator (IA) can be made by your GME office institutional official. Please see the Adding & Maintaining Institutional Administrators support guide in the R3 system for detailed instructions. Alternately, NRMP can make the change if the institutional official contacts us via email. If you would like NRMP to make…
How do I update my institutional official?
The update of a new institutional official (IO) must be made by the NRMP. Requests for updates to the institutional official must be made in writing and submitted via email to support@nrmp.org. The IO should be the designated ACGME DIO for the institution. To make the change, the current IO or institutional administrator must provide…
Login and Register Help
The Registration, Ranking, and Results® (R3®) system is the web-based software application through which all NRMP Matches are managed. The R3 system maintains the highest level of security and confidentiality and can be used with any computer with access to the Internet. To participate in a Match, users must create a unique username and password that…
Main Residency Match Institution Checklist
Download the Main Residency Match Institution Checklist
My institution requires all employees be vaccinated for COVID-19. Can we directly ask an applicant their vaccination status?
Programs are advised to direct this question to their institution’s GME office or human resources department. If pre-employment criteria requires that all employees be vaccinated for COVID-19, the program must provide that specific eligibility requirement along with all other eligibility requirements to the applicants who interview with the program prior to the Rank Order List Certification Deadline or offer made during SOAP.
My program is not participating in the Match this year. What do I need to do?
Contact your GME office or institutional official as soon as possible to let them know to mark the program as “Not Participating” in the R3 system. If the program already has been marked as “Active” in the Match by the institutional official, then the program must be withdrawn from the Match prior to the Quota…
What changes to my program have to be approved by the insitutional official?
Institutional officials are responsible for approving changes in the R3 system for each of the institution’s Match-participating programs. Program changes requiring approval include: Changing the quota, or number of positions to be filled Entering or changing reversions to donate unfilled positions to another program or program track Withdrawing or reinstating a program Selecting or changing…
What is a Joint Advanced/Preliminary program?
The R3 system offers institutions and programs in the Main Residency Match the option to link an advanced PGY-2 program with a preliminary PGY-1 program to create a full course of training at the same institution for applicants interested in specialties that begin in the PGY-2 year. In “joining” an advanced (A) PGY-2 program to a…
When is payment due to the NRMP to participate in the Match?
At the conclusion of each Match, the NRMP institutional official and billing contact, if one has been designated, will receive an invoice.
When is the deadline to download my Main Residency Match reports?
The R3 system closes for the Main Residency Match on June 30 of the Match year. After June 30, requests for Match reports submitted will incur a $200 fee per report. Requests for data should be submitted to the NRMP Research via the Data Release Application. Download and complete the Data Release Application Form, and click…
When is the deadline to download my Specialties Matching Service (fellowship) Match reports?
Each Fellowship Match has its own deadline, typically about six months after Match Day. Consult the table of Match Events for the Match of interest in the R3 system to determine the closing date, which represents the deadline for downloading your Match reports.
When should programs provide institutional policies, program policies, and eligibility requirements to applicants?
Information pertaining to institutional policies, program policies, and eligibility requirements should be made available to all applicants when the Match and AAMC ERAS (or other) application service opens. This can be easily accomplished by posting the information to the program’s website. Policy information and eligibility requirements must be provided to all applicants who interview with a program prior to the Rank Order List Certification Deadline or offer made during SOAP.
Where can I find the most recent Main Residency Match Results and Data report?
The Main Residency Match Results and Data report contains statistical tables and graphs for the Main Residency Match and lists by state and sponsoring institution every participating program, the number of positions offered, and the number filled.
Where can I find the most recent Specialties Matching Service Results and Data report?
The Specialties Matching Service Results and Data report features five-year trend data by specialty on number of programs, positions, and applicants as well as match rates.
Withdrawing and Reinstating a Program
Guide to Withdrawing and Reinstating a Program
Do I have to be ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) certified to participate in the Main Residency Match and SOAP?
No. You must be verified by the ECFMG as having completed the necessary requirements for ECFMG certification to participate in the Match and SOAP.
What requirements for ECFMG certification must I complete to be eligible to participate in the Main Residency Match?
The NRMP will send the list of IMG applicants who have registered for the Main Residency Match to the ECFMG, a member of Intealth, once a week after the Match opens for registration. ECFMG will send back to NRMP whether or not the applicant has completed the necessary medical science examination, clinical skills, and communication…
Can I view and download previously published data for the Main Residency Match or Fellowship Match?
Yes, data and survey reports released by the NRMP can be accessed from the Match Data webpage. Reports are separated into a variety of topics such as Main Residency Match and SOAP Outcomes, Fellowship Match Outcomes, Applicant Demographics, and more. Archived reports are also available on the Match Data webpage.
Do I need to verify my students and graduates for participation in the Main Residency Match?
Medical school officials/administrators (SO/SA) are required to verify the graduation credentials of their students and prior-year gradautes to participate in the Main Residency Match and Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP). Credentials vertification is an important task: only students and graduates who are verified as eligible to enter graduate medical education (GME) on July 1…
Does the NRMP have any Match data or analytics to assist me in preparing for the Match?
Part of the NRMP’s mission is to develop and distribute data reports and publications that inform national conversations about the transition to residency and advance understanding of the matching process and outcomes. Therefore, we offer a variety of data and reports to assist applicants, program directors, medical school and program faculty, and others involved or…
How do I know which of my students still need to register for the Match?
Medical school officials and administrators have the ability to track student participation in the Main Residency Match. School officials (SO) and school administrators (SA) can identify which students need to register and/or submit or certify a rank order list by uploading a student list in the R3 system. Student lists can be uploaded in the…
How do I update my school administrator?
The update of a new school administrator (SA) can be made by the school official or the NRMP if some additional information is provided. For the school official to make the update, please see the Adding and Maintaining School Administrators support guide for detailed instructions. For the NRMP to make the update, the school official…
How do I update my school official?
The update of a new school official (SO) must be made by the NRMP. For the NRMP to make the update, the current SO or the school administrator will need to send an email to support@nrmp.org and provide the following information: Medical School Information New School Official’s Full Name New School Officials’ Date of Birth…
How many users can I have in the R3 system for my medical school?
The R3 system only allows for two program users, the school official and the school administrator.
Login and Register Help
The Registration, Ranking, and Results® (R3®) system is the web-based software application through which all NRMP Matches are managed. The R3 system maintains the highest level of security and confidentiality and can be used with any computer with access to the Internet. To participate in a Match, users must create a unique username and password that…
Main Residency Match Medical School Checklist
Download the Main Residency Match Medical School Checklist
Upload a Student List & Edit Student Details
Guide to Upload a Student List & Edit Student Details
When is the deadline to download my Main Residency Match reports?
The R3 system closes for the Main Residency Match on June 30 of the Match year. After June 30, requests for Match reports submitted will incur a $200 fee per report. Requests for data should be submitted to the NRMP Research via the Data Release Application. Download and complete the Data Release Application Form, and click…
Where can I find the most recent Main Residency Match Results and Data report?
The Main Residency Match Results and Data report contains statistical tables and graphs for the Main Residency Match and lists by state and sponsoring institution every participating program, the number of positions offered, and the number filled.
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?
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. Failure to ensure compliance could subject…
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 are required to determine an 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. The Applicant Match History lists the appointment status of…
As a fellowship program director, one of my current residents has asked me for advice about other fellowship programs to which she should apply. Am I allowed to discuss programs in which she might be interested?
Yes. Restricting a program’s ability to ask applicants about the names, specialties, geographical locations, or other identifying information about programs to which applicants have or may apply is not intended to limit mentoring relationships. Residency and fellowship program directors are encouraged to help applicants and residents who seek guidance about their training plans.
Can a program coordinator enter and certify the rank order list for a program?
A program coordinator can create, view, and edit rank order lists. A program coordinator cannot certify rank order lists and is prohibited by the NRMP from assuming that responsibility. Use of a program director’s username and password by the program coordinator to access the R3 system is a breach of the Match Participation Agreement and could…
Can I certify a blank rank order list?
If your program has been activated in error and you did not intend to participate, the program should be withdrawn from the Match. If you did not have any suitable applicants to rank in the Match and would like to be listed on the List of Unfilled Programs, then your program does not need to…
Can I make changes to my rank order list (ROL) after I certify it?
Yes, changes can be made to a ROL after it has been certified. The program director can click on the ‘Edit List’ button in the R3 system and enter their password to return the list to Ranking status so changes can be made. The ROL can be modified or re-ordered any number of times; however,…
Can I offer a position to an applicant who has been released by the matched program? Can I release an applicant from my program?
Applicants and programs are not authorized to release each other from a binding commitment. As stated in the Match Participation Agreement, once a party has matched, or a position has been offered and accepted during SOAP®, a waiver of the binding commitment may be obtained only from the NRMP. Moreover, the Agreement also prohibits any program at a…
Can I use the NRMP ID to find and rank applicants on my rank order list?
Yes. Program directors create rank order lists (ROLs) by entering applicants’ NRMP ID numbers directly on the ROL, utilizing the “Find and Add Applicant” search feature, or importing an electronic file. The NRMP ID is the only ID that every-Match participating applicant will have and is the preferred ID for ranking applicants. The “Find and Add…
Can I view and download previously published data for the Main Residency Match or Fellowship Match?
Yes, data and survey reports released by the NRMP can be accessed from the Match Data webpage. Reports are separated into a variety of topics such as Main Residency Match and SOAP Outcomes, Fellowship Match Outcomes, Applicant Demographics, and more. Archived reports are also available on the Match Data webpage.
Can programs have a quota of zero?
No, programs cannot have a quota of zero. Programs that elect not to participate in a Match are expected to withdraw from the Match.
Can programs use more than one application service?
NRMP policy does not prohibit programs from utilizing more than one application service or process. NRMP will require programs to notify applicants, at the beginning of the application and recruitment season, which application service or process they intend to use for both Main Residency Match and SOAP.
Do I need to provide the NRMP program code for our program to the applicants?
It is important to provide applicants your NRMP program code to assist them in ranking your program, especially if you have multiple program tracks or types. NRMP provides a search function for applicants to search for the programs they wish to rank. However, institutions may have similar names or multiple tracks in a specialty which…
Do programs have to disclose to applicants the application process they intend to use for the Main Residency Match and SOAP?
Yes, NRMP policy requires that all programs inform applicants about the specific application service(s) or process(es) they intend to use during the Main Residency Match and SOAP. In addition, the NRMP’s Registration, Ranking, and Results system (R3) requires Main Residency Match programs to identify all of the application services they will accept for the transition…
Does the NRMP have any Match data or analytics to assist me in preparing for the Match?
Part of the NRMP’s mission is to develop and distribute data reports and publications that inform national conversations about the transition to residency and advance understanding of the matching process and outcomes. Therefore, we offer a variety of data and reports to assist applicants, program directors, medical school and program faculty, and others involved or…
Does the program director (PD) have to register for the Match each year?
Yes, the PD must register each year for the Match. A returning PD can log in to the R3 system using their unique username and password. Once they have logged in and electronically signed the Match Participation Agreement, they are considered registered. A new PD will be sent a token code link via email which…
Enter and Certify a Rank Order List for Programs
Guide to Enter and Certify a Rank Order List for Programs
How do I activate my program?
Upon Match opening, the IO must activate the institution or mark it as not participating in the Match. Once the institution is active, each program track also must be activated. Activation may be done by the institutional official (IO), but they also have the option to direct the program director or institutional administrator to activate…
How do I add a new program or institution to the Match?
The NRMP support staff will assist you with adding your new program or institution to the Match. All programs new to the Match are asked to complete the New Program Form. The information provided on the Form will allow NRMP to create a record in the R3 system and add your program to the appropriate…
How do I register my program for the Match?
Programs that participated in the previous Match are automatically rolled over in the R3 system but if your program did not participate or is new to the Match, you will need to contact our support team to be added to the Match.
How do I review the results of the Match for my program?
Program results are released in the R3 system and sent via email. You can view your program results in the R3 system by accessing the Confidential Roster of Program’s Matched Applicants report on your Match home page when the results are released. To view where the applicants you ranked matched, access the Match Results by…
How do I set my SOAP participation status?
In order to participate in SOAP, program directors must set their SOAP participation status to “YES” on the SOAP Participation tab accessible through their Program Details page in the R3 system. Program directors can begin setting their SOAP participation indicator when the Main Residency Match opens for registration. The SOAP participation indicator MUST be set…
How do I update the program coordinator for a program?
The update of a new program coordinator (PC) can be made by the program director or the GME office institutional administrator or official. Please see the Adding & Maintaining Program Coordinators support guide for detailed instructions. Alternately, if the PC has already been updated through the ACGME, NRMP can make the change. Please provide your…
How do I update the program director for a program?
Updating the program director for a program can be done by the institutional official or administrator. Alternately, if the program director already has been updated through the ACGME, the NRMP can make the change if some additional information is provided. If the update is being made by the IO or IA, please see the Adding…
How many applicants can I rank?
There is no limit on the number of applicants a program can rank.
How many users can I have in the R3 system for my program?
The R3 system only allows for two program users, the program director and one program coordinator.
How will applicants who apply to OB/GYN during the algorithm phase of the Main Residency Match, and go unmatched, apply to programs during SOAP?
Applicants will utilize the application service or process designated by the specialty or the program. Any residency application service that supports programs participating in the Main Residency Match will work with the NRMP to establish and/or maintain a seamless exchange of applicant information so applicants are able to move through the Match Week and SOAP…
How will I know which application service to use if I register to participate in SOAP only?
Programs will be required to disclose to applicants, at the start of recruitment, the application service or process they will require for the Main Residency Match and Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP). The NRMP R3 system also will identify the program’s selections and expects programs to clearly communicate that information and make it readily…
I am the director of a PGY-1 only program. Can I ask about the advanced PGY-2 programs to which an applicant is applying so I can be sure the applicant ranks the correct PGY-1 track?
No. The prohibition on questions about other programs to which an applicant is applying pertains to all programs regardless of PGY level.
I signed up for the NRMP Match Week and SOAP Listserv. Can I announce the availability of an unfilled position to other listserv participants?
No. Until SOAP® concludes, SOAP policy requires SOAP-participating programs to offer unfilled positions only through the Registration, Ranking, and Results® (R3®) system and only to SOAP-eligible applicants. Unfilled positions in non-SOAP-participating programs cannot be offered at all until SOAP concludes.
I understand programs cannot ask about the geographic locations of programs to which applicants have or may apply or rank. Can program directors inquire about geographic regions?
No. The restriction on questions about applicants’ interviewing behaviors includes geographic region; however, programs can ask applicants why they are interested in the city or state where that program is located.
Is my program eligible to participate in the Main Residency Match?
To participate in the Main Residency Match, a program must be either accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME®); or a combined program that is approved or recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties or by the respective specialty board that is responsible for board certification of residents who successfully complete…
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: Programs…
Is my R3 system login for my program or just for me?
User accounts in the R3 system are assigned to individual users, not programs. Each user (PD and PC) must have their own user account and each must sign the Match Participation Agreement. Each user of the R3 system should have a unique username and password that should not be shared with other individuals. Use of…
Login and Register Help
The Registration, Ranking, and Results® (R3®) system is the web-based software application through which all NRMP Matches are managed. The R3 system maintains the highest level of security and confidentiality and can be used with any computer with access to the Internet. To participate in a Match, users must create a unique username and password that…
Main Residency Match Program Checklist
Download the Main Residency Match Program Checklist
My institution requires all employees be vaccinated for COVID-19. Can we directly ask an applicant their vaccination status?
Programs are advised to direct this question to their institution’s GME office or human resources department. If pre-employment criteria requires that all employees be vaccinated for COVID-19, the program must provide that specific eligibility requirement along with all other eligibility requirements to the applicants who interview with the program prior to the Rank Order List Certification Deadline or offer made during SOAP.
My program is not participating in the Match this year. What do I need to do?
Contact your GME office or institutional official as soon as possible to let them know to mark the program as “Not Participating” in the R3 system. If the program already has been marked as “Active” in the Match by the institutional official, then the program must be withdrawn from the Match prior to the Quota…
Searching Current Match Applicants
Guide to Searching Current Match Applicants
Updating Unfilled Positions for Fellowship Programs
Guide to Updating Unfilled Positions for Fellowship Programs
Updating Unfilled Positions for Residency Programs
Guide to Updating Unfilled Positions for Residency Programs
What changes to my program have to be approved by the insitutional official?
Institutional officials are responsible for approving changes in the R3 system for each of the institution’s Match-participating programs. Program changes requiring approval include: Changing the quota, or number of positions to be filled Entering or changing reversions to donate unfilled positions to another program or program track Withdrawing or reinstating a program Selecting or changing…
What does it mean if an applicant on my rank order list has a status of Withdrawn?
If the applicant has a status of Withdrawn that means the applicant is no longer participating in the Match. You do not have to change your rank order list. The algorithm will simply skip over that rank as if it were not there.
What is a Joint Advanced/Preliminary program?
The R3 system offers institutions and programs in the Main Residency Match the option to link an advanced PGY-2 program with a preliminary PGY-1 program to create a full course of training at the same institution for applicants interested in specialties that begin in the PGY-2 year. In “joining” an advanced (A) PGY-2 program to a…
What is a quota?
The quota is the number of positions your program intends to fill in the Match.
What is the All In Policy?
The All In Policy applies to the Main Residency Match® and some Fellowship Matches participating in the Specialties Matching Service®. The All In Policy requires any program in these participating Matches to register and attempt to fill all of its positions through the Match or another national matching plan. A “program” is defined by its ACGME® number. The Policy does…
What is the timeline for accepting applications and interviewing applicants?
The application process and timing is set by the specific application service or by programs individually. The interview process and timing is set by individual programs.
When is payment due to the NRMP to participate in the Match?
At the conclusion of each Match, the NRMP institutional official and billing contact, if one has been designated, will receive an invoice.
When is the deadline to download my Main Residency Match reports?
The R3 system closes for the Main Residency Match on June 30 of the Match year. After June 30, requests for Match reports submitted will incur a $200 fee per report. Requests for data should be submitted to the NRMP Research via the Data Release Application. Download and complete the Data Release Application Form, and click…
When is the deadline to download my Specialties Matching Service (fellowship) Match reports?
Each Fellowship Match has its own deadline, typically about six months after Match Day. Consult the table of Match Events for the Match of interest in the R3 system to determine the closing date, which represents the deadline for downloading your Match reports.
When should programs provide institutional policies, program policies, and eligibility requirements to applicants?
Information pertaining to institutional policies, program policies, and eligibility requirements should be made available to all applicants when the Match and AAMC ERAS (or other) application service opens. This can be easily accomplished by posting the information to the program’s website. Policy information and eligibility requirements must be provided to all applicants who interview with a program prior to the Rank Order List Certification Deadline or offer made during SOAP.
Where can I find the most recent Main Residency Match Results and Data report?
The Main Residency Match Results and Data report contains statistical tables and graphs for the Main Residency Match and lists by state and sponsoring institution every participating program, the number of positions offered, and the number filled.
Where can I find the most recent Specialties Matching Service Results and Data report?
The Specialties Matching Service Results and Data report features five-year trend data by specialty on number of programs, positions, and applicants as well as match rates.
Will only the program director have a username and password for a program or should coordinators have one also?
Accounts in the R3 system are individual, not program-specific. All user types including the program director and the program coordinator should have their own individual accounts.
Will the NRMP continue to require the use of ERAS application service for SOAP?
No. ERAS will be recognized and supported as one of the application services utilized for the submission of residency applications during SOAP.
As a U.S. senior, I’ve been offered a position outside the Main Residency Match®. What should I do?
NRMP policy states that if any of an institution’s programs participate in the Main Residency Match, all of the institution’s programs must offer positions to U.S. MD and U.S. DO senior students through the Main Residency Match or another national matching plan. Offering a position to a U.S. senior outside the Main Residency Match is a violation by for the program and should…
As an applicant, how long must I remain in my matched program?
Applicants who give notice of resignation, resign, or vacate a position within 45 days of the start date specified in the appointment contract are presumed to have breached NRMP policy unless they can demonstrate, through the NRMP waiver process, that they entered into the program in good faith and the NRMP determines they have a…
Can I apply to a different specialty during SOAP than I applied to during the regular Match season?
Yes, applicants can apply to a different specialty or specialties during SOAP.
Can I certify a blank rank order list?
If you did not receive any interviews or do not have any suitable programs to rank, you will not enter a rank order list. You will remain in Active status in the Match and can still participate in the Match and SOAP (in the Main Residency Match only) if you are eligible.
Can I make changes to my rank order list (ROL) after I have certified it?
Yes, you can make changes to an already certified ROL but, if changed, the list must be re-certified prior to the Rank Order List Certification Deadline for it to be used in the Match. You should not wait until the last minute to enter and certify your list. Technology glitches can occur and the ROL…
Can I offer a position to an applicant who has been released by the matched program? Can I release an applicant from my program?
Applicants and programs are not authorized to release each other from a binding commitment. As stated in the Match Participation Agreement, once a party has matched, or a position has been offered and accepted during SOAP®, a waiver of the binding commitment may be obtained only from the NRMP. Moreover, the Agreement also prohibits any program at a…
Can I participate in both the NRMP’s Main Residency Match® and CaRMS?
Yes, NRMP has an agreement with CaRMS that permits applicants to participate in both the Canadian and U.S. Matches. Under this agreement, mutual applicants matched in whichever country runs its match first are removed from the other organization’s match. In the 2025 Main Residency Match, the CaRMS Match results will be released first. NRMP will…
Can I rank multiple specialties?
Yes. The matching algorithm attempts to place you in the most preferred program possible, regardless of the specialty of the program, so be sure to rank programs in order of your true preference and not where you think you will match.
Can I view the List of Unfilled Programs if I did not register for a Match?
No. If you did not register for a Match prior to the applicable Rank Order List Certification Deadline, you will not have access to the List of Unfilled Programs. In addition, you cannot register after the deadline or the release of Match results to gain access to the List.
Can programs ask me to commit to a SOAP offer prior to the offer being extended to me through the R3 system?
No, program offers and applicant acceptances of unfilled positions during SOAP® can be executed only through the NRMP’s R3® system. It is a violation of the Match Participation Agreement for a program to suggest or inform an applicant that placement on the program’s SOAP preference list is contingent upon the applicant’s verbal or written statement of…
Can programs use more than one application service?
NRMP policy does not prohibit programs from utilizing more than one application service or process. NRMP will require programs to notify applicants, at the beginning of the application and recruitment season, which application service or process they intend to use for both Main Residency Match and SOAP.
Do I have to be ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) certified to participate in the Main Residency Match and SOAP?
No. You must be verified by the ECFMG as having completed the necessary requirements for ECFMG certification to participate in the Match and SOAP.
Do I have to have my NRMP ID to apply to programs through ERAS?
NRMP IDs are assigned when you register for a Match. Depending on the Match in which you are participating, applications may be sent to programs before the Match opens for registration. The NRMP ID is not a required field on the ERAS application. You can leave the field blank and submit your applications. Once registered…
Do I have to participate in the Match if I am applying to OB/GYN?
Yes. Regardless of the application process or service required by programs, applicants applying to OB/GYN will still participate in the Main Residency Match to obtain their residency positions.
Do I have to register for ERAS® or the application service designated by the program and NRMP to participate in the Match?
Most residency programs participating in the Main Residency Match and many fellowships participating in the Specialties Matching Service use the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS®) offered by the Association of American Medical Colleges® (AAMC). ERAS is a separate organization and thus requires a separate registration by applicants. You must register for both the application service designated by…
Do I need a supplemental rank order list?
Applicants participating in the Main Residency Match can submit a primary rank order list (ROL) with a combination of categorical, preliminary, and advanced programs. Those who rank advanced (PGY-2 level) programs on their primary ROLs also can submit supplemental ROLs of preliminary PGY-1 programs that are linked to one or more advanced programs on the…
Do I need a token to register for the NRMP?
To register for a Match, go to the R3 system and select either Register for Residency or Register for Fellowship Match, depending on the type of Match you are seeking. If you participated in a previous Match, you must re-register in the R3 system for each Match in which you participate.
Do I need to verify my students and graduates for participation in the Main Residency Match?
Medical school officials/administrators (SO/SA) are required to verify the graduation credentials of their students and prior-year gradautes to participate in the Main Residency Match and Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP). Credentials vertification is an important task: only students and graduates who are verified as eligible to enter graduate medical education (GME) on July 1…
Do programs have to disclose to applicants the application process they intend to use for the Main Residency Match and SOAP?
Yes, NRMP policy requires that all programs inform applicants about the specific application service(s) or process(es) they intend to use during the Main Residency Match and SOAP. In addition, the NRMP’s Registration, Ranking, and Results system (R3) requires Main Residency Match programs to identify all of the application services they will accept for the transition…
Do programs usually conduct interviews during SOAP?
Most programs will contact applicants by telephone or email and conduct brief telephone or video interviews. For applicants who may be local, in-person interviews may be offered.
Does the NRMP have any Match data or analytics to assist me in preparing for the Match?
Part of the NRMP’s mission is to develop and distribute data reports and publications that inform national conversations about the transition to residency and advance understanding of the matching process and outcomes. Therefore, we offer a variety of data and reports to assist applicants, program directors, medical school and program faculty, and others involved or…
During my interview, the program director asked me about other programs to which I had applied and how I plan to rank them. Must I provide that information?
No. You may volunteer information about where you have applied and how you plan to rank programs, but programs are prohibited from asking you to disclose the information. Any program that asks an applicant to disclose information about preference signals or the names, specialties, geographic location, or other identifying information about programs to which an…
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 feature that indicates whether an applicant has a binding commitment to another Match-participating program and whether the applicant has been denied a waiver or has a confirmed violation of the Match Participation Agreement. The Applicant Match History must be used by program directors and…
How do I know that my Rank Order List is certified and I am ready for the Main Residency Match?
You can see your Main Residency Match status by logging into the R3 system. If your User Status is Certified, your Fee Status is Paid, and your Verification Status is Verified, you are all set for the Match and there is nothing left to do.
How do I obtain a list of programs that do not participate with the NRMP?
NRMP does not maintain lists of programs that do not participate in our matching service.
How many applications do I get for the SOAP process?
The applications are not tied to rounds and, once an application is submitted, it can be considered by the programs during all rounds. The SOAP Offer Rounds indicate when offers are made, not when applications are reviewed by programs. NRMP is not an application service.
How many programs can I rank?
Rank Order Lists cannot exceed 300 ranks total. The Match registration fee includes the listing of up to 20 unique NRMP program codes on the primary rank order list (and in the Main Residency Match, up to 20 unique NRMP codes on all supplemental rank order lists combined). Additional ranks are $30 per rank for…
How will applicants who apply to OB/GYN during the algorithm phase of the Main Residency Match, and go unmatched, apply to programs during SOAP?
Applicants will utilize the application service or process designated by the specialty or the program. Any residency application service that supports programs participating in the Main Residency Match will work with the NRMP to establish and/or maintain a seamless exchange of applicant information so applicants are able to move through the Match Week and SOAP…
How will I know which application service to use if I register to participate in SOAP only?
Programs will be required to disclose to applicants, at the start of recruitment, the application service or process they will require for the Main Residency Match and Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP). The NRMP R3 system also will identify the program’s selections and expects programs to clearly communicate that information and make it readily…
How will I know which application service to use?
Main Residency Match programs are required to disclose to applicants, at the start of recruitment, the application service or process they will require for the Main Residency Match and Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP). Programs should consider how best to share their preferred application service or process to applicants at the start of the…
I am a partially-matched applicant or part of a couple where one partner is unmatched and one partner matched. Can I find out the geographic location where I matched?
Partially-matched applicants and couple applicants whose partner did not match will have the city, state, and zip code of their matched program provided on their Match Home page in the R3 system when the Match status notification is released on Monday of Match Week. Applicants who are fully matched will not have any location information…
I am the director of a PGY-1 only program. Can I ask about the advanced PGY-2 programs to which an applicant is applying so I can be sure the applicant ranks the correct PGY-1 track?
No. The prohibition on questions about other programs to which an applicant is applying pertains to all programs regardless of PGY level.
I did not Match to a position in the Main Residency Match when the matching algorithm was processed. What options do I have for Match Week?
Applicants who are partially matched or fully unmatched after the algorithm is processed can elect to participate in the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program to try an obtain a position in an unfilled program. Applicants also can choose not to participate in SOAP and pursue a non-clinical training position provided: The position sought is not…
I did not receive any interviews in the Main Residency Match. Do I need to enter a rank order list?
No, if you did not get any interviews or did not apply to any programs, you will not certify a rank order list. You will be unmatched when the Match results are released on Monday of Match Week and will have access to the List of Unfilled Programs if you are verified as eligible for…
I forgot to add my NRMP ID to my ERAS application. Can programs still find and rank me?
Yes. Programs have the ability to search for and rank you using AAMC ID, first and last name, and medical school in addition to the NRMP ID. They should not have a problem finding and ranking you by these other search criteria. Programs will typically reach out to either you or the NRMP if they…
I obtained a position in the Main Residency Match®, but I just learned that I will not graduate in time to begin training on July 1. What should I do?
The Match Participation Agreement states that applicants must meet ACGME® and institutional requirements prior to the start of training in order to be eligible for their matched positions. If you learn you are ineligible to honor your binding commitment, you must immediately submit to the NRMP a request for a waiver of your match commitment . You also…
I understand programs cannot ask about the geographic locations of programs to which applicants have or may apply or rank. Can program directors inquire about geographic regions?
No. The restriction on questions about applicants’ interviewing behaviors includes geographic region; however, programs can ask applicants why they are interested in the city or state where that program is located.
I’m applying to a specialty that offers the option of submitting preference signals to programs. Can a program I interview with ask me about the programs I might have signaled?
No. Programs are prohibited from asking applicants any information about the programs to which they have or may apply, and that includes whether the applicant submitted preferences signals. Program directors who ask for that information could be in violation of the Match Participation Agreement and the matter should be reported to the NRMP.
I’m ready to create my rank order list. Should I include all programs where I interviewed even if I’m not sure I want to train there?
The Match Participation Agreement you signed electronically when you registered for the Match 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…
I’ve been offered a position outside the Main Residency Match. What should I do?
NRMP policy states that if any of an institution’s programs participate in the Main Residency Match, all of the institution’s programs must offer positions to U.S. MD and U.S. DO senior students through the Main Residency Match or another national matching plan. U.S. medical school graduates and students and graduates of international medical schools can…
If I match to an advanced program on my primary rank order list (ROL), but do not match to one of the linked preliminary programs on my supplemental list, will the algorithm keep going down my list to match me to both position types?
No. If the algorithm has matched you to an advanced position on your primary ROL and is not able to match you to a preliminary position on your linked supplemental ROL, it will not keep going down your list. In that case, you are committed to the advanced position and must seek a qualifying first-year…
Is there a limit to the number of programs I can rank?
Up to 300 program codes can be listed on a rank order list. For rank order lists with 100 or more ranks, additional fees apply. Those fees are NOT REFUNDABLE if you certify a shorter list at a later time. View current fees. Keep in mind that if you have not interviewed at a program,…
Is there a separate registration for the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP)?
No, there is not a separate registration for the Main Residency Match and SOAP. You must be registered for the Match with the NRMP and verified as eligible to participate by the Rank Order List Certification Deadline to participate in the Main Residency Match and SOAP. There is not a SOAP process in the fellowship…
Login and Register Help
The Registration, Ranking, and Results® (R3®) system is the web-based software application through which all NRMP Matches are managed. The R3 system maintains the highest level of security and confidentiality and can be used with any computer with access to the Internet. To participate in a Match, users must create a unique username and password that…
Main Residency Match Applicant Checklist
Download the Main Residency Match Applicant Checklist
Should I rank all the programs at which I interviewed?
Rank only those programs where you are able and would be happy to train. Putting a program on your ROL creates a binding commitment if a match occurs, so review carefully each program’s eligibility requirements and the contract you will be expected to sign. You should receive that information from programs during the application/interview process.…
Should I rank preliminary programs on my primary rank order list?
You can rank preliminary programs on your primary rank order list to guard against going completely unmatched but do so with the knowledge that you may Match to a program with only one year of training. You don’t have to rank the preliminary programs on the primary rank order list unless that is your intention.…
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 and to start training in good faith (i.e., with the intent to complete the program) on the date specified in the appointment contract. For the Main Residency Match®, the same binding…
What does it mean if a program on my rank order list has the status of Withdrawn?
If the program has a status of Withdrawn that means it is no longer participating in the Match. You may want to confirm the program code to ensure it is correct. You do not have to change your rank order list. The algorithm will simply skip over that rank as if it were not there.
What does the acronym “SOAP” stand for?
SOAP is the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program. Positions left unfilled after the matching algorithm has been processed are offered to eligible applicants through the SOAP process.
What happens if I do not match to a position?
Next steps depend on whether you are participating in the Main Residency Match or a Fellowship Match.
What happens if I obtain a position and decide not to accept it? Can my program release me from my obligation to attend?
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. For the Main Residency Match®, the same…
What is a “partially-matched” applicant?
An applicant who matches to a PGY-1, preliminary or transitional year position only or to an advanced, PGY-2 position only would be considered partially matched. Partially-matched applicants should only apply to programs for which they are eligible during SOAP. SOAP-eligible partially matched applicants can access the List of Unfilled Programs in the NRMP’s R3 system under the…
What is a Joint Advanced/Preliminary program?
In a Joint A/P arrangement, applicants can only rank the joint preliminary PGY-1 program on a supplemental rank order list if that list is attached to the joint advanced PGY-2 program on the primary rank order list. Only applicants who rank the advanced program can rank the joined preliminary program, and only applicants who match to…
What is a supplemental rank order list?
An applicant participating in the Main Residency Match who is ranking advanced programs (PGY-2 programs that begin in the year after the Match), can submit supplemental rank order lists linked to the advanced programs on their primary rank order list. These supplemental lists will contain preliminary PGY-1 programs that the applicant would like to match…
Where can I find the most recent Main Residency Match Results and Data report?
The Main Residency Match Results and Data report contains statistical tables and graphs for the Main Residency Match and lists by state and sponsoring institution every participating program, the number of positions offered, and the number filled.
Will NRMP require a different registration for me if I use the OB/GYN application service?
At this time, no. The NRMP registration process will remain the same for all participants in the Match. Applicants and programs will continue to register separately for the application service and the Main Residency Match, regardless of the application service that is used. However, the NRMP and Liaison International are seeking ways in which these…
Will the NRMP continue to require the use of ERAS application service for SOAP?
No. ERAS will be recognized and supported as one of the application services utilized for the submission of residency applications during SOAP.
As a U.S. senior, I’ve been offered a position outside the Main Residency Match®. What should I do?
NRMP policy states that if any of an institution’s programs participate in the Main Residency Match, all of the institution’s programs must offer positions to U.S. MD and U.S. DO senior students through the Main Residency Match or another national matching plan. Offering a position to a U.S. senior outside the Main Residency Match is a violation by for the program and should…