How to Apply for Accreditation in Seven Easy Steps
Step 1. If this is a subspecialty, determine whether it is dependent or independent .
Dependent Subs:
Dependent subspecialty programs are required to function in conjunction with an accredited specialty program and are usually reviewed conjointly with the specialty program. The continued accreditation of the subspecialty program is dependent on the specialty program’s maintaining its accreditation. The dependent subspecialty program must be sponsored by the same ACGME-accredited sponsoring institution, and should be geographically proximate. In those cases where a dependent subspecialty program is located in a specialized institution, the requirements pertaining to sponsorship and relationship to the core specialty program may be waived by the Review Committee (RC).
The following core specialties have dependent subspecialties:
Anesthesiology
Emergency Medicine
Family Medicine
Internal Medicine
Neurology (except child Neurology)
Otolaryngology
Radiology-Diagnostic
Pediatrics
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Plastic Surgery
Psychiatry (except Child and Adolescent Psychiatry)
Preventive Medicine
Urology
If this is an application for a dependent subspecialty (a subspecialty of one of the specialties listed above), confirm that your sponsor also sponsors an accredited program in that core specialty. Then, proceed to step 2.
Independent Subs:
An independent subspecialty program is not directly related to, or dependent upon, the accreditation status of a core specialty program.
If this is an application for an independent subspecialty, please proceed to step 2.
Step 2.
Review the accreditation requirements
There are two sets of requirements that each accredited program must comply with: the institutional requirements : Institutional Requirements (PDF)
and the specialty program requirements:
Select from the drop down list below to access your specialty program requirements page:
If you believe your institution and program meet these requirements, then continue to step 3.
Step 3.
Determine the deadline for submission
Specialties that don't require site visits:
The following subspecialties do not require site visits for application reviews:
Anesthesiology subspecialties Dermatology subspecialties Diagnostic Radiology subspecialties Emergency Medicine subspecialties Family Medicine subspecialties Internal Medicine subspecialties Medical Genetics subspecialties Neurology subspecialties Orthopaedic Surgery subspecialties
Pathology subspecialties
Pediatrics subspecialties
Psychiatry subspecialties
For the specialties above, the application is due approximately two months before the meeting. The meeting and agenda closing dates are listed on the RC’s webpage.
Specialties that require site visits:
All cores and any subspecialties not listed above require site visits before the RC reviews the application: The ACGME assigns a high priority to the processing of new applications; however, programs should expect the process to take as long as twelve months for programs requiring a site visit, since site visit schedules are set a minimum of four months in advance of the date of the visit, and t he site visit report must then be received by the RC office two months before the RC meeting for it to be reviewed on that meeting's agenda. You can see a list of RC meeting dates online:
(Note: If this is an application for Internal Medicine or an Internal Medicine subspecialty, please contact an Internal Medicine administrator (see Step 7) for the deadline for a particular meeting.)
Step 4. Complete the PIF Application Form
Locate the specific application form (program information form) on your specialty's webpage:
Select from the drop down list below to access your specialty PIF page:
Note that each subspecialty has a unique application form different from the core specialty's form; please make sure you have the right form. Also, make sure it is the “For New Applications Only” form.
Each form will include specific instructions about how many copies to send, what attachments to include, and, if applicable, what to have ready for the site visitor. After the application form is complete and signed by the program director, proceed to step 5.
Step 5.
Submit the completed application form to your GMEC for approval.
Before the RC will review your application, it must be approved by your own Graduate Medical Education Committee (GMEC). Identify your institution's Designated Institutional Official (DIO) and send the application form to that person's office. Your DIO may ask you to make some changes before it can be sent in. Once your DIO approves and signs the form, it is ready to be sent to the RC.
Step 6.
Send the completed, GMEC-approved application form to the RC.
The address for the RC is on the application form. Do not attach the application fee; the sponsoring institution will be invoiced after the application is processed. The program director and DIO will be notified when your application has been received.
The program director and DIO will be e-mailed the week after the meeting with the RC's decision, and a detailed notification letter will follow within 60 days.
The RC has three options:
Initial Accreditation: The RC approves the application, and the effective date is the beginning of the academic year in which the application was received.
Propose Withhold: The RC determines that the proposed program would not be in compliance with accreditation requirements. The program may then submit a rebuttal, to be reviewed at the next RC meeting.
Defer for a site visit: If this is an application for a subspecialty that does not require a site visit, the RC may schedule one before making their decision.
If you have further questions at this point, RC staff are available and happy to assist
– please see step 7 below.
Step 7.
Contact your RC staff.
Each specialty is reviewed by a particular RC, and each RC has staff ready to assist you with all your application questions.
Select from the drop down list below to download your specialty staff contacts document:
