ACE frequently asked questions

These FAQ's have been sourced from the Health Careers website.

We know this is your first time applying for your first job but thankfully we have been here before and know what you are thinking! We have prepared a few FAQ’s which may give the answer you are looking for. Got a question? Email us today for a direct reply.

1. What is ACE?
ACE stands for Advanced Choice of Employment and it is a collaborative recruitment scheme that assists applicants seeking for first year House Officer positions within the New Zealand health system.

2. How do I apply to ACE?
Visit www.acenz.net.nz and register for an account. You will have the opportunity to log in and amend details of your ACE application until the closing date.

3. What documents do I need to submit to take part in the ACE match?

  • Online ACE application form
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Three completed ACE referee report forms- - You will need to use the correct template for the 2011/12 intake. This can be found in the ‘documents’ section.
  • Certified hard copy or original copy of your most recent academic transcript
  • Certified hard copy of your residency documents - photo page of New Zealand passport, photo page of an overseas passport accompanied by the relevant visa page or New Zealand drivers licence accompanied by birth certificate or citizenship certificate.
  • Cover letter(s) (Optional)

4. Who can certify my documents?

You are also welcome to bring in the original documents to the ACE office to have the documents validated for the ACE process but ACE cannot legally certify documents.

5. Who can complete my ACE reference forms?
ACE reference forms can be completed by a Consultant, GP/Consultant Specialist. ACE only accepts references obtained from your 5th year and/or TI year placements where the referee has observed your skills in a clinical setting. Please note, we will only accept one from your fifth year.

6. How many ACE references can I submit onto my ACE application?
You may submit three references onto ACE. These need to be uploaded onto the application website (by TI or ACE Candidate Consultant). Should you choose to ask for more than three references, they can be added or deleted up until the closing date June 27. If you decide that you would like to remove or request a reference from another referee you can go online to do so.

7. Am I able to defer my start date?
Yes but all our DHBs would prefer it if you were able to start your employment on time. On your application form, you must give clear reasons as to why you would need to defer your start date.

8. What are the selection criteria that the DHBs use to rank the applicants?
ACE encourages the applicants to get in touch with the DHBs directly to find out about their selection criteria.

9. What happens if I am matched to a hospital I don’t want to work at?
There is a possibility that you can be matched to any of the DHBs you have ranked and as per the ACE principles, there is an expectation that you will accept the offer of employment at the hospital you are matched to. To minimise chances of this happening, please don’t rank hospitals you are not willing to accept a position with.

10. I’ve been matched to a DHB, what are the next steps?
If you have been successfully matched to a DHB through the ACE scheme, you will be sent an offer of employment letter by that DHB. After you have accepted the job offer, within seven days, the DHBs will liaise with you directly to organise further pre-employment documents.

11. I have not been matched to a DHB after the single match. What should I do?
ACE will continue to communicate with all the DHBs to identify additional first year House Officer Positions. ACE will also keep in touch with the unmatched applicants and will seek to assist where possible.

12. What are the important dates for the ACE scheme in 2011?
Please refer to the Important Dates page.