The training comprises full-time placements in approved departments and a taught course. It lasts for at least six years on a full-time basis and comprises basic training of three years and advanced training for a further three years.  The placements include duty activities. The proposed placements organized by the interuniversity placement coordinators must be approved by the ministerial committee for geriatric specialization for the whole course or by the committee for internal medicine for the core subjects and subsequently the geriatrics committee for the three years of specialization. This enables specialization to be chosen at the end of the core subjects. However, the committee for geriatric specialization may approve a full plan for candidates who specialize from the outset.