Registered Meteorologist (RMet)
Registered Meteorologist (RMet) is a professional qualification awarded by the Royal Meteorological Society for members pursuing a career in meteorology, or working in a role supporting meteorological services.
RMet is an accreditation aimed at early career professionals. It is ideal for meteorologists who seek professional accreditation, and can assist with further career development.
Although many professional meteorologists work in organisations with management structures and offices, the Society welcomes applications for RMet accreditation from individuals who work alone. In these circumstances, the requirements and procedures for the scheme may be adapted on a case-by-case basis to facilitate such applications whilst remaining within the spirit of the scheme as described here.
Resources
Requirements
All those working in the practice, application, advancement, support or teaching of meteorology can become accredited, subject to the appropriate combination of qualifications and experience.
Standard Requirements
- Knowledge in physics, chemistry, mathematics or geography up to university entrance level
- Knowledge of meteorological science and practice as specified in the BIP-MT*
- About three years practical experience in meteorological services
- Evidence that the RMet competencies are satisfied
- Ability to communicate clearly in English
Additionally:
- Membership of the Royal Meteorological Society
- Willingness to abide by the code of conduct
- Commitment to continued professional development
If you feel you are close to meeting the requirements above, or are not quite sure, then contact accreditation@rmets.org, for advice and guidance on how to proceed
*To access the WMO BIP-MT syllabus, click here (see Part III)
Application Process
There are four stages when completing your first application, followed by a renewal every two years.
A tailored framework allows you to easily record developmental activities. You can gradually build on this throughout your career to demonstrate your commitment to professional development
1. Completing the application
You must complete the application process using ACCSYS. You need to be a member of the Society to access ACCSYS.
The main parts of the application are recording your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities, appraisal of your career, and providing evidence for how you meet the 5 key competencies. Compiling your CPD record can take time, but do not be put off by the first step – once this part is complete, the remainder of the application takes only a few hours to complete.
2. Society evaluation
The Society will check your submission and will seek references from your nominated referees.
3. Workplace assessment
The Society will arrange for you to be assessed, usually at your place of work, by a panel of two or three assessors. If possible, at least one of these will be someone senior from your organisation who knows you and your work activities.
4. Decision
Following your assessment, your application will be considered and decided by the Society's Accreditation Board. On becoming a fully accredited meteorologist you will be issued a certificate, and will be able to use the post-nominals RMet after your name.
In general, accreditation takes approximately 4 months from receipt of your application to being granted an RMet.
5. Renewal
Every two years your CPD will need to be renewed. You can do this using our ACCSYS tool or simply keep detailed records yourself. The Society will contact you to request that you submit a CPD Report and the Accreditation Panel will review it. Once approved, you can continuing practising as a RMet.
Frequently Asked Questions
The application fee for RMet is £109.00. There is an annual renewal fee for RMet of £27.00.
If you are an RMet and would like to become a CMet, there is a fee to pay in addition to your annual subscription. Contact membership@rmets.org for further details.
To remain accredited, the renewal fee is due on an annual basis. You will also need to agree to the code of conduct annually, which can be done at the same time as fee payment. In terms of updating your record, CPD reports are required every 2 years.
The Society recognises the significant value in providing support to those on career breaks from their professional work in meteorology, (for example, for parental leave, a sabbatical or other reasons).
If this is expected to be more than eighteen months, Chartered and Registered Meteorologists may apply to be placed upon the Society’s Dormancy Register in order to allow them to remain connected with their professional background but with a reduced requirement to maintain CPD.
Accredited meteorologists are permitted to use post-nominals for a period of 2 years from the end of the period covered by the last acceptable CPD Report submitted regardless of when dormancy is applied for (unless ruled otherwise).
During absences exceeding 2 years, post-nominals cannot be used.
During a period of dormancy:
· The fees for Chartered Meteorologist (CMet) and Registered Meteorologist (RMet) are reduced to 50%
· The accredited meteorologist should keep up to date in the field so far as possible and log any CPD activity in ACCSYS. However, CPD Reports will not be requested whilst someone is on the Dormancy Register.
· There remains an expectation that within five years, a CPD report of sufficient standard will be submitted to the Society so that they are reinstated onto the RMet or CMet register.
Those on a career break of more than 5 years will be required to attend a professional interview (CMet) or Workplace Assessment (RMet) to confirm that they have sufficiently maintained their professional competence before full accreditation will continue.
The Council of the Royal Meteorological Society oversees the accreditation scheme and appoints an Accreditation Board (made up of at least 8 members) to manage it. The Accreditation Board is responsible to Council for recommending acceptance or rejection of an application.
A full list of specialisms recognised by the Society can be found in the resources section on the CPD page.
Register of Registered Meteorologists
Those who have successfully completed the application for Registered Meteorologist and continue to maintain the standard may use the appellation RMet as a measure of professional competence in meteorology.
A Register of all current Registered Meteorologists can be found here.