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 each year. 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
Each year your CPD will need to be reviewed. Simply just keep your CPD records up-to-date throughout the year. This makes it easy to generate a CPD report at the time of renewal. The panel will review it, and confirm if you can continuing practicing as a RMet.
Frequently Asked Questions
The application fee for RMet is £101.00. There is an annual renewal fee for RMet of £25.00.
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, you will be invited to submit a CPD report each year to show you are maintaining the standard of an RMet. You will also need to agree to the code of conduct annually, which can be done at the same time as you pay your RMet renewal fee.
If you take a career break (e.g. for parental leave or other reasons) for more than six months, you may apply to be placed upon the RMet Dormancy Register. During this period, you maintain a reduced CPD record to show that you are keeping up to date in your field and expect within five years to submit this record to the Society to be reinstated as an RMet. During this period, your annual renewal payment is reduced but you cannot use the post-nominal RMet.
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.