NWA vs. AMS

[cochy]

AMS always seems to win. All you see when looking for a job is "AMS Seal highly desired." Not many include NWA or say either/or. Why does the news business have less respect for the NWA? It's stupid. I think it should change. Thoughts?

[Stormtracker_Tony]

I think it has more to do with what the seals from these groups stand for, rather than how good the group is...Many have said on this forum that they believe NWA is a better organization, however the NWA seal is commonly known as a "weathercaster" seal while the AMS is known as a "Meteorology" seal....That can go into a whole different can of worms..

Jeff Haby explains how the AMS seal is considered "more significant"...

http://www.theweatherprediction.com/habyhints/280/

[cochy]

Interesting... so is the NWA exam much easier than the CBM exam? I'm curious.

[SureFireWeather]

Interesting... so is the NWA exam much easier than the CBM exam? I'm curious.

I have yet to take the CBM -- and I'm not sure if I'll ever take the NWA, but I've heard from several sources that the NWA is significantly easier than the CBM.

I've heard several people say that a meteorologist should be able to wander into the NWA test and pass it with flying colors.... while the CBM is something that someone with a decent academic background should really study for.

[Bob Sakamano]

The NWA recently made changes to their exam and from what I understand it is a little harder. The NWA isn't out to kill you or to make it so hard that you will never pass. They do want to make sure you know your stuff. Let's remember that the NWA has always had an exam, while the AMS only had a tape review until the CBM came along. I think that as budgets get tighter, very few shops are going to continue to shell out hundreds of dollars every year for group memberships, conferences, seal fees. It really gets ridiculous after a while.

[sleet10]

Can't speak for the NWA test, but I do know a few weather people with no formal meteorological education pass the NWA test (they have their seal, and more power to them) would have very little chance of passing the AMS CBM test. How do I know, I have the CBM and passed the test on the first go around and it does require a good meteorological knowledge. Now, with good background knowledge of meteorology and a little studing (the modules you have forgotten or need to brush up in) you should have little problem passing the CBM. It can be technical, but it is not difficult, so if you are thinking about taking it and your station will pay for it (mine does and they do appreciate it and promote it) GO FOR IT.

[Schwenneker]

I have always felt that the members have a better working relationship, especially between the operational and broadcast folks. It's been my experience that many operational folks in the AMS just tolerate their broadcast brethren as some sort of 'necessary evil'.

One note about the test, at least the NWA gives everyone a chance to prove their worth. I have a great met in my shop, a MSU grad. She does a better job forecasting than one or two four year folks I've known. She will never be given the opportunity to take the test, because of cutoff date.

Post your can of worms graphics now...

[TT82]

That's kind of the position I'm in... I knew nothing about the two (or 3 now) seals before starting the MSU program. I passed the program in August and now I would like to work on getting my seals. I can get the AMS and NWA seals, but I'll never be able to get the CBM because I will miss the 'grandfather' cutoff date.

It's not like I can go back to get a 4-year meteorology degree. Where would I go? How would I be able to work while doing it? It's not possible. Had I known about the CBM before I started MSU, I might have finished my communications degree and then spent a little more money and went for a meteorology degree somewhere.

Now I'm kinda stuck between a rock and a hard place. So, I rhetorically ask... "What can you do?"

[DW]

Ok, what is the difference between this: http://www.ametsoc.org/amscert/amssealweb.jpg
and this: http://www.ametsoc.org/amscert/amscertweb.gif

[Bob Sakamano]

Ok, what is the difference between this: http://www.ametsoc.org/amscert/amssealweb.jpg
and this: http://www.ametsoc.org/amscert/amscertweb.gif


The colors and perhaps a few egos. :p Okay, I'm kidding.

I saw one shop change the color of the traditional ams seal from blue to gold. I didn't think that was allowed.

[Brick]

Ok, what is the difference between this: http://www.ametsoc.org/amscert/amssealweb.jpg
and this: http://www.ametsoc.org/amscert/amscertweb.gif

a 100 question test and your college transcript...sort of...

[Cumulo-nimbus]

The colors and perhaps a few egos. :p Okay, I'm kidding.

I saw one shop change the color of the traditional ams seal from blue to gold. I didn't think that was allowed.

The only regulations regarding this on the AMS web site:

"The Seal of Approval logo may not be displayed as gold or yellow text on a dark background."

I've seen several shops that have a gold AMS seal.

[Bob Sakamano]

The only regulations regarding this on the AMS web site:

"The Seal of Approval logo may not be displayed as gold or yellow text on a dark background."

I've seen several shops that have a gold AMS seal.


That's what I was remembering. Thanks, cumulo! :rockon: