CBM---liars

[sean archer]

I think you CBM takers are lying to people here.
How can anyone memorize those crappy COMET pages? I mean, they are so NOT what we do as broadcasters.
They pick the most INSIGNIFIGANT details.
Yea...i got a 22%...
but there's no way any of you could answer just these 2 right.

Ageostrophic changes are best tracked with what to reveal jet streaks?


T/F your truncation error will be magnified if the resolution and grid spacing is has a higher horizontal axis.

these are WORD FOR WORD FROM MY EXAM,
I WRITE THEM ON MY SHOE.


BULL CRAP.
how could anyone study for these?!?!

[Golfball_Size_Hail]

I had many of the same questions, I studied off and on for 6 months. Yes, I went through the modules, among many other things. Perhaps, you were not as well prepared as you should have been. Good luck next time!

[MI_Wxman]

Since you said it first "they are so NOT what we do as broadcasters."

What does a broadcaster do?
Or better yet - what are [YOUR] expectations as a broadcast meteorologist?

[PTP WX]

They pick the most INSIGNIFIGANT details.
Yea...i got a 22%...

BULL CRAP.
how could anyone study for these?!?!

My first impression is you are FLAMING and trying to start a CBM fight on-line. On second thought, even if you are, about 250 people have passed the CBM exam..... sooooo, obviously somebody CAN study for these questions.

22% on a multiple choice is WORSE than picking "B" for every answer.

[sean archer]

That's crap.
There were something like 20-30 TRUE FALSE.
I also notice, that no one can actually ANSWER those
questions.
Those comets are unwatchable.
Half have those tiny numbers on the left.
Some do not play in thr correct order.
They explain nothing and shove it in your face.
And i printed the "AMS GLOSSARY"...
955 pages so far, and still printing.
I can't believe anyone can memorize all this.

[cochy]

I don't know, the test was exactly what I thought it would be like. There were about 3 questions in which I had no idea what the answer was. About 20-30 where I had flags... meaning I wasn't 100% sure and I wanted to go back and read.

It takes months to study for this exam adequately... moreso if you don't have a degree in meteorology or had a horrible time in school. If your meteorological background (as in the actual science) is fuzzy, take a few months and go over each and every section carefully. Someone on here had posted that EVERYTHING on that exam is somewhere on that online study guide and they are 100% correct.

Hopefully next time you will do better. It isn't an easy exam. I graduated college 2 years ago (Meteorology/Math) with excellent grades and I am 99% sure I couldn't pass that exam without studying.

[WXDUDE]

I studied off/on for about a month. Went over the COMET modules in subject areas I felt were not my strong points. Breezed through other sections of the AMS study guide and did a "brush up" on a lot of the basics. My degree wasn't in meteorology. I passed. Maybe they changed the test since I took it, but something isn't right if you only received a score of 22%. Is this really even a real post?

[PTP WX]

That's crap.
There were something like 20-30 TRUE FALSE.
I also notice, that no one can actually ANSWER those
questions.
Those comets are unwatchable.
Half have those tiny numbers on the left.
Some do not play in thr correct order.
They explain nothing and shove it in your face.
And i printed the "AMS GLOSSARY"...
955 pages so far, and still printing.
I can't believe anyone can memorize all this.

Say 25 T or F questions you should get half of those by guessing, say 12

The rest of the test is multiple choice so you got about 10 out of 75

Again, about 250 people have passed (OVER 75%)

When a question is answered incorrectly most of the time it is rewritten or changed.

Most people don't memorize the whole test, they have learned it in college, they just study and refresh things. I'm sorry you feel it was too tough.

[fairskies]

I too felt a bit overwhelmed when I first glanced over the study guide...but I agree with the others...you have to put in the time to study. I must admit that when I first heard about the changes with the AMS moving to the CBM I wasn't sure if I liked the idea, but I think it's a good thing. I spent years earning my meteorology degree along with the math and some of the other things that some might say we don't use everyday in our forecasts. To me those "extra" things are exactly the kinds of important tidbits that raise the bar for broadcast forecasting. It's tough...and the test is tough, but if you focus and due your due diligence...then you can pass this exam. I don't mean to sound too uptight, but I just felt the need to express....

[WadaWed]

I have ADD...if a doorbell rings or American Idol comes on, I'm screwed.

LOL! ;-)

[Mayhem]

I don't buy it. I studies all of Haby's Hints, went over the COMET modules I was weakest with and took 4 weeks to prepare. I got an 88%.
And let's just say my GPA was close to my BAL than a 4.0 in college.
I don't buy the original post at all.

[sean archer]

I'll admit, I didn't study the COMETs at all.
But I have earned my degree 10 years ago.
Weekend Met. NBC station.
I missed almost all of the T/F and then paniced.

Those Comets are crap.
And the layout is brutal, they don't even have a "Next" button.

I swear 60 questions were useless in my job.

[Backscatter]

No way this is real. Seriously... no way.

What tipped me off??

...Printing 995 pages of the AMS glossary and still printing.

Nobody on Earth would be going on their THIRD ream of paper printing something so ridiculous.

Sorry man... but who are you?

[SureFireWeather]

Sean,

I really thought it was a reasonable test. It was not easy, and I invested hundreds of hours into studying for it. I'm not trying to call you out, but I think its important to study the COMET modules.

I wouldn't say you should 'memorize' the COMET modules, but learn the concepts. (Learning concepts is much easier to me than memorization.)

For four and a half months leading up to the exam, I studied every part of the study guide EXCEPT FOR the AMS Glossary. That would be a very long task, A to Z.

I was entirely honest in my posts about the exam -- and I have no reason to believe that anyone who says they passed were lying.

If you have a college degree in meteorology and if you study thoroughly for the exam, you should have *no problem* passing the exam. It's not easy, but neither is the process of becoming a meteorologist. Think back to atmospheric dynamics in college.

[MI_Wxman]

I'll admit, I didn't study the COMETs at all.
But I have earned my degree 10 years ago.
Weekend Met. NBC station.
I missed almost all of the T/F and then paniced.

Those Comets are crap.
And the layout is brutal, they don't even have a "Next" button.

I swear 60 questions were useless in my job.

Sean,
Where did you graduate and what was your degree in?

[SureFireWeather]

Sean,

If you're interested in how some of us prepared for the exam, there is some discussion on it at this link....

http://openline.medialine.com/showthread.php?t=18599

I haven't heard anyone say that they worked through the AMS glossary A to Z.

Even a "reasonable test" has a few very difficult questions, along with a few very easy ones. I studied for 4 1/2 months -- and got a 90%. I'm the kind of guy who has to 'work for it' -- since academics don't always come naturally.

I think the initial post is fake, or a frustrated overexaggeration.

[isentropic00downglide]

i didn't study 1 minute

took it while hung over


got a 94


ok, i made that up

[SureFireWeather]

Awesome!

[Golfball_Size_Hail]

I actually enjoy the comet modules, and if you have a degree, I think you should understand all of the underlying material they're giving you. Was your degree in Meteorology?

[qryche]

I took the exam over a year ago.

If you have a degree, and you actually regularly forecast weather and use what you learned for a living...not "rip n' read"...you should be able to go into the exam cold and score at least a 70%. A lot of it was rather basic weather principles/common trivia. Yes, you need a 75% to pass...so it pays to brush up on your weaknesses and the "station scientist" stuff...but this isn't rocket science...IT'S METEOROLOGY! Several answers were just common sense, if you stopped, took a breath, and thought about it.

If anyone actually received a 22%, they either have severe test anxiety and need to see Dr. Phil, or they have one of those meteorology degrees they found via infomercial.

[From the Right]

I'm not a "degreed met" but I passed on the first try. Here's the catch....I studied and studied hard. You've got to hit EVERYTHING on the AMS study guide because I believe EVERY question comes directly from that study guide. I didn't go through the AMS glossary, quite frankly, that's ridiculous to waste the time going through a dictionary. The terms/concepts are covered in the comet modules.

I made studying for the exam my job for months. I spent days off at the library and virtually every free moment going over material. It paid off but I put in the effort. The test is difficult but fair.

I'm not a "fan" of the AMS. I think the "new seal" and it's requirements in effect change the rules in the middle of the game for some. Just because someone earned the original seal in 2006, shouldn't make them any different than someone with the seal in 2000 but many are excluded because of their academic resume. I think that's wrong. If you're smart enough to be eligible and earn the original AMS seal you should have a shot, for a reasonable amount of time, to earn the "new seal." In my opinion, everyone with the original AMS seal should have been grandfathered in then the old seal program should have been ended. This isn't the case. (this is really a debate for another time, I'll climb off the soapbox).

Bottom line....study the study guide from top to bottom, inside and out and there's no reason someone with a reasonable meteorology background can't pass first time.

[Cumulo-nimbus]

I'm not a "fan" of the AMS. I think the "new seal" and it's requirements in effect change the rules in the middle of the game for some. Just because someone earned the original seal in 2006, shouldn't make them any different than someone with the seal in 2000 but many are excluded because of their academic resume. I think that's wrong. If you're smart enough to be eligible and earn the original AMS seal you should have a shot, for a reasonable amount of time, to earn the "new seal." In my opinion, everyone with the original AMS seal should have been grandfathered in then the old seal program should have been ended. This isn't the case. (this is really a debate for another time, I'll climb off the soapbox).

I couldn't agree with you more. Some folks who graduated around the time these changes were going on will forever be excluded from the CBM. Rightfully so? Probably not.

[Schwenneker]

If it's real, good for you for at least taking it once. Now you know your weaknesses, study up on those areas, and try again. You get three chances. That's what I did.

I took it cold to see where I stood, and didn't pass (got a 74). But it showed me what I needed to focus on. Studied for a couple weeks, went back, and passed. You can do it!

[wx or not]

I couldn't agree with you more. Some folks who graduated around the time these changes were going on will forever be excluded from the CBM. Rightfully so? Probably not.

Would I like to get my CBM? Do I feel that my old AMS should be replaced? Yes to both questions. However, I'm older, have a family, work several shifts, and little time to even contemplate my next thought. A grandfathered new seal is not the answer, as I could not compete on the same level as new grads. I don't know what the answer is; I just don't have time to think about it that much...

[IA Met]

Sorry to be harsh here, but if you only scored 22% it may be time to reasses the ol' career a little bit.

If people are serious about this exam, then I suggest bucking up the $45 to just go take it. You might be surprised.

I was 10 years removed from school when I took it. I did not study. I took it solely to find out just how bad the exam was.

I passed with an 80% grade the first time. Maybe I was just lucky, but I found it to be a very fair exam. There were a few questions that were "out there" but that should be expected in a 100 question exam. I would suggest studying any areas that you don't use regularly. For example, if you live in Minnesota you might want to study up on tropical stuff.

Worst case scenario, you don't pass. But you get a print out of how you did in each key area. So you know what to go back and brush up on.

I think the anxiety and angst over this exam is really unfounded. If you know your stuff, you should do fine. That's what this is all about.

[sleet10]

Got to think this is a fake post. 22%, don't think so. Anyway, this has come up several times and I agree with most post. This is a fair exam. For all you posters, I have been out of school (college grad) for 35 years, I studied the modules for about 20 hours, brushed up on what I had forgotten, forget the dictionary, one should already know the definitions, it is not brain science. As mentioned in many posts, there will be a few questions that you will have no idea what the answer is, I think this is so no one gets a 100%, true false easy, hell guessing should get a least half right. With a good background in meteorology one should be able to pass on the first or second time with ease.

As for the grads coming out, if you have a degree (4 year of equivalent in a science field) you will qualify to take the test.

Lets put it this way, if an old f**t like me can go in a pass on the first try after all the years out of school, most everyone should be able to pass, if not, just maybe one should not be in the field, broadcast or otherwise. Enough of my rant. Still think it is a fake post.

[Bob Sakamano]

Ask yourself WHY do want the seal in the first place? Is it because your station demands you take it? There are only a handful of reasons why people get a seal (any of them) to begin with.

- Station demands it
- To get a better job or have a notch ahead of the competition
- To better ones self due to some sort of insecurity
- Because they are a complete nerd (okay, we all are), and love taking tests

There are a handful that do it for the former and a handful for the latter. I think that most people do it because they believe it will help them get a better job and some do it because they get woody for having it.

I am 100% eligible to get the CBM, but choose not to, because I just don't have the time to study for it. I got the old AMS seal to having something under my belt in case I decide to leave my current employer and it does feel good to have it. But, the AMS seal, BM, and NW seals don't make on a better forecaster and they don't make one stupid. And, unless I start seeing job ads that say "BM only," I have no plans of getting it. I have thought about going to take the test without studying just to see how bad it is, but it just isn't important to me.

I have said this before and I'll say it again...there will come a time when managers start cutting un-necessary things from their budget and seals will be the first to go. The public does not know what they are and they don't care. We could probably say that about a lot of things in TV. ;)

In any event, don't stress out over not passing the BM. If it is important to you, great, study as you have time and re-take the test. But, life is too short to worry over this. There is always the NW, which IMHO, is a better organization for Broadcast Meteorologists.

[cochy]

The AMS is going to continue to put out new "seals" and crap to get more money. I think it's obvious. You release the AMS seal. Ok. Cool. You take $300+ bucks from a bunch of on-air mets. A decade goes by and you're going to need more "juice" from your "dedicated" members, right? So what do they do? CBM time. More money for them. It's all $$$ here.

Sadly, this business has been practically overtaken by the AMS. It's powerful. How many times do you see a job post with "AMS Seal required." Allllll the time. A lot of folks won't even give you a chance without it.

[TAFKA wacowx]

Sadly, this business has been practically overtaken by the AMS. It's powerful. How many times do you see a job post with "AMS Seal required." Allllll the time. A lot of folks won't even give you a chance without it.

I have gotten far in job interviews without having a seal...yes, even in jobs that supposedly 'require' a seal. If you have a good tape/DVD send it and you will see. AMS really means little in the grand scheme of things. Sure there are a few markets where a seal may be required, but in 95% of the markets no one cares...certainly not the viewers.

I also think the original post was fake. IF the person was only guessing and had no knowledge of weather at all, then MAYBE a 22% would be possible. Any met should be able to get at least a 50% at the minimum...even with guessing.

[kmfdmatt]

Think about it from an ironic standpoint for a moment. The CBM was created because some people WOULD fail it.

[cochy]

I have gotten far in job interviews without having a seal...yes, even in jobs that supposedly 'require' a seal. If you have a good tape/DVD send it and you will see. AMS really means little in the grand scheme of things. Sure there are a few markets where a seal may be required, but in 95% of the markets no one cares...certainly not the viewers.


Well, that's good to know. I have a misconception then. I'm only on my first job and feel that without the AMS Seal or CBM, you really can't get to certain markets (top 20-30). I would hope that most places do exactly as you said: awesome tape overrides having a seal. Frankly, I've seen people with seals that are far worse than others without em. I think it's safe to say that viewers have no idea what the heck that little "AMS" square logo means (unless ppl promote it).

[From the Right]

[QUOTE=TAFKA wacowx;321918]I have gotten far in job interviews without having a seal...yes, even in jobs that supposedly 'require' a seal. If you have a good tape/DVD send it and you will see. AMS really means little in the grand scheme of things. Sure there are a few markets where a seal may be required, but in 95% of the markets no one cares...certainly not the viewers.
QUOTE]

This is good to hear but it's not been my experience at all. My current station would not consider a non-sealed meteorologist. In fact, our ND specifically looks for CBM now and we're not what I would consider an "intense" weather market.

Guess at the end of the day you may be able to get a job without the seal but for me, having the seal is just 1 less way to be knocked out of the running. I think it's absurd but my personal experience prior to having the AMS seal was not positive with regard to finding a job above a market 60.