The Relevance of the CCM

By Agustin Diaz

Although certification is not required to give meteorological consulting, the decision to apply for certification was based on achieving professional competence by being graded by my peers. Aside from obtaining certification for supplemental income, it also would require me to continue to enhance my professional portfolio, which is necessary especially I do not engage in professional development on a regular basis.

Many meteorologists who have found full time employment, whether it is in the meteorology field or not may find themselves immersed in their work while forgetting to keep up with the latest research or simply forgetting to maintain the knowledge and skills they obtained at the university level. Since certification requires that the candidate complete examinations and submit samples of technical reports, this would require the candidate to “hit the books” once again, assuming the candidate has not maintained his or hers meteorological skills.

But even though the CCM has passed all the required examinations and has received their certification, the CCM is now required to maintain their skills by keeping a professional portfolio. If the CCM was unable to use his or her meteorological training before becoming certified, the portfolio assures that the CCM will continue to part of the meteorological community and possibly even contribute some knowledge that could be shared among the community. The continued professional development provides proof that the CCM is helping him or herself to feed his or her desire to maintain a level professional competence, which also serves to show that the CCM is not just “resting on their laurels”.

Aside from continuing to maintain a professional portfolio, having the CCM initials can give peace of mind to any person seeking professional meteorological consulting. The person can rest assured knowing that the information they are receiving is from a person who has gone through rigorous examinations to show that the consulting they are providing is to the best of her professional ability. The CCM also has an advantage over persons who give meteorological consulting but are not certified.

Many may find that upon receiving a degree and obtaining a job it is no longer necessary to keep up with their meteorological knowledge or be involved in the meteorological community. Applying for certification not only involves using what one has learned, but also requires that one maintains their level of knowledge through professional development. Not only does being a CCM give one the chance of earning a bit more pocket change, it also provides proof to those seeking consulting that the CCM has a established a high level of professional competency.