As the AMS moves into its second century and expands the scope of its efforts to serve the weather, water, and climate community, our sciences and the broader public good, constituencies may wish to advocate for the Society to sponsor certifications reflecting technical qualifications and standards outside the scope of the current AMS certification programs.
AMS welcomes proposals for new certification programs that would be of interest to the weather, water, and climate community. New certification proposals are reviewed by the AMS Commissioner of Professional Affairs and forwarded to AMS Council for approval. Submitters will be required to include the following information in their proposal:
Motivation or need for certification in the professional area(s) in which proposed recipients of the certification work.
Value proposition of the certification for individual AMS members and broadly to the AMS.
The extent to which award of the certification and performance of relevant work in the professional context requires a basic competency in meteorology/atmospheric science.
If a basic competency in meteorology/atmospheric science is not required as a qualification, provide a defense regarding how the certification is within the scope of AMS as defined by the Constitution, By-laws and Strategic Goals. For instance, the certification might be argued to qualify as a related science discipline such as hydrology.
Identify the sponsoring Committee(s) or corresponding Commission, or other recognized AMS body.
Provide strong rationale for AMS sponsorship of the new professional certification including a detailed evaluation of how/why existing certification credentials internal or external to the AMS are inadequate, inappropriate or otherwise unsuitable.
Describe the functions, type of work or services an individual holding the new certification would be qualified to perform and what type of work would be out of scope.