Certified Weather Observer. This certification is the means employed by the NWS to officially sanction the upper air, aviation weather, and visibility-only observations used in the preparation of forecasts and warnings, and the support of aviation operations. All certified observers and all candidates for certification must have distant vision, corrected if necessary, of not less than 20/30 in the better eye. It is recommended that candidates complete training courses before applying for this credential. Candidates must pass a written examination. Before taking the examination, individuals will demonstrate to the satisfaction of their supervisor or other designated certificated observer, the ability to take, record, encode, and disseminate timely and accurate weather observations in accordance with the practices and procedures established in the appropriate observing documents. Certification examinations will only be given to individuals whose duties include taking weather observations with the exception of certain NWS and FAA personnel who are involved in training or managing the observers or the program. More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.
Certified Weather Observer Website
