Kevin Carter of WTOV9 has earned the American Meteorological Society's Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) designation, a professional recognition of the quality of his weather broadcasts.

Among radio and television meteorologists, the CBM designation is sought as a mark of distinction and recognition.

The AMS grants the CBM designation to broadcast meteorologists who meet established criteria for scientific competence and effective communication skills in their weather presentations. The CBM is a new program, launched in January 2005 as an upgrade to the Society's Seal of Approval program.

"The Society's Certified Broadcast Meteorologist designation clearly recognizes that the holders have the educational background and have been tested in their knowledge and communication of the sciences needed to be an effective broadcast meteorologist," said AMS Executive Director Keith Seitter. "The general public can have added confidence in the quality and reliability of weather presentations made by broadcast meteorologists approved by the Society."

Only 236 meteorologists have earned the black and gold seal, the highest level of certification awarded by the American Meteorological Society.

"It doesn't mean my forecasts are going to be any better than they used to be. It's just the way that the AMS has to let people know at least I should know what I'm talking about. But, again, weather being weather, you are only as good as your last forecast. That's why I just keep working and try to get that last one right," Carter said.

To earn the CBM, broadcasters must hold a degree in meteorology or equivalent from an accredited college or university, pass a rigorous written examination, and have their on-air work reviewed to assess technical competence, informational value, explanatory value and communication skills.

In addition to the initial educational and test requirements, CBMs have to earn professional development points in order to maintain their certification. These points can be earned by attending scientific seminars or meetings and similar activities.

The AMS is the nation's largest professional society for those in the atmospheric and related sciences. The society, founded in 1919, has more than 11,000 members around the world.

For more information on the Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) Program, go to www.ametsoc.org .