There is no "meteorologist" license or certification. Also, there is no professional "college" or government certification board. Instead, your Bachelor's degree in ATSC (or higher degree) is your qualification.
Nonetheless, various organizations have produced guidelines for university education as a meteorologist / atmospheric scientist. Here are the most relevant ones.
Guide to the Implementation of Education and Training Standards in Meteorology and Hydrology, volume I – Meteorology. World Meteorological Organization (WMO) - WMO, 2015 (2015 edition; WMO-No. 1083).
1. Intro:
learn physical principles,
apply that knowledge to solve problems via scientific reasoning,
2. Foundation topics in mathematics, physics and complementary subjects
2.1 Mathematics
2.2 Physics
2.3 Complementary subjects
Other sciences: CHEM, OCGY, Hydrology, GEOG, or Ecology
Communications (oral & written) & teamwork
Data analysis & utilization: programming, data processing, accessing libraries and databases, GIS, publishing results
3. Topics in atmospheric sciences
3.1 Physical
3.1.1 Atmospheric composition, radiation and optical phenomena
3.1.2 Thermodynamics and cloud physics
3.1.3 Boundary-layer meteorology and micrometeorology
3.1.4 Conventional observations and instrumentation
3.1.5 Remote sensing
3.2 Dynamic meteorology
3.2.1 Atmospheric dynamics
3.2.2 Numerical weather prediction
3.3 Synoptic and mesoscale meteorology
3.3.1 Mid-latitude and polar weather systems
3.3.2 Tropical weather systems
3.3.3 Mesoscale weather systems
3.3.4 Weather observation, analysis and diagnosis
3.3.5 Weather forecasting
3.3.6 Service delivery
3.4 Climatology
3.4.1 Global circulation, climates and climate services
** The UBC ATSC Undergrad Advisor can provide you with a statement of equivalency if needed. For example: CHEM 304-Thermodynamics is equivalent to a physics course.
==> Note that ECCC is considering revised wording of the qualifications for a job as a meteorologist. As of 31 Oct 2023, here is the current draft (which is still being edited, and has NOT yet been approved by ECCC management):
The prerequisite mathematics, physics, and chemistry course work should be consistent with that required for other physical science and engineering majors. The physics coursework must be calculus-based.
a. Prerequisites
Mathematics
Differential and integral calculus
Vector and multivariable calculus
Physics (calculus based)
Fundamentals of mechanics
Thermodynamics
Computer Skills
Introductory programming and coding course
Chemistry
At least one semester of introductory chemistry
b. Required skills and competencies
Scientific computing and data analytics
Data analysis, modeling, and visualization to make inferences about and analyze the atmosphere
Application of numerical and statistical methods to atmospheric science problems
Scientific software development in a suitable computing environment[1]
Exposure to commonly used programming tools within the atmospheric sciences (e.g., Python, MATLAB, R, NCL, FORTRAN, and IDL), and practices of open-source software development and FAIR data principles
Oral, written, and multimedia communication
Effective communication of scientific information, both formally and informally, with a wide variety of audiences ranging from a technical audience to the general public, including social media
Discussion and interpretation of weather and climate processes, past and current events, and forecasts through multiple modes (e.g., oral presentation, written weather analysis or forecasting report, video recording of weather discussion)
Creation and delivery (oral and visual) of a scientific presentation and a written scientific report
c. Required Topics in Atmospheric Science
In that the atmosphere is a fluid, the following topics should be covered within coursework:
Governing equations The importance of spatial and temporal scales in determining the nature of fluid motions
Dynamical balances
Waves
Instabilities, and growth and decay mechanisms
Structure and evolution of polar, tropical, and mid-latitude weather systems across spatial and temporal scales
Application of the principles of fluid motion to understand and predict atmospheric circulation systems
Clouds and storms
Synoptic and mesoscale weather systems
The general circulation of the atmosphere and its interaction with climatological processes on a variety of spatial and temporal scales
In that the atmosphere is a physical and chemical system, the following topics should be covered:
Energy transfers within the atmosphere and across its boundaries by radiation, convection, turbulence, and advection, and the implications of these transfers for weather and climate
Processes that produce clouds and precipitation
Air pollution and pollution dispersal
Atmospheric chemistry and aerosol systems
Chemical composition, distribution, and evolution
Natural and anthropogenic sources of atmospheric constituents
In that climate is an integral component of the Earth system, the following topics should be covered:
Global energy balance and the general circulation of the atmosphere and ocean
Phenomena resulting from this coupled system including El Niño–Southern Oscillation, the Gulf stream, and monsoons
Causes of climate change, including anthropogenic emissions, volcanic eruptions, and natural variability; climate change impacts; climate policy; and climate modeling
Hydrologic and biogeochemical cycles
In that knowledge of the atmosphere derives from measurements, the following topics should be covered:
Principles of measurement and uncertainty
In situ observations
Active and passive remote sensing (especially radar and satellite measurements)
Statistical analysis of observations
Familiarity with emerging technologies for data acquisition
In that weather and climate information is vital to address societal needs, the following topics should be addressed:
Making weather forecasts
Principles of numerical weather prediction (data assimilation, forecast, statistical and machine-learning based postprocessing, and dissemination)
How climate predictions and projections are made
Communication of forecasts, forecast uncertainty, and resultant outcome risks to users
Weather and climate impacts to reduce risks and bolster the resilience of society
d. Capstone experience
Every graduate from an undergraduate program in atmospheric science should complete a capstone experience for academic credit. A capstone experience in the final semesters, trimesters, or quarters of study encourages students to synthesize and apply knowledge and skills gained throughout an atmospheric sciences curriculum. It allows the student to develop a product, preferably relevant to their career goal, that provides a tangible manifestation of the student’s ability to apply the knowledge gained from academic work. Capstone experiences can be embedded in an upper-level course, or they can involve participation in an on- or off-campus research project or internship. Capstone activities may involve authentic research, field work experiences, such as storm observation or site visits to collect observational data, the development of software or instrumentation, applying atmospheric science knowledge towards solving problems within the public or private sectors, or involvement in atmospheric science education or outreach.
Attributes of effective capstone experiences include the following:
The development of a shareable product, such as a research poster or presentation, materials for a course or lesson, a science demonstration or exhibit; or a technical report or product (e.g., term paper about internship experience, material software application and its description).
Supervision of the activity and evaluation of the product by a faculty member or a suitable outside expert. Student reflection in the form of a paper, journal, or portfolio.
Reflection encourages the student to address connections between the capstone experience and course work and to use the experience to inform her/his career plans and aspirations.
Degree: Meteorology, Atmospheric Science or other natural science major that included at least 24 credits (semester hours, equivalent to 36 quarter hours) in meteorology/atmospheric science including: Credits – Topic
6 Analysis & Prediction of Weather Systems (synoptic & mesoscale)
While these are the minimum requirements to be considered for a position of meteorologist in the National Weather Service, the competition to enter the NWS has become extremely fierce over the last decade. So much so that some students have continued their education to the Masters level, as that will provide an advantage over someone with just a Bachelor’s of Science degree.
Other Tools in the Tools tab above allow you to see which UBC courses satisfy which meteorologist qualifications.