Courses in Meteorology

Entry-Level Technician (Meteorological Assistants - Observers), formerly Class IV

This is a four-month course which is followed by two months of on-the-job training at one of the main Meteorological Offices in the Region. Minimum entry requirements are four GCE (Ordinary Level) or CXC (General Proficiency - Grades I, II & III) Certificates, including English Language and Mathematics. Physics would be an asset. Classes usually commence in August annually.

Mid-Level Technicians (Senior Meteorological Assistants), formerly Class III

This course lasts for approximately eight months with students specialising in Applications of Meteorology or Instrument Maintenance and Repair. Entry requirements are similar to an Entry-Level Technician, but students should also hold an Entry-Level Technician Certificate or have extensive experience in the field of Meteorology. Classes commence in September annually.

Senior-Level Technicians (Forecasters), formerly Class II

This is an eighteen month course which is followed by three months on-the-job training at one of the main Meteorological Offices. The course provides students with the basic theoretical background in dynamic, physical, synoptic, tropical and aeronautical meteorology, while emphasising the practical applications of this theory to weather analyses and forecasting, particularly in the tropics.

The minimum entry requirements are four GCE (Ordinary Level) or CXC (General Proficiency - Grades I, II & III) Certificates including English Language, Mathematics, and Physics. Candidates should also hold an Entry-Level Technician Certificate or have extensive experience in the field of Meteorology. Classes commence in January in alternate years.

BSc. Meteorology, formerly Class I

This program is conducted in association with the University of the West Indies. Students in this program are fully registered at the University but receive instruction in meteorology from staff of the Institute. Entry qualifications are a minimum of five GCE (Ordinary Level) or CXC (General Proficiency - Grades I, II & III) passes which must include English Language and Mathematics, in which case the program may be completed in four years. If, however, the student holds at least two passes at the Advanced Level GCE in relevant science subjects, the program may be completed in three years.

The course is designed to train meteorologists whose duties include development and research.

Operational Aeronautical Forecasters Course

This course is specifically designed for BSc. Meteorology graduates who have not completed the Senior-Level Technicians Course and who wish to become operational forecasters.  It provides theoretical aeronautical and operational procedures with emphasis on the practical and operational applications of the theory to weather analysis and forecasting, particularly in the tropics.  
The minimum entry requirement is a degree in Meteorology. However it is strongly recommended that students who wish to take this course undergo an attachment with a Meteorological Service prior to commencement of the course. This course is conducted entirely at the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology.
Classes commence in May, at the end of the university academic year, and continue to July. In addition it is necessary to undergo at least three months of in-service training which must be satisfactorily completed.