Who is it for?

The Viva Assessment is for those who are considered to be ready to work as independent forecasters. Candidates will have already received some formal meteorological and forecaster training (successfully completed an Initial Forecasting Course or equivalent) and completed a period of on-the-job training. This on-the-job training should consist of at least six months' experience of operational forecasting, including periods in a supervised role and operating independently.

What is the aim of the assessment?

This assessment will give the candidate the opportunity to demonstrate their competence as an independent operational forecaster. If the candidate demonstrates the necessary competencies, they will be issued with a certificate to this effect.

What does the assessment cover?

The assessment is competence-based. It examines the ability of the participant to apply the knowledge and skills they have learned in their training to the operational forecasting environment. In particular it examines:

• The ability of the student to produce a consistent forecast for their local region using justifiable forecasting techniques.
  
• The forecasting process which the candidate uses to arrive at their forecast.
  
• The range of forecasting competencies demonstrated in producing their forecast.
  
• The knowledge and understanding of theoretical meteorology that the candidate uses to underpin their forecast.

How is the assessment carried out?

The assessment is carried out by two assessors. It comprises two parts.

• Forecast generation. The candidate spends a specified amount of time carrying out their forecast and producing a defined set of products. Within this time the candidate will also be required to provide written answers to a set of questions relating to their forecast.
  
• Oral examination. The candidate explains their forecast and their reasoning for it, supported by their answers to the written questions. The assessors discuss the forecast with the candidate to establish whether the required competencies have been demonstrated.
  

The assessment can be carried out either at the candidate's usual place of work or at the Met Office College. The location chosen will depend on the requirements and on any constraints imposed by either location and will be agreed between the customer and the Met Office College.

What is the assessment duration?

The assessment will normally be carried out over a period of a week. This includes pre-assessment preparation and the main assessment period, normally of a day's duration.