Do I need to be Skywarn certified to use Spotter Network?

[Haik P]

Hello guys.

I was just wondering if Spotter Network allows anyone to register, pass their test, and start sending out reports?

Or do you need to be a certified skywarn spotter?

Wouldn’t the NWS just ignore most of these if they’re not skywarn certified? And how would they be able to verify if a report thru SN is from a certified skywarn member?

Thank you.

 

[rdale]

You do not need to be Skywarn certified. Since there is no Skywarn database - it doesn't really matter.

Since you have to take a test, SN knows you are more qualified than Skywarn spotters because Skywarn doesn't have a test.

 

[Devin Pitts]

As stated above, a Skywarn "certification" only requires attending a 2 hour course with no test, where Spotter Network requires you to pass their test before you can submit reports through the system. That said, every individual NWS WFO does things a little differently than others and will honor certain types of reporting over others.

 

[Robert W]

As stated above, a Skywarn "certification" only requires attending a 2 hour course with no test, where Spotter Network requires you to pass their test before you can submit reports through the system. That said, every individual NWS WFO does things a little differently than others and will honor certain types of reporting over others.

Took my skywarn TEST and training through Meted.

 

[Robert W]

Currently working on several courses at Meted for free.

 

[Matt Wagner]

Took my skywarn TEST and training through Meted.

I was going to say that I hade to take three tests.

 

[Ron Cross]

Meted has some good courses for sure. Spotter Network has some now as well. You can never have to much training and good info!

 

[Allen Lieberman]

Meted has some good courses for sure. Spotter Network has some now as well. You can never have to much training and good info!

Agree on never too much training.

Just be aware, videos can’t be viewed on the Spotter network quiz on iPad as I just signed up and took the test. Not sure how many questions are on the database but I had 2 questions asking about tornado formation based on video in question. Since I couldn’t view the videos, I skipped the question and my score was based on questions answered.

This problem was brought up in the past I think in this forum and even though it’s not noted on the spotter network quiz, at least anyone seeing this thread may be given a heads up to consider using a laptop or desktop that supports flash.

 

[Nate M.]

Agree on never too much training.

Just be aware, videos can’t be viewed on the Spotter network quiz on iPad as I just signed up and took the test. Not sure how many questions are on the database but I had 2 questions asking about tornado formation based on video in question. Since I couldn’t view the videos, I skipped the question and my score was based on questions answered.

This problem was brought up in the past I think in this forum and even though it’s not noted on the spotter network quiz, at least anyone seeing this thread may be given a heads up to consider using a laptop or desktop that supports flash.

Same thing happened to me with iPhone.

 

[Ron Cross]

As far as training, there's good sources, and plenty of videos . However there's nothing like getting experience in the field, and working with a good mentor.

 

[Peter Potvin]

@Robert W it all depends on where you take the SKYWARN course. By taking it through your local NWS WFO, there usually isn't an official "Test" that you have to take in order to get your certification. On the other hand, MetEd requires a test for all of their courses in order to successfully complete them, which is why you had to take a test. Also, in order to be an official SKYWARN spotter you usually need to register for a course that is provided by your local NWS WFO either in-class or online - taking the course through MetEd doesn't make you an official SKYWARN spotter unless you register with a WFO afterwards.

Now, I may be wrong as I'm not as familiar with the SKYWARN program as I am with the CANWARN program (Canada's equivalent to the SKYWARN program), so if somebody else could provide more insight into this that would be appreciated.

 

[Ron Cross]

Peter Potvin, most of the spotters that work with Emergency Management in some cities or counties are required to train with experienced spotters and to be ham radio operators, if they aren't part of the public services like police and fire. I've known people who took the advance Skywarn NWS program and couldn't tell the different from a scud cloud from funnel could. That's why training with some one experienced is best.

 

[Peter Potvin]

Peter Potvin, most of the spotters that work with Emergency Management in some cities or counties are required to train with experienced spotters and to be ham radio operators, if they aren't part of the public services like police and fire. I've known people who took the advance Skywarn NWS program and couldn't tell the different from a scud cloud from funnel could. That's why training with some one experienced is best.

I get what you're referring to, Ron, but I was referring to the fact that in most cases only MetEd has a test after taking the SKYWARN course. As I said, I'm not as familiar with SKYWARN as I am CANWARN, so I may be wrong.

Thank you for your input, though. That is some great information to know.

 

[Ron Cross]

Peter Potvin, it's good they have the test at the end of the courses for sure. However, nothing is a better teacher than experience. A lot of folks have the "keyboard commando training." However seeing it in real life and learning is best. I've had the "training" too. I guess seeing the big picture in action sticks with you. Maybe that's part of it's living it. To me it's like watching tornado videos verses being in one... I was in the El Reno tornado of 2013. I remember the roar and the rushing wind, the debris flying away. Sticks with you...

 

[Peter Potvin]

Experience always beats training, for sure. I've learned a lot by actually doing something instead of just learning about it - medical training is an example I always use. Learning something is always nice, but actually putting that knowledge to use is even better, especially in the field.