National Weather Service Baseline Proficiency Standards

The Baseline Proficiency Standards (BPS) Program is a National Weather Service (NWS) wide effort to define proficiency standards for operational job series and positions at Weather Forecast Offices (WFO), River Forecast Centers (RFC), Center Weather Service Units (CWSU), and the service centers of the National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP). These standards measure abilities and skills in job proficiency. Evaluation criteria are objectively based, using checklists and proficiency evaluations. Each BPS links one-to-one to specific training that can be used to bring individuals to the appropriate level of proficiency.

These standards were developed in partnership with the NWS Employees Organization and will be tested in field offices over the next two years. Regions and local offices have some flexibility to develop standards unique to their particular area.