Showcasing Your Achievements as a User and a Contributor

Layer5 Recognition Program

Layer5 badges are one of the many ways that we recognize the efforts of our contributors and uplift our users. Layer5 badges represent milestones that you achieve both in using and in contributing to Layer5-supported open source projects. As a contributor, this is how you demonstrate your ownership, dedication, skills and commitment. As a user, this is how you demonstrate your prowess, milestones, and meaningful engagement.

See the Recognition section of the Layer5 Community Handbook for details of when and how each badge is awarded.

General

The Layer5 Recognition Program is a system wherein badges symbolize users' and contributors' achievements and skills in the Layer5 community.
These badges showcase dedication, ownership, and proficiency, representing various contributions and skill sets, underlining the importance of individual contributions, and fostering loyalty within the community.

Yes, it doesn't matter if you are an experienced developer, a newbie figuring out your way into open source, documentation enthusiast, a community socialite... we have a badge you can earn and display proudly!

Layer5 badges are divided into two categories, namely 'Achievement Badges' and 'Project and Contribution' badges.
Project and Contribution badges are assigned by community managers when you contribute to a particular project.
Achievements badges are assigned automatically when you complete a task like sharing a design, using the interactive terminal, creating a design for the first time, and so on.

There is no set limit to the number of badges you can earn within the Layer5 Recognition Program. Your achievements and contributions determine the badges you receive, showcasing your dedication and skills within the community.

To share your badges on other social profiles, utilize the provided embedded code and direct share functionality. Access your badges from the Layer5 Cloud profile badges section, and then use it to seamlessly post your achievements on social media platforms. This enables you to showcase your Layer5 contributions and milestones to a wider audience.

New badges are being developed, so keep your eyes peeled for their emergence... or help us design a new one!

Yes, we aim to expand badge categories to recognize a broader range of achievements and contributions, fostering a more inclusive and diverse community.

Yes, incorporating Layer5 recognition badges into your résumé showcases your technical proficiency, commitment, and collaborative spirit, adding credibility to your open source contributions and skills.

Yes, Layer5 encourages collaboration and welcomes your ideas to enhance the badge design process and community engagement.

Certifications

The CMC is an official certification created by the Meshery maintainers under the CNCF.
It validates and recognizes technical proficiency in contributing to the Meshery open-source project.

It is designed for developers, technical writers, and community contributors.

The Meshery Certification Program includes multiple certification tracks tailored to different professional roles.
These certifications include tracks for administrators, developers, and open-source contributors working within the Meshery ecosystem.
Learn more: https://www.cncf.io/blog/2025/10/27/announcing-the-certified-meshery-contributor-cmc/

Intermediate knowledge of Go, React, and working with OpenAPI schemas is recommended.
Basic understanding of Meshery’s components and contribution processes is useful.

The certification spans five architectural domains: Meshery Server, CLI, UI, Models, and Extensibility.
Each domain has an exam focused on validating contributions and understanding of that area.

The exam is taken online.
It consists of single-choice, multiple-choice and short-answer questions.

Each exam session lasts 2 hours.
You are expected to complete all questions within this time window.

You must score at least 70% to pass.
This passing threshold applies to all Meshery exam domains.

No, the CMC certification is completely free.
You can register and take the exam without paying any fees.

The certification is valid for 2 years from the date it is earned.
After this period, you may need to renew or retake exams as required.

No, there is no minimum number of PRs or contributions required.
Anyone interested in contributing to Meshery can take the exam.

The exams were designed and reviewed by Meshery maintainers.
Each maintainer contributed expertise from one of Meshery’s core architectural domains.

CMC is part of a multi-tier certification program covering Contributor and Developer tracks.
It serves as an entry-level credential before advancing to higher certifications such as Certified Meshery Developer.

You receive an official digital CMC badge recognizing your achievement.
The certification demonstrates your proficiency to the community and potential employers.

You can begin by visiting the Meshery Academy and the official CMC exam page.
There, you will find guidance on training materials, exam registration, and preparation steps.

You will receive the Certified Meshery Contributor badge.
You can continue advancing through the Meshery Contributor and Developer certification tracks.