The success of our Unqork Community relies on contributions from our Creators: answering questions, sharing best practices, providing demos, and sharing feedback. Top contributors are recognized with Subject Matter Expert (SME) status.
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What is an Unqork SME?
Top knowledge holders and contributors to the Unqork Community. SMEs have demonstrated their expertise via several months of high engagement and many high impact contributions, earning both a high volume of points and providing a large amount of answers to community questions.
SMEs represent about 1% of our total community and 3% of regularly active users. They’re among our most active, engaged, and knowledgeable community members.
SMEs are also leading influencers and collaborators in our community. They often share their expertise via events, videos, and articles. For new community features, SMEs are invited as beta testers and advisors.
This is the top level of recognition within the community. SMEs are rewarded with featured recognition and exclusive perks in gratitude for their many contributions.
How to become an Unqork SME
As of January 1, 2025, earning SME status has three main parts: certification, contributions, and impact. Additionally, adherence to Community Guidelines is expected of all Creators and a strong requirement of SME status.
- Developer* Certification from Unqork Academy ensures a strong baseline of understanding and experience with the Unqork Platform.
- 200+ points earned in 3 of 4 calendar months confirms a commitment to contributing to the community, sharing expertise in community Q&A, sharing insights, and participating in events.
- 20+ answers^ provided demonstrates expertise, strengthens our knowledge base, and provides a positive impact by providing solutions.
*Existing Associate and Professional Configurator Certifications will fulfill this requirement through August 31, 2025 when they expire. Other role-based certifications will be considered as they are added.
^At least 10 of these answers must be earned during the previous 4 months. Additionally, answers that embed, link to, or restate a previously answered question are not eligible.
Previous SMEs: Earning SME Status Again
SMEs who did not qualify to retain their SME status (details below) can earn SME status again by demonstrating a renewed commitment to contributing and positive impact.
- 10+ answers provided within 6 calendar months
- 200+ points earned in at least 2 of those 6 calendar months
- Adherence to Community Guidelines
Unqork Employee SMEs
At the discretion of the Community team, this criteria may be waived or adjusted for Unqork Employees, depending on their role, expertise, and community contributions.
Expectations of SMEs / Maintaining SME status
Our community is at its best when our experts contribute. SMEs are expected to maintain consistent engagement and actively contribute throughout their SME term (1 year).
As of November 1, 2024, the criteria for SMEs to maintain their status is based around the following criteria:
- 10+ answers provided in a year
- Actively contributing (1+ post/reply) in at least 9 months of the year
- Above average contributions (100 points) at least once per quarter (4 times in a year)
- Adherence to Community Guidelines
- Maintain Developer Certification from Unqork Academy, actively upskill on any new features released.
If an SME cannot meet part of the above criteria, their answer quota (#1) increases as an option to maintain their status. (For example, if they fall short of criteria #3, they can maintain SME status if they provide a higher amount of answers). Additional details and monthly progress reports are provided once a Creator achieves SME status.
SME Recognition, Rewards, and Benefits
SMEs receive featured recognition for their expertise and contributions throughout their term. We are grateful for the impact SMEs have on the success of our community.
Upon earning SME
- Credly badge for Linkedin, etc
- Community badge, level, and profile icon
- Community announcement and Linkedin post
Other Benefits for all SMEs
- Private forum for SME feedback, program questions, etc
- Extra features:
- Community: Ability to mark answers on all questions, not just your own.
(SMEs have demonstrated their trusted expertise and are asked to help curate our Knowledge Base.) - Training Environment: POCs in Community Collaborations workspace are not auto-deleted after 45 days -- In development
- Community: Ability to mark answers on all questions, not just your own.
- Early access and invites to beta test new Community Hub features
- Regular updates, sneak peaks, and feedback opportunities with Community team
- Recognition via Subject Matter Expert page (#1 Google search result for “Unqork Expert”)
- Preferred speakers and open invitation for presentations on Community events
- SME of the Week recognition in Community Newsletter -- In development
Upon maintaining SME
- Credly badge extended 1 year
- Featured status higher up on our Subject Matter Expert page (#1 Google search result for “Unqork Expert”)
- Linkedin recommendation from Community Director highlighting key contributions (questions answered, areas of expertise, etc) (upon request)
- Letter or email to manager highlighting contributions (upon request)
