Node Star Certifications

Know your
mesh. Prove it.

Two certifications for mesh network operators and engineers. Knowledge-based. Practitioner-reviewed. No expiration date. No gatekeeping — just evidence that you know what you're doing.

Level 1
CNO
Certified Node Operator
30 questions 80% to pass ~45 min
then
Level 2
CME
Certified Mesh Engineer
Practical deployment Reviewed 15–30 days
Level 1
CNO
Certified Node Operator
Demonstrates foundational knowledge of mesh networking, LoRa radio, Meshtastic, Reticulum concepts, and the Node Star ecosystem. A 30-question assessment covering everything an operator needs to know before deploying their first node.
30 multiple-choice questions · 80% passing threshold
Self-administered · no proctor required
Certificate PDF issued by Node Star on pass
No prerequisites · open to all
Take the CNO Assessment →
Level 2
CME
Certified Mesh Engineer
A practitioner credential for people who've actually built something real. Requires a documented multi-node deployment reviewed by Node Star. Not a test — evidence. You built it. We verify it.
CNO certification required first
3-node minimum deployment, fully documented
Topology diagram + proof of operation required
Reviewed by Node Star within 5–10 business days
Apply for CME →
⚠️ CME requires CNO first. Complete the CNO assessment and receive your certificate before submitting a CME application. Your CNO cert number is required on the CME form.
About these certifications

Why certifications?

Mesh networks work when the people building them know what they're doing. The CNO and CME credentials give operators a clear benchmark and a way to demonstrate competence to their community, CERT teams, and emergency management partners.

No expiration. No renewal fees.

Your certificate doesn't expire. There's no annual renewal. The knowledge you demonstrate is durable. If the field evolves substantially, we may issue a new version of the assessment — but your original credential remains valid.

Privacy by design.

There's no public lookup directory. Your cert number is between you and Node Star. You choose who sees your certificate. Show it wherever it matters — email signature, LinkedIn, CERT binder — on your terms.

What CME actually means.

The CME credential isn't for the perfect deployment. It's for the real one. Document what you built, how you diagnosed problems, and what you learned. Genuine diagnostic reasoning matters more than pristine topology.