Why am I being told I'm level 3 here on the Communities forum?

Your overall level, the one that, in as much as these things matter at all, matters is Level 2. You've reached a Level 3 in Mac OS. I am, for example, a Level 10. But the highest specialty I have is a level 8 in "iPhone". Specialty levels have nothing to do with your overall levels. It's sort of like being in the 2nd grade and getting an 80 on your spelling test. They are not related numbers.

There are, in fact, some level 6+ members who have actively avoided getting any specialty badges.

IamTheKnowledgeSeeker wrote:

I'll just continue to help people as much as I can and just wait for those unexpected "you got promoted"-type messages!

What I've observed over the years is that the people whose major motivation here is earning points don't stay very long or have much fun. On the other hand, the people who are here because they like to help people seem to be the ones who get the most out of it. Glad to see you fall into the second category!

That message refers to the “Speciality Levels” not your points level.

Sounds confusing, doesn’t it.

Show your expertise in a product or technology - Apple Support

Well, I'm quite new here, but as far as I understand, the message is about one of your specialities leveled up to Level 3:

Specialties are really "what I ask the most questions about" scores. Many senior contributors are just as confused by their presence as new members.

I'll just continue to help people as much as I can and just wait for those unexpected "you got promoted"-type messages!

👍🏻 That is the perfect attitude here. Well played!