does trailhead points have levels as well?  if not.. what is it used for?  is it just for gamification purposes?

does trailhead points have levels as well?  if not.. what is it used for?  is it just for gamification purposes?

I am having an issue with my points not being recognized. While I've obtained 12 badges and nearly 3k points my profile showes me with 0 points and as a Newbie. Am I missing something? Are the profile points separate from the points obtained through earning badges?