To adopt a standard set of terminology — while fully acknowledging the limitations of the model — consider the Dreyfus model of skill acquisition.
I've met or worked with programmers with 3 years of experience who demonstrated competence, but never proficiency.
Some programmers have a strong natural intuition, and a competent programmer with a strong natural intuition may appear proficient. It's a tricky distinction, but important to recognize (especially for the programmers themselves and anyone mentoring them).
However, I think most people with 3 years of professional experience programming are advanced beginners reaching competence in a few specific areas.
I've met or worked with programmers with 3 years of experience who demonstrated competence, but never proficiency.
Some programmers have a strong natural intuition, and a competent programmer with a strong natural intuition may appear proficient. It's a tricky distinction, but important to recognize (especially for the programmers themselves and anyone mentoring them).
However, I think most people with 3 years of professional experience programming are advanced beginners reaching competence in a few specific areas.