Sentinels Referral Program

The Sentinels Referral Program rewards SANS.edu students and alumni for helping grow the cybersecurity community through referrals, event participation, and career connections.

Download Referral Form

Earn Points for Your Referrals

SANS.edu students and alumni can earn Sentinel Points for different types of referrals. Our Engagement team keeps track of your referrals and points, so there’s nothing for you to manage. Here's how it works:

Earn 1 Point

Refer someone to apply for their first SANS.edu program.

Earn 3 Points

Refer an industry professional (including yourself) to speak at a virtual event.

Earn 3 Points

Host a virtual event (like a Sentinel Stories webinar).

Earn 5 Points

When your referral begins their first course.

Earn 10 Points

Connect us to your HR team or a training lead for internships, hiring partnerships, or team upskilling.

Get Rewards

Earn Rewards Automatically at Every Milestone

Accumulate your first 5 points = receive swag from the SANS.edu Store
Accumulate an additional 10 points = receive a free Skills Quest by NetWars registration
Accumulate an additional 15 points = receive a free course registration

Once you complete a reward cycle, it resets and you can earn again.

Showcase Your Impact

In addition to earning rewards, you will receive Ambassador Digital Badges to highlight your achievements. Badges come in four levels—Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum—and you’ll earn one for the first four referrals you submit.

Your Referral Gets Rewards Too

If your referral uses your personal referral code to apply for a SANS.edu program, their application fee will be waived.
If your referral is admitted and begins their first course, they’ll receive a welcome gift from the SANS.edu Store.

Bring SANS.edu to Your Team

Want to earn points while helping your organization build a stronger cybersecurity team? SANS.edu makes it easy to show your employer the value of investing in proven training and talent.

Learn More

Ready to Refer?

You’re automatically enrolled in the Sentinels Referral Program when:

Someone applies to a program using your personal referral code that was emailed to you from the SANS.edu Engagement team, or
You fill out our Referral Submission Form to refer an industry professional (including yourself) to host or speak at an event—or connect us with your HR team or a training lead.

The power of the Sentinels Referral Program comes from personal connections. Share your personal referral code directly with friends, family or colleagues you think would be a great fit for SANS.edu. You might post something like, “If you’re interested in applying to SANS.edu, reach out and I can share my personal referral code with you.”

We’re grateful to grow the Sentinels network with your support!