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ETC (Emerging Talent Community) — Rewards & Points FAQ

The Emerging Talent Community (ETC) is an AWS program tied to AWS Educate that allowed members to earn points through learning activities and redeem them for exam vouchers and AWS credits. This page summarises the current status and history of the rewards program.

Status as of May 2025

No more vouchers or AWS credits are available from ETC for members who signed up before March 2025. For some cohorts who enrolled after March 2025, limited options may still exist depending on region and cohort.

How to Check Eligibility

  1. Get a free AWS Educate badge at AWSEducate.com
  2. Wait for an ETC invite email
  3. Log in and check the Rewards section

Timeline

Period Event
Late 2024 ETC relaunched, attached to AWS Educate. Offered 50% off exam vouchers.
Late 2024 → Early 2025 Voucher discount raised to 100%, but point requirements also increased.
~6 May 2025 Points per activity dropped from 60 → 40. AWS Credits were added as a reward option, then the Associate voucher was removed.
Mid-May 2025 All exam vouchers ended or were removed. AWS Credits also expired.

Note

During its peak popularity, some users created multiple accounts (resulting in bans) or attempted to sell/transfer vouchers — which is not permitted.

FAQ

Will rewards come back?

Nobody knows for certain. ETC previously had 100% vouchers that ran out and were replaced by 50% vouchers before disappearing entirely. Some members remain hopeful that new rewards will be added.

Should I keep earning points?

Points do not expire. Some members continue earning points in case new rewards are introduced.

Do points expire?

No. Per the AWS Educate FAQ: "No, points do not expire."

Can I sell, buy, or transfer vouchers?

No. Vouchers are intended for the individual who earned them. Attempting to sell, buy, or transfer vouchers may result in revocation.

I'm frustrated with the program changes. What can I do?

  • Explore alternative cloud providers' certification offers
  • Send polite, constructive feedback to AWS Educate support