Scope & discovery
Map the people, devices, software, cloud services and locations included in the assessment.
CERTIFICATION · THE FOUNDATIONSStart with the essentials.
Start with the essentials.
Build lasting confidence.
A clear route to Cyber Essentials, with practical help to understand your scope, prepare your evidence and strengthen the controls that protect your business.
Cyber EssentialsA CLEAR PURPOSE
Cyber Essentials
Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed scheme based on five technical controls: firewalls, secure configuration, security update management, user access control and malware protection. The certification uses a verified self-assessment. We help you translate the questions into practical actions for your organisation.
For organisations taking their first certification step, renewing their certificate or responding to a customer or tender requirement.
Scheme information: IASME official guidance →
CLEAR ASSESSMENT FEES
Find your starting point.
IASME published Cyber Essentials assessment fees, based on the number of employees. Preparation and remediation are quoted separately.
Compare Cyber Essentials & Plus →Micro0–9 employees£320+ VAT
Small10–49 employees£440+ VAT
Medium50–249 employees£500+ VAT
Large250+ employees£600+ VAT
Fees checked 12 November 2026. Confirm the current assessment and support costs in your proposal.
THE SERVICE IN DETAIL01 02 03 04
Clarity at every step.
We agree the scope around your organisation. Your proposal confirms the activities and deliverables included.
Control review
Review the five technical controls and identify where settings, processes or evidence need attention.
Preparation support
Work through the questionnaire, clarify terminology and agree who will gather the supporting information.
Submission & renewal
Prepare for assessor queries and plan ahead for the annual certification cycle.
OUR APPROACHA practical path
A practical path
to progress.
Understand the next step, the people involved and the outcome you are working towards.
Talk through your priorities →- 01
Understand your organisation
Agree scope, size, systems and the certification deadline you are working towards.
- 02
Review the controls
Identify the evidence available and the improvements needed before submission.
- 03
Prepare your assessment
Help the responsible people complete accurate answers and resolve open questions.
- 04
Submit and maintain
Support the assessment process and establish an ongoing review plan.
How much does Cyber Essentials cost?
IASME’s published assessment fees are £320 + VAT for 0–9 employees, £440 + VAT for 10–49, £500 + VAT for 50–249 and £600 + VAT for 250+. Preparation support and remediation are quoted separately.
Does Cyber Essentials include technical testing?
Cyber Essentials uses a verified self-assessment. Cyber Essentials Plus adds an independent technical audit of the same controls.
Can you guarantee a pass?
No. Certification depends on meeting the scheme requirements and the certification body’s assessment. We help you understand and address gaps before you submit.
Do I need to renew?
Cyber Essentials certification is renewed annually. Keeping device inventories, software support and access controls up to date makes the next assessment easier.
LET’S TALK ABOUT YOUR BUSINESSStronger foundations.
Stronger foundations.
Greater confidence.
Talk to PENTAGUARD about cyber essentials.