Cyber Essentials vs. Cyber Essentials Plus: What’s Right for You?

Cyber Essentials vs. Cyber Essentials Plus: What’s Right for You?

Choosing between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus can be confusing. Both are UK government‑backed schemes designed to improve your organisation’s cyber security, but they differ significantly in approach and assurance.

Here’s a breakdown to help you choose the right level of certification.

Cyber Essentials (Self‑Assessment)

✅ You complete an online self‑assessment questionnaire.

✅ Designed for small to medium organisations.

✅ Covers 5 key controls: firewalls, secure configuration, access control, malware protection, and patching.

Ideal if:

• You want to meet basic compliance requirements

• You're bidding on lower‑risk contracts

• You have basic IT infrastructure and limited budget

Timeframe: 1‑3 days (with help from a certification body)Cost: Starts at around £320 + VAT

Cyber Essentials Plus (Audited)

🛡 Includes everything in Cyber Essentials PLUS:🔍 A hands‑on technical audit by a qualified assessor💻 Vulnerability scanning, MFA testing, and workstation review

Ideal if:

• You handle sensitive data or critical infrastructure

• You want higher assurance for clients or insurers

• You're bidding for MOD or high‑value government contracts

Timeframe: ~5‑10 working days (including audit scheduling)Cost: Varies based on organisation size

Comparison Table

Feature	Cyber Essentials	Cyber Essentials Plus
Self‑assessment	✅	✅
External audit	❌	✅
Suitable for SMEs	✅	✅
Required for high‑risk contracts	❌	✅
Client confidence boost	Medium	High
Vulnerability scanning	❌	✅

Which Should You Choose?

Situation	Recommended Level
Small business with no sensitive data	Cyber Essentials
SME bidding for government work	Cyber Essentials
Handling personal, financial, or health data	Cyber Essentials Plus
Working with MOD or critical infrastructure	Cyber Essentials Plus

We Can Help You Decide

Still unsure? At Get Cyber Certified, we help businesses of all sizes make the right choice—and get certified quickly and affordably.

👉 Book a Free Consultation