Cyber Essentials Certification is a Government-backed cyber security scheme that helps organisations protect themselves against the most common cyber threats. Developed by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and delivered through IASME, the scheme demonstrates that essential cyber security controls are in place.
For many businesses, Cyber Essentials is the first step towards improving cyber security. It shows customers, suppliers and stakeholders that you take the protection of your systems and data seriously while helping reduce the risk of common internet-based attacks.
As a Licensed Cyber Essentials Certification Body, Agincourt Partners Ltd can guide your business through the certification process from start to finish. Whether you’re applying for the first time or renewing your certification, we’ll explain everything clearly, avoid unnecessary jargon and support you every step of the way.
Achieve certification through the UK's recognised cyber security standard, backed by the National Cyber Security Centre.
Complete your assessment with an authorised Certification Body that can support you throughout the entire process.
Reduce the risk of phishing, malware, ransomware and other common cyber attacks.
Meet supplier and tender requirements for Government, public sector and commercial contracts.
Receive practical guidance from experienced cyber security professionals without the technical jargon.
Assessment-ready organisations can achieve certification in as little as 24 hours.
Cyber attacks continue to affect organisations of every size, with small and medium-sized businesses increasingly becoming targets because they often lack basic cyber security controls.
Cyber Essentials helps protect your organisation against many of the most common internet-based attacks by ensuring fundamental security measures are in place across your business.
Certification demonstrates that your organisation takes cyber security seriously, helping to build trust with customers, suppliers and partners while reducing your exposure to avoidable cyber risks.
For many organisations, Cyber Essentials is also a requirement when bidding for Government contracts, public sector work and an increasing number of private sector supply chains, making certification a valuable commercial advantage as well as a security improvement.
Businesses holding Cyber Essentials certification may also benefit from improved cyber insurance opportunities, while evidence continues to show that certified organisations are significantly less likely to make cyber insurance claims than those without certification.
Cyber Essentials focuses on five key areas that form the foundation of good cyber security. By implementing these essential controls, organisations can significantly reduce their exposure to common cyber threats.
Firewalls
Firewalls help protect your network by controlling incoming and outgoing internet traffic, preventing unauthorised access to your systems while allowing legitimate business activity to continue safely.
Secure Configuration
Ensuring devices and software are securely configured reduces unnecessary vulnerabilities. Removing unused accounts, disabling unnecessary services and applying secure settings all help strengthen your cyber security.
User Access Control
Employees should only have access to the systems and information they need to perform their role. Managing user accounts carefully and using strong authentication helps reduce the impact of compromised accounts.
Malware Protection
Effective malware protection helps defend your organisation against viruses, ransomware and other malicious software using a combination of security software, safe working practices and user awareness.
Security Update Management
Keeping operating systems, applications and devices fully updated is one of the most effective ways to protect against cyber attacks. Applying critical security updates promptly helps close vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Cyber Essentials isn't just about passing an assessment. It's about creating strong cyber security habits that protect your business every day.
Cyber Essentials isn’t simply about achieving a certificate. It’s about establishing good cyber security practices that help protect your business every day.
Whether you’re a growing business looking to improve your security, preparing to bid for larger contracts or taking your first steps towards recognised cyber security standards, Cyber Essentials provides a practical framework that delivers lasting benefits.
At Agincourt Partners, we’ll help you understand what’s required, identify any areas that need attention and support you through certification in a straightforward, practical and friendly way.
Cyber Essentials offers far more than a recognised certification. It provides reassurance to your customers, strengthens your cyber security posture and demonstrates your commitment to protecting sensitive information.
For many organisations, certification is becoming an expectation rather than an advantage. Government departments, public sector organisations and an increasing number of private businesses require suppliers to hold Cyber Essentials certification as part of their procurement process.
Holding certification can also strengthen your position within your customers’ supply chains, providing confidence that your organisation has implemented recognised cyber security controls.
Eligible organisations may also qualify for included cyber insurance, subject to the scheme’s current terms and conditions, providing additional peace of mind alongside the practical security improvements certification delivers.
Whether you’re taking your first steps towards recognised cyber security standards or looking to build on existing certifications, choosing the right option depends on your business, your customers and your future goals.
Here’s a simple guide to help you decide where to start.
Recommended: Cyber Essentials
If you’re looking to improve your cyber security, reassure customers and achieve a recognised certification without unnecessary complexity, Cyber Essentials is the ideal starting point.
It’s designed for organisations of all sizes and demonstrates that you’ve implemented the five essential technical controls to protect against the most common cyber threats.
Perfect for: Small businesses, start-ups and organisations certifying for the first time.
Recommended: Cyber Essentials
If Cyber Essentials is required for a tender, supplier agreement or contract, we can help you understand the certification requirements and work through the assessment process efficiently.
Cyber Essentials is commonly requested within Government, public sector and larger commercial supply chains as evidence that fundamental cyber security controls are in place.
Perfect for: Businesses bidding for contracts, responding to supplier requirements or needing certification as part of a procurement process.
Recommended: Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus
Many Government departments, public sector organisations and larger businesses require suppliers to hold Cyber Essentials certification as part of their procurement and supplier approval processes.
Whether you’re working with the public sector, joining a larger supply chain or supplying bigger organisations, certification demonstrates your commitment to cyber security and helps meet customer security requirements.
Perfect for: Businesses supplying the public sector, joining larger supply chains or working with organisations that require Cyber Essentials certification.
Recommended: Cyber Essentials Plus
If you’re looking to improve your cyber security, reassure customers and achieve a recognised certification without unnecessary complexity, Cyber Essentials Plus is the ideal starting point.
It’s designed for organisations of all sizes and, following verification by independent audit, demonstrates that you’ve implemented the five essential technical controls to protect against the most common cyber threats.
Perfect for: Businesses looking for independent verification of their cyber security controls and greater reassurance for customers and stakeholders.
Recommended: Start With Cyber Essentials
Many organisations use Cyber Essentials as the first step in a wider cyber security journey before progressing to ISO 27001.
By establishing strong cyber security foundations now, you’ll be better prepared for future certifications and a more comprehensive information security management system.
Perfect for: Growing organisations with long-term cyber security goals.
Every business is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to cyber security certification.
Our experienced team will take the time to understand your organisation, explain the options in plain English and recommend the certification that’s right for your business, your customers and your future plans.
Choosing the right Certification Body is just as important as choosing to become certified.
As a Licensed Cyber Essentials Certification Body, Agincourt Partners provides independent assessments supported by experienced cyber security professionals who understand both the technical requirements and the practical challenges faced by small and medium-sized businesses.
We believe cyber security shouldn’t be complicated. That’s why we explain everything in plain English, avoid unnecessary jargon and provide honest, practical advice throughout your certification journey.
By choosing Agincourt Partners, you’ll benefit from:
Achieving Cyber Essentials certification is straightforward when you have the right guidance.
We'll explain the Cyber Essentials requirements, answer your questions and help you understand whether certification is right for your organisation.
If any improvements are needed before assessment, we'll help you understand what's required and provide practical guidance, policies and supporting documentation where appropriate.
Once you're ready, we'll provide access to our secure assessment platform where you can complete and submit your Cyber Essentials questionnaire.
Our qualified assessor will review your submission against the Cyber Essentials requirements. If everything meets the standard, your certificate will be issued. If improvements are needed, we'll provide clear feedback to help you achieve certification as quickly as possible.
Cyber Essentials demonstrates that your organisation has implemented recognised cyber security controls, helping protect against common cyber threats while building confidence with customers, suppliers and stakeholders.
While not compulsory for every organisation, Cyber Essentials is often required when tendering for Government contracts, public sector work and an increasing number of commercial supply chains.
Cyber Essentials certification is priced according to the size of your organisation.
| Number of Employees | Cyber Essentials Assessment Price |
|---|---|
| 0–9 employees | £320 + VAT |
| 10–49 employees | £440 + VAT |
| 50–249 employees | £500 + VAT |
| 250+ employees | £600 + VAT |
Prices shown are for the Cyber Essentials assessment and are based on the number of employees within your organisation.
Assessment-ready organisations can often achieve certification within 24 hours, although timescales will vary depending on your current level of readiness.
Yes. We provide practical guidance, documentation and expert support to help organisations prepare for assessment and improve their chances of achieving certification first time.
Absolutely. Many organisations continue working with their existing IT provider while using Agincourt Partners as an independent Licensed Certification Body. An independent assessment often provides valuable reassurance and a fresh perspective.
Whether you’re applying for Cyber Essentials for the first time, renewing your certification or preparing for an important contract opportunity, Agincourt Partners is here to make the process straightforward.
Our experienced team will guide you through every stage, providing practical advice, friendly support and independent certification to help protect your business and demonstrate your commitment to cyber security.
