Cyber Essentials Certified
National Cyber Security Centre
Basic cybersecurity certification for UK businesses.
The Cyber Essentials Certified costs $405 USD. Over 30,000+ professionals hold this certification worldwide. Renewal costs $405 USD every 12 months.
Key Strengths
- UK government-backed scheme with strong institutional credibility
- Mandatory for many UK government contract bids, driving real demand
- Affordable entry-level cost starting at £320+VAT, accessible to SMEs
- Two-tier structure (Essentials and Plus) allows progressive assurance
- Covers five core technical controls addressing the most common cyber threats
- Recognised across healthcare, finance, education, and public sector
Ideal For
Cyber Essentials is best suited for UK-based small and medium-sized businesses, charities, and public sector organisations seeking a government-recognised baseline cybersecurity credential. It is particularly valuable for organisations bidding on UK government contracts, where certification is often mandatory, and for those wanting a structured, affordable entry point into formal cybersecurity assurance.
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Certification
English
2014
30K+
Available
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National Cyber Security CentreLast verified Mar 9, 2026