Why are some Cyber Essentials prices so low?

Usually the headline price excludes any support, rush, or remediation. Once added, total cost is comparable to or higher than full-service. Always ask for the all-in price including pre-check, fast-track and one resubmission.

Do cheap providers issue valid certificates?

If they are an IASME-licensed Certification Body, the certificate is exactly the same. The difference is in the support, turnaround and pass rate.

Is offshore assessment a problem?

Not necessarily for the certificate itself – but UK assessors understand UK tender contexts, GDPR specifics and UK-typical tech stacks. Most clients who switch to us cite slow communication with offshore providers.

What is your all-in price?

Cyber Essentials costs £320 + VAT for 1–9 staff – includes readiness call, pre-check, fast-track and one free remediation cycle. No rush surcharge.

Cheap Cyber Essentials vs Assessor-Led Support: True Cost

What "cheap" Cyber Essentials usually hides

Rush surcharges – often £200–£500 added for any urgent turnaround
Resubmission fees – charged each time, not bundled
Offshore review – no named UK assessor, slower communication
No pre-check – you submit cold and find out at review
No support – you are on your own to interpret the questions

What assessor-led pricing includes

Named UK assessor on every engagement
30-minute readiness call before you start
Pre-submission review to catch gaps
No rush surcharge for fast-track
£25k cyber liability cover (UK orgs under £20m turnover)
One free remediation cycle if any issues are flagged at review

True total cost comparison

A "£200" provider often becomes £500–£800 once a rush fee, a resubmission fee and the time cost of two attempts are added. Our assessor-led pricing costs £320 + VAT and is the all-in price even for fast-track.

When cheap is OK

If you are repeat-certifying, have mature controls and are confident in the Danzell question set, the cheapest reseller can work. For first-time certifiers, tender deadlines or anything with material business risk attached, assessor-led support pays for itself.

See how to choose a UK Cyber Essentials provider.