Everything you need to walk into Cyber Essentials certification knowing exactly what you will be asked and whether you are ready, before you spend a penny on assessment.

What it is

A set of templates and checklists covering both Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus. It mirrors what the official assessment asks, broken into plain language, with space to record your evidence and flag your gaps. Think of it as a dry run you control, so the real assessment holds no surprises.

How to use it effectively

1. Run the self-assessment checklist first. Go through every question honestly. It maps closely to what the certifying body will ask.
2. Note every gap. Anywhere you cannot answer "yes" is something to fix before you formally apply. Fixing gaps first saves a failed assessment fee.
3. Gather your evidence as you go. Use the templates to record settings, policies and screenshots. Assessors want proof, not promises.
4. Apply when the checklist is clean. Once everything reads "yes" with evidence attached, you are ready to certify with confidence.

Why it matters

Cyber Essentials is increasingly required to win contracts, especially with government and larger firms. It also genuinely reduces your risk. But going in unprepared wastes money on failed assessments and time on rework. This toolkit gets you certification-ready efficiently, and the controls it covers protect you whether or not you certify.