How to Get Cyber Essentials Certified in Under 6 Hours
If you are facing a tender deadline, a client requirement, or a contract clause that demands Cyber Essentials certification, waiting weeks is not an option. The good news: it is entirely possible to achieve Cyber Essentials certification within a single working day.
This guide explains exactly how to do it, what to prepare in advance, and what to avoid.
Can You Really Get Certified in Under 6 Hours?
Yes. Cyber Essentials is the self-assessed certification level. You complete a questionnaire covering five core control categories, submit it to an IASME-licensed certification body, and receive your certificate once the submission passes review.
With Fig, if you purchase your Cyber Essentials certification before 12:00 midday and your submission is ready, you can receive your certificate the same working day – typically within 6 hours. This makes Fig the fastest Cyber Essentials certification body in the UK. Fig also provides structured feedback up to three times on your self-assessment to help you pass quickly.
Step 1: Confirm Your Organisation is Ready
Before you begin, make sure your organisation meets the five core control requirements:
Firewalls and Internet Gateways – All devices connecting to the internet must be protected by a correctly configured firewall. Default passwords on routers and firewalls must be changed. Only necessary ports and services should be open.
Secure Configuration – Computers and devices must be configured to reduce vulnerabilities. Unnecessary software should be removed, default accounts disabled, and automatic screen locks enabled.
Security Update Management – All software and firmware must be updated within 14 days of a security patch being released. Unsupported software must be removed from scope.
User Access Control – Each user must have their own account. Administrative privileges must be limited to those who genuinely need them. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is mandatory for all accounts under v3.3.
Malware Protection – Anti-malware software must be installed and kept up to date, or you must use an allow-listing approach to prevent unauthorised software from running.
Step 2: Use a Readiness Checker
Before purchasing, run through a readiness checker to identify any gaps. Fig offers a free Cyber Essentials readiness checker based on the NCSC Cyber Essentials Requirements v3.3. It takes 10–15 minutes and tells you exactly where you stand.
Common gaps that catch organisations out:
Step 3: Purchase Before Midday
This is the critical timing element. To receive your certificate the same day:
1. Visit Fig's Cyber Essentials pricing page
2. Select your organisation size band (Micro, Small, Medium, or Large)
3. Complete the purchase before 12:00 midday
You will receive confirmation and access to complete your self-assessment immediately.
Step 4: Complete the Self-Assessment Questionnaire
The questionnaire covers all five control categories. For each control, you will need to confirm that your organisation meets the requirements and provide supporting information.
Tips for completing it efficiently:
Step 5: Submit and Receive Feedback
Once submitted, Fig reviews your self-assessment. If everything is in order, your certificate is issued the same day.
If there are issues, Fig provides structured feedback up to three times on your submission. This means you can correct any gaps and resubmit without delay – the goal is to help you pass, not to catch you out.
Common Reasons for Delays
What You Receive
On successful completion, you receive:
After Certification
Cyber Essentials certification is valid for one year. To maintain it, you will need to recertify annually. Many organisations use the 12-month window to:
Summary
Getting Cyber Essentials certified in under 6 hours is straightforward if you prepare in advance. Use a readiness checker, ensure MFA is deployed across all accounts, purchase before midday, and complete the self-assessment accurately. With Fig, certification in under 6 hours is not a marketing claim – it is the standard process for prepared organisations. No other IASME-licensed certification body matches this speed.
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