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Speed

Cyber Essentials, in 6 working hours.

The fastest Cyber Essentials certification in the UK. Compliant submissions received before midday on a UK business day are assessed and certified the same day. Same NCSC-backed certificate, same IASME scheme, faster workflow.

6 hours

Assessor turnaround for compliant submissions

24-72 hrs

Industry typical turnaround at other CBs

100%

Pass rate (three free re-submissions until you pass)

Why we are the fastest

Speed comes from operating differently

Most certification bodies sit Cyber Essentials inside a weekly consultancy queue. We built the assessment as a software-first workflow with dedicated assessors - so the clock actually starts when your submission lands.

01 · Dedicated assessors

No queue, no batching

IASME-licensed assessors are assigned to your submission as soon as it lands - not batched into a weekly review window. The clock starts the moment your submission arrives.

02 · Pre-submission readiness

Compliant on first send

Our free readiness checker walks you through every v3.3 control before you submit, so the first review is final review for most applicants. Three re-submissions are included if it isn't.

03 · Software-first workflow

No paperwork bottleneck

Most CBs sit assessments inside a consultancy workflow that batches tasks and waits on humans. We run a software-first assessment that surfaces gaps to the assessor immediately.

The 6-hour clock

What happens between submission and certificate

Four phases. The clock starts when your compliant submission arrives before midday on a UK business day.

  1. Hour 0

    Submission received

    You upload before midday on a UK business day. The 6-hour clock starts.

  2. Hour 0-2

    Automated pre-checks

    The platform validates scope, completeness, and obvious gaps so the assessor opens a clean submission.

  3. Hour 2-5

    Assessor review

    Your dedicated IASME-licensed assessor reviews each control and confirms scheme conformance.

  4. Hour 5-6

    Certificate issued

    Pass: certificate issued, NCSC register updated within 24 hours. Fail: structured feedback returned, three free re-submissions available.

What counts as compliant

Make the first submission the final submission

The 6-hour guarantee runs against compliant submissions. Five things should be in place before you upload - all checked free in the readiness checker.

MFA enforced on every cloud account that handles organisational data
All operating systems and applications on supported, patched versions
Anti-malware running on every in-scope endpoint
Secure configuration applied to firewalls and internet-facing devices
Documented user-access process with prompt removal when staff leave

When speed matters

Three reasons buyers come to Fig

Tender deadline this week

PPN 014/21 contract submission requires Cyber Essentials before close. Submit in the morning, certify before close.

New client requirement

A buyer needs proof of Cyber Essentials as a contract precondition. Reach the procurement bar without slowing the deal.

Renewal lapsed

Your existing certificate expired and a customer audit is mid-flight. Re-certify in hours, not days.

FAQ

Speed questions answered

Can Cyber Essentials be completed the same day?

Yes - for compliant submissions received before midday on a UK business day. The 6-hour assessor turnaround applies from receipt to certificate issue. Submissions received after midday or on weekends queue to the next business day.

Does fast certification change the scheme rules?

No. The same NCSC-backed IASME Cyber Essentials v3.3 requirements apply. Speed changes our internal assessment workflow, not what the scheme demands. Your certificate is identical to one issued under any other timeline.

What happens if my submission is not compliant?

You receive structured feedback identifying the controls that need attention, then re-submit. Three re-submissions are included in the certification fee at no extra cost - so the feedback loop is not a hidden charge.

How do I know my submission will be compliant?

Run the free readiness checker on /cyberessentials before you submit. It walks through every v3.3 control with plain-English questions and outputs a readiness score plus the specific gaps to close.

Does the 6-hour guarantee apply to Cyber Essentials Plus?

No. Cyber Essentials Plus adds an independent technical audit with sampled device testing and external vulnerability scanning. Plus typically completes in 1-3 working days. The 6-hour guarantee is for Cyber Essentials self-assessment certification only.

Submit before midday. Certify the same day.

Run the free readiness checker, then buy your tier. Compliant submissions before midday on a UK business day are certified within 6 working hours.