The first thing you need to do to achieve Cyber Essentials Plus certification is to gain Cyber Essentials certification.
You will then be audited (either remotely or on-site) by a certification body, such as URM Consulting. If the audit reveals no gaps, you will be awarded the Cyber Essentials Plus certification.
If there are gaps identified, you will have 15 days to fix them and go through the assessment again. If you do not pass this time, you will need to make a fresh application and pay for it again.

Mitigating Cyber Risks: Why Cyber Essentials Matters More Than Ever
URM’s blog highlights the growing threat to cyber security in the UK and the importance of the Cyber Essentials scheme in mitigating these risks.
URM’s blog breaks down the latest changes to the Cyber Essentials requirements and outlines why these updates matter for organisations seeking certification.
URM’s blog breaks down key changes to the Cyber Essentials scheme coming into force on 27 April 2026, including the new Danzell Question Set.
URM’s blog explains the recent open letter to suppliers issued by the NHS, what it means, why it matters, and the practical steps you can take to prepare.

