As cybersecurity becomes a priority for businesses of all sizes, certifications like IASME Cyber Essentials have become essential. For many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), this certification is the first major step toward protecting their digital assets. But one common question every business asks before starting the process is: how much does IASME cyber essentials cost? This guide explains what you should expect in terms of pricing, what’s included, and how to plan your budget accordingly.
What is IASME Cyber Essentials?
IASME Cyber Essentials is a government-backed cybersecurity certification scheme managed by IASME Consortium. It helps organizations guard against the most common online threats. IASME Cyber Essentials covers five basic technical controls: firewalls, secure configuration, user access control, malware protection, and patch management. These controls are simple yet effective at blocking around 80% of known cyber threats. The certification helps businesses meet customer expectations, win contracts, and reduce the risk of data breaches.
IASME Cyber Essentials Pricing Tiers
The pricing of IASME Cyber Essentials depends on the size of your organization. IASME introduced a tiered pricing model to make the certification accessible and fair. Here’s what you can expect to pay:
- Micro businesses (0–9 employees): £320 + VAT
- Small businesses (10–49 employees): £440 + VAT
- Medium businesses (50–249 employees): £500 + VAT
- Large businesses (250+ employees): £600 + VAT
This pricing is for the standard IASME Cyber Essentials certification, which is a self-assessment. It includes access to the online portal, help materials, and official assessment by an accredited certification body.
What’s Included in the Cost?
The IASME Cyber Essentials pricing includes more than just a certificate. It covers:
- Access to the official IASME assessment portal
- Detailed guidance and support materials
- Assessment of your submitted answers
- The certification badge if you pass
- Free cyber insurance (for UK-based companies with under £20M turnover)
This makes IASME Cyber Essentials a cost-effective choice, especially for micro and small businesses trying to establish their cybersecurity baseline without hiring a full IT team.
What About IASME Cyber Essentials Plus?
IASME Cyber Essentials Plus is a more advanced version of the certification. It includes a hands-on technical audit by an assessor. Unlike the basic IASME Cyber Essentials, this level verifies that security controls are correctly implemented.
The cost of IASME Cyber Essentials Plus varies more significantly based on your network complexity, the number of devices tested, and the certification body you choose. Typically, you can expect to pay anywhere from £1,200 to £2,000+ for IASME Cyber Essentials Plus. This price is in addition to the basic IASME Cyber Essentials certification, which you must complete first.
Is IASME Cyber Essentials Worth the Cost?
Absolutely. The benefits of IASME Cyber Essentials go far beyond the certificate. It helps businesses demonstrate cybersecurity commitment to clients and regulators. It’s often a requirement for government contracts and increasingly valued in supply chains. The cost of IASME Cyber Essentials is minimal compared to the potential cost of a cyber attack—which could include data loss, legal penalties, or reputational damage.
Tips to Manage Your Certification Budget
- Plan ahead: Allocate cybersecurity costs in your annual budget.
- Choose the right tier: Make sure you classify your business size correctly for accurate pricing.
- Prepare internally: Review the five control areas before starting. This can save time and reduce additional audit costs later.
- Compare certification bodies: While pricing for IASME Cyber Essentials is fixed, services and support may vary.
Conclusion
Understanding IASME Cyber Essentials pricing is key to making informed decisions about your cybersecurity investments. With tiered pricing based on business size, IASME Cyber Essentials offers an affordable way to meet baseline security requirements. Whether you’re a micro business or a growing enterprise, the cost of certification is small compared to the risks of inaction. By planning ahead, choosing the right level of certification, and aligning with an experienced certification body, you can protect your business, meet client demands, and demonstrate your commitment to cyber safety through IASME Cyber Essentials.
