What Do Certification Bodies Actually Do in the Cyber Essentials Process?

  • Yusra portrait
  • Yusra Shaeik
  • 3 min read
security lock represents Bristol businesses seeking Cyber Essentials certification

TL;DR: What Certification Bodies Do in the Cyber Essentials Process

Cyber Essentials is a government-backed cyber security certification that protects UK businesses from common online threats. While IASME runs the scheme, Certification Bodies play a key role in reviewing your self-assessment, issuing the certificate, and offering support if needed. Whether you want to go it alone or work with an expert partner like Dial A Geek, understanding their role can make certification much easier—and more successful.

What Is Cyber Essentials?

Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed scheme designed to help businesses protect themselves against the most common cyber threats.

It covers five key technical controls:

  1. Firewalls
  2. Secure settings
  3. Access control
  4. Malware protection
  5. Software updates

There are two levels:

  • Cyber Essentials: Self-assessed, reviewed by an Assessor.
  • Cyber Essentials Plus: Includes a hands-on audit by a certified professional.

The certification is valid for 12 months and can unlock benefits like customer trust, supply chain access, and eligibility for government contracts.

📖 Learn more: https://www.dialageek.co.uk/cyber-security/cyber-essentials-certification/

What Role Do Certification Bodies Play?

Many businesses are surprised to learn that IASME, the official Cyber Essentials partner, doesn’t directly review your application. Instead, that job is handled by Certification Bodies.

These are accredited, qualified cyber security firms approved by IASME to:

  • Review your self-assessment answers
  • Issue your Cyber Essentials certificate
  • Carry out audits for Cyber Essentials Plus
  • Provide optional support packages for businesses needing help

There are over 350 Certification Bodies in the UK, each employing trained, certified Assessors.

Do You Need to Work With a Certification Body?

That depends on how confident you are in managing the process.

✅ Option 1: Go It Alone (DIY)

If you’re confident in your cyber controls, you can complete the self-assessment using the:

Your answers are still reviewed by a Certification Body—but you won’t receive hands-on guidance.

🤝 Option 2: Get Expert Support

Most businesses prefer working with a Certification Body from the start. Why?

  • They help you understand the five controls
  • They guide you through the self-assessment
  • They offer pre-assessment checks to boost pass rates
  • Some also offer help from NCSC Assured Cyber Advisors

Note: Not all Cyber Advisors are Certification Bodies. Only licensed bodies can issue the certification. Dial A Geek is a certified certification body, you can check here.

How to Choose the Right Certification Body

When choosing a Certification Body, look for one that:

  • Understands your industry
  • Offers transparent pricing and packages
  • Has experience helping similar businesses
  • Can provide Ongoing support, not just a one-off audit

Why Businesses Choose Dial A Geek

At Dial A Geek, we help businesses in Bristol and across the UK prepare for Cyber Essentials with minimal hassle. Whether you’re trying to:

  • Win new contracts
  • Meet supplier requirements
  • Demonstrate your cyber resilience
  • Or just sleep better at night…

We’re here to guide you through every step.

🔐 Learn about our services: https://www.dialageek.co.uk/managed-it-services/
📄 Check our Cyber Essentials help: https://www.dialageek.co.uk/cyber-security/cyber-essentials-certification/

Ready to Get Certified?

We’ve already helped over 1,000 UK businesses improve their cyber security and compliance.


📞 Call us on 0117 369 4335

📅 Book a consultation with Gildas Jones today:

Let’s make your business the next success story.

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