How to Pass Cyber Essentials Plus on Your First Attempt

Unlike the basic Cyber Essentials certification, the Plus version demands hands-on, independent verification through audits and technical testing. 

It’s tougher, but far more respected by partners, regulators, and customers. And if you approach it the right way, you can pass Cyber Essentials Plus the first time without scrambling, costly retests, or reputational damage.

Here’s what IT and security teams need to know to get it right on the first attempt. 

Why Cyber Essentials Plus Matters

Cyber Essentials Plus doesn't just assess your policies; it tests their real-world effectiveness. It validates that your controls aren’t just designed well on paper, but are properly implemented and operating as intended.

During the assessment, an accredited auditor will:

• Scan your systems for vulnerabilities
• Test your patch management processes
• Validate access controls and account security
• Review your malware protection setup
• Check how you secure devices, firewalls, and remote access

Passing Cyber Essentials certification at the Plus level proves your commitment to strong cybersecurity, and for government contracts, it’s often non-negotiable.

Failing, however, can delay business deals, increase costs, and create security exposures you didn't plan for.

Common Reasons IT Teams Fail Cyber Essentials Plus

Even experienced IT and security teams can mess up. These are the pitfalls that most often cause unexpected failures:

• Inconsistent patching: Critical security updates not applied across all devices
• Weak admin account controls: Admin rights not tightly managed or reviewed
• Unsecured BYOD policies: Personal devices accessing corporate systems without full controls
• Default firewall settings: Misconfigured rules that leave open ports vulnerable
• Poor endpoint protection: Antivirus or anti-malware solutions not centrally managed or enforced

The biggest reason for failure is inconsistent enforcement across departments, devices, and systems, and it only takes a single weak spot to derail your certification.

How to Prepare for Cyber Essentials Plus (and Pass on Your First Attempt)

To pass Cyber Essentials Plus, you need clear visibility into your environment, tight control over your security measures, and documented proof that everything is working exactly as it should. Without all three, even small gaps can derail your certification.

Here’s a practical action plan to get you there:

1. Perform a Pre-Assessment Gap Analysis

Before bringing in the certifying body, do an internal review aligned with the Cyber Essentials technical controls. 

Identify gaps in:

• Boundary firewalls and internet gateways
• Secure configuration
• Access control
• Malware protection
• Patch management

Tip: Simulate the audit experience and treat your internal review as seriously as the real thing.

2. Lock Down Administrative Access

Auditors will check who has admin privileges and how those are managed. 

Make sure:

• Only essential personnel have admin rights
• Accounts are reviewed regularly
• Multifactor authentication (MFA) is enforced wherever possible

3. Strengthen Your Device and Endpoint Security

All company-approved devices need:

• Up-to-date antivirus/endpoint detection
• Secure configurations (disable unnecessary services and ports)
• Strong password policies enforced at the device level

Remember: Personal devices (BYOD) are not exempt if they access company data.

4. Centralize Patch Management

Critical and high-risk patches must be deployed across all applicable systems within 14 days. 

Automate patching wherever possible, and keep detailed records to show auditors.

5. Tighten Firewall and Network Configurations

Check that:

• Firewalls are configured with minimal exposure (deny by default)
• Only essential ports and protocols are open
• Remote access is secured with VPNs and MFA

6. Maintain Clear and Updated Documentation

You’ll need to show evidence, not just say you did the work.

Prepare:

• Asset inventory lists
• Access control policies
• Patch management reports
• Firewall and security device configurations
• Malware protection records

Documentation isn't only admin work; think of it as your audit safety net.

Compliance Confidence Comes from Preparation

Certification is never something you can rush or leave to the last minute. Build ongoing compliance into your everyday IT operations, so that when the time for assessment comes, you’re already 90% there. This will make obtaining the Cyber Essentials Plus certification much more achievable.

If you have strong controls, updated documentation, and clear evidence trails, your certification will become less stressful. You’ll be more likely to pass on the first attempt and strengthen your overall security and compliance resilience at the same time.

FAQs: Passing Cyber Essentials Plus