Quick answers to common partner questions about the Cyber Essentials First Step Fund.

Who does the customer pay?

IASME, for their 25% contribution. They pay you (the partner) for any Core or Complete package or additional services they order.

How do I make money through the scheme?

The scheme doesn't include a margin on the Cyber Essentials certificate itself, but you can charge customers for helping them complete the questionnaire. The bigger opportunity is selling CyberSmart Core or Complete: for First Step customers we take the cost of the certificate off the year-one package price, so you earn from year one and build recurring revenue through renewals.

Can I use the scheme for prospecting?

Yes, but CyberSmart can't assign an organisation to your partner account unless they also become a customer of yours contractually.

What if the customer signs up without my link?

Their account won't be tied to CyberSmart as the certification body, or to you as the partner in our platform. Always send your unique link and ask the customer to use it rather than searching for the scheme online.

Can I reuse my link?

Yes. With I'll share a link with my customers, the same link works for every customer. With I'll provide my customer list, you can return to the page and add new customers as they confirm.

Are organisations with 250+ employees eligible?

No. Large organisations with 250 or more employees aren't eligible for the First Step Fund.

Is Cyber Essentials Plus covered?

No, the funding is for Cyber Essentials only.

What's the deadline?

The customer must register and buy by 31 March 2027 (or earlier if the fund runs out), then achieve certification within six months of their IASME First Step payment being completed.

Does the six months start while we wait for the CyberSmart platform?

Yes. It runs from when their IASME First Step payment is completed.

What if my customer can't find their company in the Company Search?

Try the exact registered name (not a trading name), or add the postcode.

When do Core or Complete customers get access to their products?

As soon as you place the order. The subscription runs from the order date, not from when the customer certifies.

Where does the assessment happen?

Currently on IASME's platform, Pervade. IASME has said it will look at moving funded assessments to CyberSmart in the coming weeks. We'll confirm when this is possible.

Can I help my customer in Pervade?

Yes. Your customer can add you as a helper on their assessment.

Will Core or Complete customers see their certificate in the dashboard?

Yes, once they're certified. We'll add their certificate and report to your partner account.

Need help?

If you have any questions about the First Step Fund, get in touch with our support team using the chat on this page.