What Happens If You Fail Cyber Essentials?

Understand the two-working-day remark window, the six-month account period, and when a new application is required.

Written by StandAssured editorial team
Reviewed by Apexward Certification Body assessor
Last reviewed: 9 August 2026
Requirements version: Danzell v3.3

Your assessment account remains active for six months. Once your answers have been submitted and assessed, an unsuccessful result normally includes a two-working-day opportunity to correct simple issues and resubmit.

Practical next steps

  1. Read the assessor feedback carefully - focus on simple, fixable issues first.
  2. Correct controls and update answers within the remark window where applicable.
  3. If a further failure occurs, plan a new application and fee with stronger preparation.
  4. Consider guided certification if you need assessor advice before resubmitting.