High Table ISO 27001 Toolkit vs Certikit ISO 27001 Toolkit
Both the High Table ISO 27001 Toolkit and CertiKit ISO 27001 Toolkit provide pre-written documentation and templates to help organizations, particularly small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), implement an ISO 27001 Information Security Management System (ISMS) without hiring expensive consultants. They are designed for a “Do It Yourself” approach and are one-time purchases, not subscriptions. While both products are similar in goal, they have differences in what they include and how they are priced.
| Feature | High Table ISO 27001 Toolkit | CertiKit ISO 27001 Toolkit |
| Current Price | £490.00 (from a reduced £990.00) | £595.00 (excluding VAT) |
| Target Audience | Small and medium businesses | General organizations |
| Total Cost of Ownership | The one-time purchase price is the primary cost. Additional potential costs for the “Ultimate Edition” may include a personal one-on-one consultation with the author and group Q&A sessions. The kit is designed to minimise overall costs by replacing the need for external consultants. | The one-time purchase price is the main cost. Additional services like a paid consultation meeting are an extra expense. The toolkit is designed to provide a perpetual license for an organization, reducing recurring costs associated with subscriptions. |
| Target Audience | Small and medium businesses | General organizations |
| Format | Microsoft Office (Word and Excel) | Microsoft 365 format |
| Expert Support | Offers direct access to the toolkit’s creator, Stuart Barker, through video calls and weekly group Q&A sessions | Provides unlimited email support and an expert review of up to three completed documents. |
| Suitability for SMEs | Excellent. The toolkit is explicitly designed for small and medium-sized businesses and is “beginner friendly,” assuming no prior knowledge. The use of Microsoft Office documents removes the need for expensive online platforms. It provides a step-by-step process with guides and video tutorials, making it accessible for non-specialists. | Very Good. CertiKit is a solid toolkit suitable for organizations of various sizes, including SMEs. It provides a large number of template documents (over 215) and guides. The perpetual license and unlimited user access make it a flexible option for a growing team. |
| Updates | Lifetime updates included | Lifetime updates included |
| Bonus Features | Video walkthroughs, YouTube guides, 40+ group clinic sessions | 3-month trial of Cyber Training Platform |
| Timeline | The toolkit is marketed to help businesses build their ISMS in days and be ready for certification in weeks. While this is an ambitious claim, it suggests a faster implementation than other methods, such as hiring a full-time consultant. | The timeline is not explicitly stated on the product page. However, with the included documents and perpetual license for unlimited users, an organization can work at its own pace to prepare for certification. Industry standard timelines for SMEs are typically 3-6 months. |
| Key Differentiators | Expert-Led Content: Developed by Stuart Barker, an experienced ISO 27001 professional. Emphasis on direct support from the author through consultations and Q&A sessions. Cost-Effective Focus: The lower price point and design around a simple document pack make it a highly affordable choice. | Extensive Document Library: Includes a large number of templates and documents (over 215). Additional Features: The toolkit includes a 3-month trial to a cyber training platform, a gap assessment checklist, and a quality guarantee. |
Recommendation for a Small Business
For a small business, High Table is the recommended choice. Its primary advantage is its user-friendly, “beginner-friendly” design and its more accessible price point. The direct access to an expert through live Q&A sessions and one-on-one consultations provides a level of support that can be crucial for a small team with limited internal expertise. While CertiKit offers a robust and extensive document library, the sheer volume might be more than a small business needs. High Table’s focus on simplicity and ease of use makes the daunting task of ISO 27001 implementation more manageable for a small team.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on the specific needs of the business. If cost-effectiveness and a simplified, guided approach are top priorities, High Table is the clear winner. If a business needs a vast library of templates and is willing to pay more for it, CertiKit is a very strong alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It is a set of documents, guides, and templates to help a business get ISO 27001 certified.
They provide pre-written documents and policies so you don’t have to start from scratch.
They save money by removing the need to hire expensive consultants, whose fees can be tens of thousands of pounds.
High Table’s toolkit states that it is also compliant with NIS2 and DORA.
Yes, both toolkits are aligned with the ISO 27001:2022 and ISO 27002:2022 standards.
The kits include policies, procedures, risk assessment templates, a Statement of Applicability (SoA), and more.
Yes, both toolkits use common programs like Microsoft Word and Excel, making them simple to edit.
Yes, both companies offer free lifetime updates to their toolkits.
No, both toolkits are a one-time purchase.
Yes, High Table’s toolkit is designed specifically for smaller companies. CertiKit also works for companies of any size.
Both companies offer support. Hightable provides one-on-one sessions and group calls. CertiKit gives unlimited email support.
The Hightable toolkit is £490. The CertiKit toolkit is £595 (without VAT).
CertiKit’s toolkit has a higher number of documents, including over 130 Annex A control documents.
The toolkits provide the necessary documentation and templates. However, an organization must still implement the processes and controls described in the documents.
Yes, they provide the necessary paperwork to get you ready for your audit.
Yes, High Table provides video walkthroughs and a YouTube guide library.
CertiKit has a seven-day money-back guarantee. High Table does not list a refund policy.
No, both toolkits are licensed for use by only one company.
High Table uses Microsoft Office, while CertiKit uses Microsoft 365, which is a very similar format.
Implementation for an SME typically takes between three to six months, depending on the complexity of the business and the resources dedicated to the project.
The total cost includes the toolkit’s one-time purchase price, staff time, and the fees for the external certification body’s audit.
Yes, an external audit by a registered certification body is a mandatory step to become officially ISO 27001 certified.
The templates are designed to be customised, so you can adapt your existing policies to fit the toolkit’s framework.
No, both toolkits are designed to be user-friendly for people without prior knowledge of the standard.
Consider your budget, the level of support you need, and whether you prefer a simpler, more hands-on approach or a more extensive document library.
Document toolkits are generally more affordable and give you full control. Online platforms can be more automated but often involve recurring subscription fees.
