What You Need to Know About HITRUST e1, i1, and r2

When it comes to protecting sensitive data and demonstrating compliance with security standards, HITRUST certification is one of the most widely recognized frameworks available. But if you’ve started looking into HITRUST, you’ve likely encountered its different certification levels—e1, i1, and r2—and wondered which one is right for your organization.

This guide breaks down the differences between the three HITRUST levels and provides practical guidance to help you decide which certification aligns with your security needs and compliance goals.

What are the different levels of HITRUST certification?

HITRUST certification levels represent a progressive approach to risk management and compliance. Instead of a one-size-fits-all certification, HITRUST offers three options that scale in complexity and rigor:

1. HITRUST e1 (Essential One-Year): The e1 certification is often used as a stepping stone for organizations that plan to move toward more comprehensive certifications later.
   1. Purpose: Designed for organizations just beginning their security and compliance journey or those with lower risk exposure.
   2. Scope: Covers essential security controls for baseline risk management and regulatory alignment.
   3. Certification Duration: Valid for 1 year.
   4. Best For: Small to mid-sized businesses; companies without extensive compliance requirements; and organizations seeking a faster, more accessible entry point into HITRUST.
2. HITRUST i1 (Implemented One-Year): The i1 certification is ideal for businesses that need to demonstrate that their security practices are aligned with industry best practices but may not require the rigor of the r2 assessment.
   1. Purpose: Provides a stronger compliance posture than e1, with a focus on cybersecurity best practices and threat-informed controls.
   2. Scope: Includes a more detailed set of implemented controls, mapped to leading industry standards.
   3. Certification Duration: Valid for 1 year with a Rapid Recertification option for qualifying i1 Assessments.
   4. Best For: Mid-sized to large organizations, companies in regulated industries (e.g., healthcare or financial services), and organizations that need a higher level of assurance for business partners.
3. HITRUST r2 (Risk-Based Two-Year): The r2 certification is often considered the “gold standard” of HITRUST levels because it provides the broadest scope of controls and the strongest evidence of security maturity.
   1. Purpose: The most comprehensive and rigorous HITRUST certification level, designed for organizations with high-risk profiles or complex compliance requirements.
   2. Scope: Tailored, risk-based assessment that incorporates controls from a wide range of frameworks, including HIPAA, NIST, ISO, GDPR, and more.
   3. Certification Duration: Valid for 2 years, with an interim review at 1 year.
   4. Best For: Enterprises with significant regulatory requirements; organizations handling highly sensitive or regulated data; and businesses that need the highest level of assurance for customers, partners, and regulators.

Key Differences Between HITRUST e1, i1, and r2

How to Choose the Right HITRUST Certification Level

Selecting the right HITRUST certification depends on your organization’s risk profile, regulatory requirements, and business objectives:

• Start With a Readiness Assessment: Evaluate your current security posture and compliance obligations.
• Consider Your Industry and Customer Expectations: Regulated industries or enterprise-level clients often expect higher-level certifications.
• Plan for Scalability: You can start with e1 or i1 and progress to r2 as your compliance program matures.
• Work With a HITRUST Partner: Experienced advisors can help you identify the most cost-effective and strategic path toward certification.

Why HITRUST Certification Matters

Whether you pursue e1, i1, or r2, HITRUST certification provides measurable benefits:

• Stronger security controls aligned with industry best practices
• Increased trust with clients, partners, and regulators
• Streamlined compliance by mapping to multiple frameworks simultaneously
• Scalable growth, allowing you to advance to more rigorous certifications over time

Understanding the differences between HITRUST levels is the first step toward choosing the right certification for your organization. If you’re just starting out, e1 can help you establish a baseline. If you need stronger assurance, i1 might be the right fit. For organizations with the highest compliance demands, r2 delivers unmatched rigor and credibility.

By selecting the right HITRUST certification, you can build a security and compliance program that grows with your business and helps you stay ahead of evolving regulatory requirements.

IS Partners is authorized by the HITRUST Alliance to conduct HITRUST certifications, and we bring more than 20 years of cross-industry compliance experience to the table. Our team of certified HITRUST assessors makes HITRUST compliance easy with expert guidance through every step, from preparation all the way through to assessment and certification. Click here to learn more about our HITRUST certification services.

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About The Author

Philip LaRocca

Philip joined IS Partners as a senior consultant in financial data management and IT auditing. He has worked his way up in the firm and earned numerous certifications, including CISA, CRISC, and AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, and is a member of ISACA and the Institute of Internal Auditors.