Question 1

What is SOC 2?

Accepted Answer

SOC 2 is an independent attestation report issued by a licensed CPA firm under AICPA standards. It evaluates a service organization's controls relevant to the Trust Services Criteria — Security, Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy. Type I reports describe controls at a point in time. Type II reports test operating effectiveness over a period (typically 6–12 months). Only AICPA-licensed CPA firms can issue a SOC 2 report.

Question 2

How much does a SOC 2 audit cost?

Accepted Answer

For a SaaS startup with 11–50 employees, a Type II audit typically ranges from $50,000 to $94,000 all-in (readiness, audit fees, automation platform, and internal time). For 201–500 employees, the range is $120,000 to $217,000. Boutique audit firms price 30–60% below mid-tier firms. See the cost calculator at /soc2/cost/calculator/ for size-specific ranges.

Question 3

How long does a SOC 2 audit take?

Accepted Answer

Type I typically takes 3–6 months end-to-end: 8–16 weeks of readiness work, then 4–8 weeks of fieldwork. Type II adds the observation window — the auditor must observe controls operating for 3, 6, or 12 months before fieldwork begins. A first-time Type II usually lands 9–18 months from kickoff. Companies on a compliance automation platform tend to complete readiness 30–50% faster.

Question 4

Do I need a CPA firm to issue SOC 2?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Per AICPA standards, only a licensed CPA firm enrolled in the AICPA Peer Review Program may issue a SOC 2 examination report. Compliance automation platforms (Vanta, Drata, Secureframe, Sprinto, etc.) help you prepare evidence and monitor controls, but they cannot sign the attestation. They typically partner with CPA firms who do.

Question 5

What's the difference between SOC 2 Type I and Type II?

Accepted Answer

Type I describes the design of controls at a single point in time. Type II tests operating effectiveness across an audit period (3–12 months). Most enterprise customers require Type II because it demonstrates controls actually run in practice, not just on paper. Many companies do Type I first to satisfy near-term security questionnaires while building toward Type II.

Independent directory of SOC 2 platforms and audit firms