How Long Does It Take To Get SOC 2 Compliance?

If your organization handles sensitive client data, achieving SOC 2 compliance is essential. SOC 2 compliance proves your business securely manages client information, reinforcing customer trust and positioning you competitively in the market.

However, one big challenge is determining exactly how long the compliance process takes.

Becoming SOC 2 compliant can sometimes require up to 18 months, especially if your business tackles the process alone, without guidance from experienced compliance experts. Fortunately, this timeline can be significantly shortened, but only if you take the right approach, follow essential steps from the start, and enlist knowledgeable compliance partners.

In this article, we’ll discuss a typical SOC 2 compliance timeline, highlight crucial stages you’ll encounter along the way, and discuss the factors influencing how quickly or slowly your business can achieve full compliance.

Key Takeaways

• Achieving SOC 2 compliance can take 6 to 18 months, depending on your preparation and resources.
• Pre-audit preparation involves identifying control gaps and establishing robust security policies.
• A compliance observation period (3 to 12 months) validates the effectiveness of your security controls.
• The official SOC 2 audit assesses both control design and operational effectiveness.
• Clear evidence documentation and centralized storage simplify the audit process.
• Engaging experienced auditors early helps ensure a smoother, more successful audit.
• Using compliance automation platforms like BEMO streamlines and accelerates the entire compliance journey.

How Long Does it Take to Become SOC 2 Compliant?

Achieving SOC 2 compliance typically involves four main stages: pre-audit preparation, a compliance observation period, the official audit, and the final report creation. 

Overall, this entire process can range from approximately six months to over a year, depending on your organization's readiness, available resources, and whether compliance experts guide you through the process.

Here’s an overview of how long each stage should take: 

Pre-Audit Preparation (1 to 3 months)

The first step toward SOC 2 compliance is pre-audit preparation, which generally takes one to three months. 

During this stage, your organization assesses its current security controls, policies, and procedures against SOC 2's Trust Services Criteria. This involves identifying gaps, establishing necessary controls, and documenting your policies clearly. A thorough preparation ensures your organization is ready for the next critical phase. 

Working with compliance specialists during this stage can significantly speed up your readiness, helping you avoid common pitfalls and reducing delays later in the compliance journey.

Compliance Observation Period (3 to 12 months)

Following preparation, your organization enters the compliance observation period. This phase usually lasts anywhere from three to twelve months, depending on the audit type and the auditor’s requirements. 

In this stage, your business must demonstrate that the established security controls are operating effectively over a defined duration. 

Auditors will examine records, conduct periodic tests, and verify consistent adherence to your documented policies. The length of this period varies significantly, based on your auditor’s needs and the complexity of your systems and operations.

Official Audit (1 to 3 weeks)

Once the observation period concludes, your organization undergoes the official SOC 2 audit, typically lasting one to three weeks. 

During this intensive evaluation, an independent Certified Public Accountant (CPA) thoroughly reviews evidence gathered throughout the observation period, conducts tests, interviews key personnel, and validates that controls are effectively addressing the Trust Services Criteria. 

Any identified issues or deficiencies will require timely remediation, so preparedness can streamline this process significantly.

Report Creation and Delivery (2 to 6 weeks)

After successfully completing the audit, the CPA firm compiles its findings into an official SOC 2 report, usually delivered within two to six weeks. 

This report details your compliance status, highlights your control environment's strengths and weaknesses, and includes the auditor’s opinion. 

Once delivered, your SOC 2 report becomes an important tool for building client trust and demonstrating your organization's commitment to securely managing sensitive data.

Achieve SOC 2 compliance faster with BEMO. 

How to Achieve SOC 2 Compliance

Achieving SOC 2 compliance requires a systematic approach to ensure your organization has all the necessary controls in place. Here's a clear, step-by-step guide:

1. Understand SOC 2 Requirements

Your first step is gaining a thorough understanding of the SOC 2 framework and its requirements. SOC 2 compliance revolves around five Trust Services Criteria (TSC): security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.

To effectively grasp how these criteria apply to your organization:

• Review each principle carefully and determine their relevance to your services and client needs.
• Identify specific controls required to meet each criterion.
• Engage with official AICPA resources or consult compliance experts to clarify any ambiguities.

By clearly understanding SOC 2 requirements, you set a strong foundation for communicating effectively with auditors and stakeholders throughout the compliance process.

2. Conduct a Readiness Assessment

After familiarizing yourself with the framework, the next step is conducting a readiness assessment, a critical exercise to identify gaps between your current controls and SOC 2 standards.

During your assessment, you should:

• Evaluate your security policies, technical controls, and procedures thoroughly.
• Identify vulnerabilities in access management, encryption practices, and incident response.
• Review vendor management practices, ensuring third-party compliance.
• Interview key personnel to understand their roles and responsibilities in security management.

A comprehensive readiness assessment provides your business with a roadmap to prioritize urgent remediation activities, helping you efficiently allocate resources and stay on track.

3. Implement Necessary Controls

With the gaps clearly identified, your next critical phase is addressing these vulnerabilities through targeted control implementation.

Prioritize and Plan

Begin by prioritizing identified gaps based on their potential impact and the resources required for remediation.

Update Policies and Procedures

Revise your security documentation to reflect SOC 2 standards, clearly assigning responsibilities and accountability measures.

Strengthen Technical Controls

Collaborate with your IT team or external experts to implement technical improvements, including:

• Enhancing data encryption
• Tightening access controls
• Strengthening network security measures

Provide Employee Training

Equip your team with necessary security awareness training, ensuring they understand their roles in maintaining SOC 2 compliance. Document all actions taken clearly and methodically, as these records will serve as crucial evidence during your audit.

4. Collect Evidence and Documentation

As your organization implements and refines compliance controls, collecting comprehensive evidence and documentation is essential to prove effectiveness during your audit.

Determine Necessary Evidence

Identify relevant documentation, such as:

• System and access logs
• Incident response records
• Employee training documentation
• Change management logs

Centralize Documentation Storage

Establish a centralized, secure repository for all compliance evidence, ensuring easy accessibility for auditors.

Automate and Review Regularly

Automate evidence collection processes where possible, and periodically review documentation for accuracy and completeness.

Maintain Detailed Audit Trails

Ensure your documentation clearly demonstrates control effectiveness and maintain audit trails that show the progression of your compliance efforts.

Establish Retention Policies

Define retention periods and secure disposal procedures to manage sensitive compliance documentation appropriately.

Systematic evidence collection and clear documentation not only streamline your audit process but also enhance your organization's transparency and reliability in clients' eyes.

5. Engage an Auditor

Selecting an independent auditor marks an essential milestone in your organization's SOC 2 compliance journey. The auditor’s primary responsibility is to objectively assess your controls and confirm their alignment with the SOC 2 criteria.

Choosing the Right Auditor

When choosing your auditor, prioritize experienced CPA firms known for their proficiency in conducting SOC 2 audits. Look for professionals who thoroughly understand the Trust Services Criteria and can offer valuable insights and guidance throughout the auditing process.

Preparing for the Audit

Before officially engaging your auditor, ensure your organization is fully prepared:

• Carefully review the results of your readiness assessment.
• Confirm all necessary controls are in place and operational.
• Verify you have sufficient documentation and evidence to support your compliance efforts.

Schedule an initial meeting to clearly discuss the audit scope, expectations, and timelines. During this discussion, transparently disclose any known gaps or challenges.

Collaborating with Your Auditor

Throughout the audit, maintain open and responsive communication. Promptly address information requests, provide clear documentation, and clarify questions proactively.

6. Undergo the Audit

The official SOC 2 audit represents the pivotal moment of validation. During this phase, auditors will rigorously test your implemented controls, thoroughly examine gathered evidence, and ultimately determine your compliance status.

What to Expect During the Audit

Expect your auditors to perform in-depth evaluations of your organization's:

• Security and compliance policies
• Procedures and operational controls
• Technical security measures, including encryption, access control, and incident response capabilities

Auditors will engage with your staff through structured interviews, process observations, and detailed analyses of security logs and system reports. Their primary goal is to verify both the design and real-world effectiveness of your controls.

After completing the audit, the auditor’s final report will outline the scope, results of testing, identified gaps (if any), and an overall opinion on your SOC 2 compliance status.

Handling Audit Findings

Should your auditor identify any compliance gaps, you'll receive clear recommendations for remediation. Quickly develop an action plan, setting defined timelines and accountability measures to address each identified issue.

7. Remediate and Maintain Compliance

After receiving your SOC 2 audit report, promptly addressing identified gaps becomes your immediate priority. Effective remediation and long-term compliance require proactive, structured action.

Immediate Remediation Steps

Review your auditor’s findings and recommendations carefully, then quickly create a remediation plan outlining:

• Specific corrective actions required
• Assigned responsibilities
• Realistic timelines for resolution

Typical remediation activities include:

• Updating security policies and procedures
• Implementing new or enhanced technical controls
• Conducting additional employee security training

Document each remediation action comprehensively, detailing the steps taken, involved personnel, and achieved outcomes, to provide clear evidence of your proactive compliance efforts.

Establish Continuous Compliance Monitoring

SOC 2 compliance isn’t static; it demands ongoing monitoring, regular evaluation, and continuous improvement. To maintain compliance:

• Implement comprehensive monitoring systems (automated security tools, internal audits).
• Regularly evaluate effectiveness by analyzing system logs, access reports, and security incidents.
• Conduct periodic vulnerability assessments and penetration tests to proactively identify and resolve security gaps.

Encourage a Compliance Culture

Sustaining compliance requires organizational buy-in. Ensure employees understand their roles and responsibilities by:

• Providing ongoing compliance and security training programs.
• Encouraging open communication regarding security concerns or suggestions for improvement.
• Addressing issues promptly and transparently.

Stay Ahead of Emerging Risks

To maintain long-term SOC 2 compliance:

• Regularly review and update your security policies to reflect the latest SOC 2 criteria and industry best practices.
• Adapt to new technologies and evolving security threats proactively.
• Use advanced analytics, monitoring, and predictive tools to detect potential risks and vulnerabilities early.

Engage Industry Experts and Peers

Maintain strong relationships with your auditor, and leverage their insights for continuous improvement. Additionally, engage with third-party security experts to gain external perspectives on your security posture.

Participate actively in industry forums and compliance communities to stay informed about:

• Latest trends in SOC 2 compliance
• Emerging threats and vulnerabilities
• Effective best practices shared by industry peers

By staying proactive, continuously evaluating your controls, and maintaining transparency, your organization will successfully sustain long-term SOC 2 compliance and confidently meet client expectations.

Streamline Compliance with BEMO

If your organization is aiming for SOC 2 compliance, automation can dramatically simplify your journey. BEMO’s compliance automation platform is designed to help your business achieve SOC 2 certification faster, more easily, and with greater efficiency, allowing you to focus on what matters most: running your business.

Centralized Compliance Management

With BEMO, you gain a centralized platform that tracks your compliance progress clearly and accurately. The platform monitors your controls in real time, quickly detecting any deviations from SOC 2 standards. 

Automated evidence collection and continuous monitoring ensure your security measures remain consistently effective and audit-ready, freeing your team from the tedious, error-prone manual processes typically associated with compliance efforts.

Simplified Audit Preparation

Preparing for a SOC 2 audit can feel overwhelming, but BEMO simplifies the process by organizing and centralizing all your compliance documentation in one secure place. 

This streamlined approach allows auditors easy access to the exact documentation and evidence they need. 

BEMO’s built-in auditor coordination tools facilitate seamless collaboration, enabling secure communication, efficient tracking of findings, and simplified management of remediation efforts.

Integrated Penetration Testing

Beyond standard compliance automation, BEMO provides integrated penetration testing services. By simulating real-world cyber-attacks, BEMO proactively identifies vulnerabilities in your systems, allowing your business to remediate weaknesses before auditors arrive. 

This proactive security assessment strengthens your overall cybersecurity posture, ensuring you're confidently prepared for the SOC 2 audit.

With BEMO, achieving and maintaining SOC 2 compliance becomes less about checking boxes and more about proactively safeguarding your clients' trust and your organization’s reputation. You’ll confidently demonstrate that your business prioritizes client data protection, enabling you to focus on strategic growth without the constant worry of compliance management.

Becoming SOC 2 Compliant Fast

Achieving SOC 2 compliance typically takes between six months to over a year, though it can extend up to 18 months if tackled alone. This timeline depends heavily on your organization's initial readiness, available resources, and whether compliance experts support your efforts. 

By clearly understanding SOC 2 requirements, conducting a detailed readiness assessment, implementing robust controls, and continuously collecting evidence, your business can significantly streamline this process. 

Companies that use automation see faster timelines, fewer gaps, and smoother audits without sacrificing quality. BEMO helps you stay audit-ready year-round by managing the details, so you can focus on growth.

Start Your Compliance Journey

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Industry Standard Window for a SOC 2 Type 2 Report?

More mature enterprises typically choose a 12-month observation period for their SOC 2 Type 2 audits. Shorter observation windows (minimum of 3 months) are acceptable when your organization is first achieving compliance. However, a longer observation period (such as 6 months or more) generally demonstrates greater maturity and can instill stronger confidence in your clients.

How Do I Determine the Start Date of My Audit Window?

Your audit window should start once your organization becomes fully "audit-ready." This means all necessary remediation steps identified in your readiness assessment have been completed, and your controls are fully operational. Keep in mind that auditors can examine any activities, accesses, or changes starting from the very first day of your audit period, so don’t begin until your organization is fully prepared.

How Long Is a SOC 2 Report Valid?

A SOC 2 report covers controls over a specified observation period and does not have a formal expiration date. However, most companies choose to renew annually. This is because clients, partners, or contractual agreements typically require annual audits to ensure ongoing compliance and data protection standards are continuously maintained.

What Is the Difference Between SOC 2 Type 1 and Type 2?

A SOC 2 Type 1 report evaluates the design and implementation of your controls at a specific point in time. In contrast, a SOC 2 Type 2 report assesses both the design and operational effectiveness of your controls over an extended observation period, typically ranging from 3 to 12 months.

How Long Does It Usually Take to Get SOC 2 Compliance?

Organizations generally achieve SOC 2 compliance within 3 to 12 months, depending on their initial readiness, internal resources, and the use of automation tools. SOC 2 Type 1 audits typically require around 5 to 8 weeks after completing the readiness phase, while SOC 2 Type 2 audits involve a longer observation period of 3 to 12 months before the audit and report are completed.

Do I Need to Complete a Type 1 Audit Before a Type 2 Audit?

No, you are not required to complete a SOC 2 Type 1 audit before undergoing a Type 2 audit. If your controls are already fully implemented and operational, you can proceed directly to a Type 2. However, many organizations initially choose a Type 1 audit to validate their controls’ design and implementation before committing to the longer observation period of a Type 2 audit.

What Factors Affect How Long SOC 2 Compliance Takes?

Several factors influence your SOC 2 compliance timeline, including:

• Your organization’s current security maturity level
• Internal team resources and bandwidth
• Availability and readiness of required documentation
• Responsiveness to auditor requests
• Use of automation platforms (which significantly speed up evidence collection, control monitoring, and reduce manual delays)

How Can I Prepare for a SOC 2 Renewal?

To smoothly prepare for a SOC 2 renewal:

• Continuously track and monitor your controls' effectiveness year-round
• Clearly document any changes to your systems or processes
• Regularly update and review security policies
• Address audit findings promptly and proactively
• Maintain ongoing visibility into your control environment's health between audits

Is Ongoing Compliance Required After Receiving the SOC 2 Report?

Yes, SOC 2 compliance requires continuous effort. Achieving compliance is not a one-time task; your organization must consistently maintain controls, actively monitor security systems, and prepare annually for future audits. This ongoing commitment helps ensure sustained data protection, client trust, and organizational security maturity.