Achieving SOC 2 Type 2 Compliance is a significant undertaking for any Organisation. Understanding how long the process takes is essential for proper planning & resource allocation. In this article, we’ll explore the typical timeline for SOC 2 Type 2 Compliance, the factors that influence it & how to create an effective Compliance calendar to ensure success.

What is SOC 2 Type 2?

SOC 2 Type 2 is a report focused on the operational effectiveness of a company’s controls over time. Unlike SOC 2 Type 1, which examines whether a company has implemented appropriate Security Policies, SOC 2 Type 2 evaluates how these controls are applied consistently over a defined period (usually six months to one year). This makes it a more comprehensive assessment, giving Stakeholders a clearer picture of your ongoing commitment to security, confidentiality & Privacy.

The SOC 2 Type 2 Timeline

The process of obtaining SOC 2 Type 2 Certification typically spans several months, depending on the maturity of your Organisation’s internal controls. On average, most companies take anywhere from three (3) to nine (9) months to complete the Certification Process.

The timeline includes preparation, the Audit itself & the post-Audit review & can be broken down into the following phases:

• Preparation Phase: Initial assessments & preparation can take anywhere from one (1) to three (3) months. This involves gathering documentation, understanding the scope of the Audit & making necessary improvements to controls.
• Audit Phase: The Audit itself generally lasts between one (1) to two (2) months, depending on the size & complexity of the Organisation. The auditors will assess your controls, evidence & operational practices over the review period.
• Post-Audit Review: After the Audit is complete, there is typically another one (1) to two (2) months of follow-up, which involves reporting, addressing any gaps & finalising the certification.

Key Factors Influencing SOC 2 Type 2 Duration

Several factors can impact how long it takes to achieve SOC 2 Type 2 Compliance:

1. Control Maturity: If your Organisation already has strong security & Privacy controls in place, the process will likely be faster. However, if you need to implement or overhaul controls, it will take longer.
2. Scope of the Audit: The broader the scope, the longer the Audit process will take. For example, including more services or business units in the Audit will add complexity & time.
3. Vendor Readiness: If you rely on Third Party vendors for certain processes, their preparedness will also affect the timeline. Delays from vendors can extend the process.
4. Audit Firm’s Experience: Working with an experienced Audit firm can speed up the process, as they will be familiar with potential issues & Best Practices.

Planning your Compliance Calendar for SOC 2 Type 2

Given that SOC 2 Type 2 Compliance is a long-term process, planning your Compliance calendar is crucial to ensuring smooth execution. Here are some Best Practices for setting a timeline:

• Set Realistic Goals: Break the process into manageable phases with clear milestones. For example, aim to complete the initial preparation phase within the first two (2) months & aim to complete the Audit phase within six (6) months.
• Align with Business Cycles: Align your Compliance calendar with your company’s business cycles to avoid disruption. For instance, it may make sense to plan the Audit during a quieter business period to focus resources effectively.
• Allow Time for Adjustments: SOC 2 audits often reveal areas for improvement. Allow extra time for adjustments based on Audit Findings, especially if there are gaps in security or Privacy practices.

Steps to Take Before the SOC 2 Type 2 Audit

Before the Audit begins, ensure that the following steps are completed to minimise the Audit duration:

• Internal Assessment: Conduct an internal gap assessment to identify any deficiencies in your current practices.
• Implement Remediation Plans: If gaps are found, implement remediation actions well before the Audit to ensure controls are functioning.
• Gather Documentation: Make sure all relevant Policies, procedures & evidence are organised & readily accessible for the auditors.
• Staff Training: Ensure that key Employees are trained on SOC 2 requirements & that they can explain your processes clearly during the Audit.

SOC 2 Type 2 Audit Process

The Audit process itself consists of the following steps:

1. Initial Planning: The Audit firm will work with you to establish a timeline, scope & plan for the Audit.
2. Fieldwork: Auditors will review your controls in action. This includes examining documentation, conducting interviews & observing processes.
3. Reporting: After the Audit, auditors will provide a report detailing their findings. If any issues are discovered, you’ll need to address them before final certification.
4. Finalisation: Once the report is complete & any gaps are resolved, you will receive your SOC 2 Type 2 Certification.

Post-Audit Actions & Reporting

Once you have completed the Audit, there are a few post-Audit activities to consider:

• Address Any Gaps: If any issues are discovered, take Corrective Actions immediately. This may involve strengthening controls, improving processes or addressing specific weaknesses.
• Communicate Results: Share the results of the Audit with Stakeholders, including your clients & internal teams.
• Ongoing Maintenance: SOC 2 Type 2 is not a one-time event. You’ll need to continuously monitor & improve your controls to maintain Compliance over time.
  

Takeaways

• The SOC 2 Type 2 process typically takes between three (3) to nine (9) months.
• Preparation, Audit & post-Audit actions are the three main phases of the process.
• Factors such as control maturity, Audit scope, vendor readiness & auditor experience impact the duration.
• Planning your Compliance calendar early & setting realistic goals will streamline the process.

FAQ

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SOC 2, ISO 27001, ISO 42001, NIST, HIPAA, HECVAT, EU GDPR are some of the Frameworks that are served by Fusion – a centralised, automated, AI-enabled SaaS Solution created & managed by Neumetric. 

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