Introduction
SOC 2 Certification is essential for organisations that manage Sensitive Data, particularly in industries like Tech, SaaS & Cloud Services. However, one of the most common questions that arise is: How much time does SOC 2 Certification take? Understanding the timeline for SOC 2 Certification is crucial for setting realistic expectations & managing resources efficiently. In this Article, we will break down the Process of achieving SOC 2 Certification & provide an estimate of how long it typically takes.
What is SOC 2 Certification?
SOC 2 Certification, developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants [AICPA], is a widely recognized Standard for securing & managing data. It is based on Five Trust Service Criteria: Security, Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality & Privacy. The Certification Process involves an independent Audit to ensure that a company is following best practices in Data Security.
For businesses handling Customer Data, SOC 2 Certification helps build trust with Clients & Partners, especially those in regulated industries. However, many companies struggle with the timeline involved in the Certification Process. Let’s explore How much time does SOC 2 Certification take? & what factors affect the timeline.
Factors That Affect the Timeline for SOC 2 Certification
1. The Readiness of Organization
The most significant factor influencing How much time does SOC 2 Certification take? is the current state of your organisation’s security & compliance practices. If your company already follows good Data Management practices & has strong Security Measures in place, the Certification Process can be quicker.
However, if your organisation needs to make significant changes to align with SOC 2 requirements, this can extend the timeline. Many companies spend time in the initial phase to implement Security controls & create Policies that meet the SOC 2 Standards.
2. The Scope of the Certification
SOC 2 Certification can be obtained for specific Services or Processes. The more complex the Scope of the Audit, the longer the Process will take. For example, if your company operates in multiple regions or provides a wide range of services, the Audit may require more time to ensure that all areas meet SOC 2 Standards.
The smaller & more focused the Scope, the quicker the Certification Process can be completed. This is why narrowing the Scope of your Certification can help you achieve SOC 2 Certification quickly.
3. The SOC 2 Type (Type I vs. Type II)
SOC 2 has two types of reports: Type I & Type II. The Type I Audit evaluates the design of controls at a specific point in time, while the Type II Audit assesses both the design & the Operational effectiveness of Controls over a period of time (typically six (6) to twelve (12) months).
If you opt for a Type I Audit, the Process will be quicker, as it only requires an evaluation of your existing controls. On the other hand, a Type II Audit takes longer due to the additional time required to verify the effectiveness of controls over a longer period.
4. Availability of Resources
Your organisation’s Internal resources, including Personnel, Technology & Budget, will also affect How much time does SOC 2 Certification take?. If you have dedicated staff who are well-versed in SOC 2 compliance & are able to focus on the project, the timeline may be shortened. However, if your team is juggling Multiple Projects or lacks expertise in SOC 2, the Process may take longer.
Additionally, working with a Third Party SOC 2 provider can help streamline the Process, but you’ll need to Account for the time spent coordinating with them & ensuring they have all the necessary Information.
The Phases of the SOC 2 Certification Process
The SOC 2 Certification Process can generally be broken down into Several Phases, each of which contributes to the Overall timeline.
1. Preparation Phase
This Phase involves gathering Information, reviewing your current Processes & addressing any gaps in your existing Security Policies. If your company is not SOC 2 ready, this phase may involve implementing new Security measures, such as Encryption, Access Controls & Incident response plans.
The Preparation Phase can take anywhere from two (2) to six (6) months depending on the complexity of your organisation’s Operations & the readiness of your Security Practices.
2. Audit Phase
Once your organisation is prepared, the Audit Phase begins. During this Phase, an Independent Third Party Auditor evaluates your Controls & Processes based on the SOC 2 Trust Service Criteria. If you are undergoing a Type I Audit, this Phase may be shorter, as the Auditor only needs to review the design of your Controls.
A Type I Audit typically takes 4 to 6 weeks to complete, while a Type II Audit can take six (6) to twelve (12) months. The Type II Audit takes longer because it evaluates the Operational effectiveness of your Controls over an Extended Period.
3. Post-Audit Phase
After the Audit is complete, you will receive a Report detailing the results of the evaluation. If you have passed the Audit, you will be awarded the SOC 2 Certification. However, if any issues were identified during the Audit, you may need to make adjustments to your controls before receiving Certification.
The Post-Audit Phase generally takes one (1) to two (2) months, depending on the complexity of the findings & the time required to address any Gaps.
Estimated Timeline for SOC 2 Certification
Based on the factors outlined above, the typical timeline for How much time does SOC 2 Certification take? ranges from three (3) to twelve (12) months. Here is an estimated breakdown:
| Phase | Type I Audit | Type II Audit |
| Preparation Phase | Two (2) to Six (6) months | Two (2) to Six (6) months |
| Audit Phase | Four (4) to Six (6) weeks | Six (6) to Twelve (12) months |
| Post-Audit Phase | One (1) to Two (2) months | One (1) to Two (2) months |
| Total Timeline | Three (3) to Eight (8) months | Six (6) to Twelve (12) months |
If your company opts for a Type I Audit & has well-established Security practices, you can expect the Certification Process to take three (3) to six (6) months. For a Type II Audit, the Process could take six (6) to twelve (12) months due to the additional Operational evaluation.
Conclusion
The question of How much time does SOC 2 Certification take? depends on several Factors, including the readiness of your organisation, the Scope of your Certification & the type of Audit you choose. On Average, the Certification Process takes between three (3) & twelve (12) months, with Type I Audits being quicker & Type II Audits requiring more time for Operational evaluations. By preparing early, focusing on relevant areas & working with experienced providers, you can streamline the Process & achieve SOC 2 Certification in the Shortest time possible.
Takeaways
- The time it takes to achieve SOC 2 Certification depends on your organisation’s readiness, the Scope of Certification & whether you choose a Type I or Type II Audit.
- Type I Audits are generally faster than Type II Audits, with a typical timeline of three (3) to eight (8) months for Type I & six (6) to twelve (12) months for Type II.
- Preparation, Audit & Post-Audit Phases each contribute to the overall timeline. The more organized & prepared your organisation is, the quicker the Certification Process can be completed.
FAQ
How much time does SOC 2 Certification take for a small business?
For small businesses with well-established Security Practices, a Type I Audit could take three (3) to six (6) months, while a Type II Audit may take longer, around six (6) to twelve (12) months.
Can I speed up the SOC 2 Certification Process?
Yes, by narrowing the Scope, preparing your Systems in advance & using experienced SOC 2 Service Providers, you can streamline the Process & reduce the time required.
Is SOC 2 Type I or Type II faster to complete?
SOC 2 Type I is generally faster than Type II because it only assesses the design of your Controls, whereas Type II evaluates both the Design & Operational effectiveness over time.
How long does the Audit Phase for SOC 2 Certification take?
For a Type I Audit, the Audit Phase can take four (4) to six (6) weeks, while a Type II Audit typically takes six (6) to twelve (12) months, depending on the Operational evaluation period.
What should I do if the Audit has issues during the Certification Process?
If Issues are identified, you will need to address them before receiving Certification. This may add extra time to the Process, depending on the complexity of the issues.
