Introduction
Securing a SOC 2 Type 2 certificate is one of the most important ways to show that your organisation takes Data Privacy & security seriously. This certificate is often required by enterprise Clients & Partners, especially in industries dealing with Sensitive Data. In this article, we break down exactly how to get SOC 2 Type 2 certificate-including what it is, why it matters, what steps are involved & how to keep it up to date. Whether you are an early-stage startup or an established company aiming for compliance, this guide will help you understand the essentials clearly & confidently.
What is SOC 2 Type 2 Certificate?
SOC 2 stands for System & Organisation Controls 2. It is a report developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants [AICPA]. SOC 2 evaluates how well a service organisation protects Customer Data based on five (5) Trust Service Criteria:
- Security
- Availability
- Processing Integrity
- Confidentiality
- Privacy
There are two (2) types of SOC 2 reports:
- Type 1: Evaluates the design of controls at a specific point in time.
- Type 2: Assesses the effectiveness of those controls over a period of at least three (3) months.
A SOC 2 Type 2 certificate verifies that your organisation not only designed the right controls but has also implemented & maintained them effectively over time.
Why SOC 2 Type 2 Matters for Modern Organisations
Having a SOC 2 Type 2 certificate boosts trust with clients, investors & partners. It can help you:
- Win larger & more security-conscious clients
- Shorten sales cycles by removing security objections
- Prevent data breaches through improved internal practices
- Demonstrate a commitment to compliance & transparency
In sectors like Healthcare, Finance or cloud-based services, a SOC 2 Type 2 certificate is often a non-negotiable requirement.
Key Requirements for SOC 2 Type 2 Compliance
Before you begin the Certification Process, ensure your organisation meets the following basic requirements:
- Clearly defined internal Policies & procedures
- A dedicated team or security lead managing compliance
- Technical controls like encryption, monitoring & Access Controls
- Ongoing Risk Assessment & vendor management practices
- Regular training for Employees on security & Privacy
Most organisations also rely on a compliance automation platform to streamline this process & track Control Implementation across teams.
Steps on How to get SOC 2 Type 2 Certificate
1. Define the Scope
Start by identifying the systems, teams & processes that will be included in the Audit. Work with your auditor to ensure a manageable & relevant scope.
2. Perform a Readiness Assessment
A Readiness Assessment is a pre-Audit check to identify gaps in your existing controls. Many companies hire a Third Party consultant for this phase.
3. Implement Required Controls
Based on the assessment, introduce any missing Policies, tools or practices. This may include multi-factor authentication, access reviews or Incident Response planning.
4. Monitor & Collect Evidence
You need to operate with those controls in place for a minimum of three (3) months-this is known as the Audit Period. During this time, log activities & collect records.
5. Undergo the Type 2 Audit
An independent auditor (usually a CPA Firm) will review your collected evidence & issue the final report. This can take between four (4) to twelve (12) weeks.
6. Receive your SOC 2 Type 2 Certificate
If successful, the auditor will issue a report & certificate confirming your compliance. This certificate is valid for 12 months.
Timeframes & Costs Involved
The total timeline to achieve SOC 2 Type 2 Certification typically ranges from four (4) to twelve (12) months, depending on your readiness. Cost factors include:
- Internal staff time & preparation
- Consultant or readiness advisor fees
- Audit costs (can range from $10,000 to $100,000)
- Software or platforms for compliance tracking
Larger organisations may spend more due to complexity, but many Small Businesses manage Certification with limited resources by focusing their scope.
Challenges & Limitations to Consider
While SOC 2 Type 2 Certification offers major benefits, it’s not without challenges:
- Time-intensive preparation
- Costly audits for smaller firms
- Ongoing maintenance to avoid expired controls
- Misalignment between IT & compliance teams
Moreover, the certificate is not a legal requirement-it’s a trust signal. Therefore, it does not guarantee protection from cyber incidents or legal liabilities.
Best Practices to maintain SOC 2 Type 2 Compliance
- Schedule internal audits every six (6) months
- Assign a dedicated compliance officer
- Regularly train Employees in Data Security
- Monitor & document all changes to systems
- Renew your certificate before the 12-month expiration
Treat SOC 2 Type 2 not as a one-time badge but a continuous process that ensures operational excellence & accountability.
Common Misconceptions Around SOC 2 Type 2
- “SOC 2 is only for tech companies” – Not true. Any service organisation that handles Customer Data can benefit.
- “Type 2 is just a checklist” – Type 2 audits are thorough & assess performance over time, not just documentation.
- “Once certified, you’re done” – Certification is valid only for one (1) year & must be renewed annually.
- “It replaces other standards” – SOC 2 complements but doesn’t replace ISO 27001, HIPAA or other frameworks.
Takeaways
- SOC 2 Type 2 Certification validates operational & Data Security maturity
- It is vital for companies handling sensitive or regulated data
- Achieving Certification requires defined controls, evidence gathering & a formal Audit
- Costs vary by scope & preparation, but benefits usually outweigh the investment
- Continuous compliance ensures long-term trust & success
FAQ
What is the difference between SOC 2 Type 1 & Type 2?
Type 1 assesses the design of controls at a specific moment, while Type 2 evaluates their effectiveness over a period of time.
How long does it take to get SOC 2 Type 2 certificate?
It typically takes between four (4) to twelve (12) months, depending on your current security posture & readiness.
Do we need to hire an external auditor?
Yes. A Licensed CPA Firm must conduct the Audit & issue the SOC 2 Type 2 report.
Is SOC 2 Type 2 certificate mandatory?
No. It is not a legal requirement but is often expected by customers, partners & regulators.
Can a small company get SOC 2 Type 2 certificate?
Yes. Many small or early-stage companies pursue it using focused scopes & automation platforms.
Does the certificate expire?
Yes. A SOC 2 Type 2 certificate is valid for twelve (12) months & must be renewed annually.
What happens if we fail the Audit?
The auditor may delay the report until issues are fixed or issue a qualified opinion highlighting gaps.
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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 SaaS, multimodular, multitenant, centralised, automated, Cybersecurity & Compliance Management system.
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