If you’re running a SaaS business, chances are you’ve already heard about SOC 2. Maybe a potential client asked if you’re certified, or perhaps your team is looking to build more trust with enterprise customers. Either way, you’ve probably wondered: how do I actually obtain SOC 2 certification?
The process might seem overwhelming, but with the right guidance, it’s totally doable—and the long-term benefits are absolutely worth it.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to obtain SOC 2 certification, what the process looks like, and some practical tips to help your team succeed.
What Is SOC 2 Certification, Really?
Before diving into how to get SOC 2 certification, let’s take a step back.
SOC 2 (Service Organization Control 2) is a security and compliance framework developed by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). It’s designed to assess how well your company manages customer data—specifically in relation to five “Trust Service Criteria”:
- Security
- Availability
- Processing Integrity
- Confidentiality
- Privacy
You don’t need to meet all five, but Security is mandatory. The rest depend on your business model and client requirements.
Why It Matters: Real-World Example
Let’s say you’re a B2B SaaS company offering marketing automation tools. A Fortune 500 client shows interest—but before they even consider a contract, they ask for your SOC 2 report. Without it, they walk away. With it, you close a $200,000 deal.
That’s the kind of impact SOC 2 can have.
Step-by-Step: How to Obtain SOC 2 Certification
Getting SOC 2 certified isn’t a one-day task—but it also doesn’t have to take a year. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
Step 1: Understand the Scope
Ask yourself:
- What systems store, process, or transmit customer data?
- Which Trust Service Criteria are relevant to our services?
- Do we need a Type I report (snapshot in time) or Type II (performance over time)?
This step lays the foundation for everything else.
Step 2: Choose a Compliance Partner or Auditor
SOC 2 reports must be issued by a licensed CPA firm. But most companies also work with a compliance advisor or software solution first.
🔗 Example: At Decrypt Compliance, we help SaaS companies prepare for SOC 2 by offering readiness assessments, gap analysis, and audit support.
Choosing the right partner early can make the entire process smoother—and prevent expensive missteps later.
Step 3: Perform a Readiness Assessment
Think of this as your “mock audit.” It identifies:
- Where your current controls fall short
- What policies and procedures are missing
- Where documentation needs improvement
This step is critical before starting the real audit.
Step 4: Implement Policies, Controls & Tools
This is the “get your house in order” phase. Based on your readiness report, you’ll:
- Write or update security policies
- Implement access controls
- Encrypt data (at rest and in transit)
- Set up monitoring and alerting tools
- Train staff on security best practices
Yes, it takes effort. But each step brings you closer to earning trust with your customers.
Step 5: Undergo the Audit
Once you’re ready, your auditor will evaluate your controls. For a Type I audit, they’ll check if your controls are correctly designed. For a Type II, they’ll monitor your controls over a period (usually 3–12 months) to verify they operate effectively.
The result? A SOC 2 report you can share with clients and stakeholders.
How Long Does It Take?
Here’s a rough timeline:
- Readiness & Implementation: 4–8 weeks (longer if you’re starting from scratch)
- Audit (Type I): 2–4 weeks
- Audit (Type II): 3–12 months monitoring + 4–6 weeks for report
🔍 Pro Tip: Working with a firm like Decrypt Compliance can cut this timeline in half.
How Much Does It Cost?
SOC 2 costs vary depending on company size, complexity, and the audit type. But here’s a ballpark:
- Type I: $8,000–$20,000
- Type II: $15,000–$40,000+
You’ll also need to factor in tools, internal time, and consulting help. Still, the ROI in customer trust and faster deal cycles makes it worthwhile.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Going in unprepared: Jumping straight into an audit without a readiness assessment is like taking a final exam without studying.
- Trying to DIY everything: You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Templates, tools, and expert guidance exist for a reason.
- Neglecting the human side: Your people are part of your security posture. Don’t skip training.
Real Talk: Is SOC 2 Worth It?
Absolutely. If you want to work with enterprise clients or expand into regulated industries, it’s a must-have.
Even if no one’s asking for it yet, getting ahead of the curve shows maturity and builds serious credibility.
Think of it like getting your passport before you book your trip—it opens doors.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This
Now that you know how to obtain SOC 2 certification, it’s time to take action. Yes, it’s a commitment—but it’s also one of the best moves you can make to grow and protect your business.
Start small. Ask questions. Get help where needed.
And if you want a fast, expert-guided path to certification, check out Decrypt Compliance. We specialize in getting SaaS companies audit-ready—without slowing you down.
