How Much Time Does a SOC 2 Audit Take?

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Several factors can affect the duration of your SOC 2 compliance process and how quickly you receive your final SOC 2 report. The timeline depends on the number of SOC 2 controls you need to implement, the type of audit you select, and the level of preparation you have before the audit.

We’ll explore the SOC 2 audit timeline, outline the estimated duration for each phase, and share practical tips to help you speed up the process.

What is a SOC 2 Audit?

A SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) audit is an examination process designed to ensure that service providers securely manage data to protect the interests of their organization and the privacy of its clients. Developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), SOC 2 defines criteria for managing customer data based on five “Trust Services Criteria” (TSC).

Purpose and Importance:

• Build Trust: Provides assurance and builds trust with customers/partners by showing effective data protection controls.
• Data Security Assurance: Assures stakeholders of good security practices and adequate controls.
• Meet User Needs: Gives users detailed info on controls for data security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.
• Competitive Advantage: Gains a competitive edge, speeds up deals, and unlocks new business by demonstrating compliance.
• Internal Improvement: Identifies controls, validates effectiveness, improves internal processes, and provides security posture insights.

Who Needs a SOC 2 Audit?

SOC 2 audits are relevant for service organizations that store, process, or transmit customer data. This includes:

• Cloud Service Providers
• SaaS (Software as a Service) vendors
• Data Centers
• Managed IT Service Providers
• Financial Services Organizations
• Web Marketing Companies

Essentially, any organization whose services could impact the security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, or privacy of its clients’ data might need or benefit from a SOC 2 audit.

How is SOC 2 Audit Conducted?

An independent, AICPA-accredited CPA firm conducts the audit. The auditor performs a rigorous examination of the organization’s systems, processes, and controls relevant to the selected Trust Services Criteria.

This involves reviewing documentation (like policies and procedures), testing the controls to see if they are designed appropriately and operating effectively, interviewing personnel, and examining evidence.

The outcome is a SOC 2 report detailing the auditor’s findings and opinion.

The audit evaluates controls based on one or more of the five TSC:

• Security (Common Criteria — Mandatory)
• Availability (Optional)
• Processing Integrity (Optional)
• Confidentiality (Optional)
• Privacy (Optional)

An organization chooses which optional criteria to include in its audit scope based on its business model, services offered, and commitments made to customers.

Why Every Business Needs a SOC 2 Audit To Survive in 2025
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How Long Does SOC 2 Audit Take?

SOC 2 compliance involves two types of reports: SOC 2 Type 1 and SOC 2 Type 2.

A Type 1 report evaluates the design and implementation of your security controls at a specific moment — essentially a snapshot taken during your audit.

In contrast, a Type 2 report assesses how effectively those controls operate over a defined period, which can range from three months up to one year. Following the audit window for a Type 2 report, auditors typically require an additional six to eight weeks to finalize and deliver the report.

While a SOC 2 Type 1 audit is quicker to complete, a Type 2 report offers deeper insights into the operational effectiveness of your controls, providing stronger assurance to your stakeholders.

SOC 2 Type 1 Audit Timeline

Typically, a SOC 2 Type 1 audit takes 5 weeks to 2 months to complete. Your timeline depends heavily on your auditor’s efficiency and your level of readiness. Additional factors influencing the timeline include:

• How accessible is your evidence to the auditor
• The size and complexity of your organization’s infrastructure
• How promptly your team responds to auditor inquiries

A Type 1 report offers a cost-effective compliance validation since it requires less time and effort than a Type 2 audit.

Pre-Audit Preparation | 1–3 months

Prior to the audit, you must identify and address gaps in your security controls and implement SOC 2 best practices. This includes setting up access controls, encrypting sensitive data, developing security policies, managing vendor risks, conducting risk assessments, and gathering compliance evidence.

The duration of this phase depends on how many relevant controls you’ve already implemented versus those that still need attention. Once prepared, you’ll engage an AICPA-accredited auditor.

Official Audit | 2–5 weeks

After onboarding the auditor and briefing them on your security environment, they will review your evidence and controls in detail. Prompt communication with your auditor during this period can help speed up the process.

Report Generation and Delivery | 2–6 weeks

Upon completing their review, the auditor will produce your SOC 2 Type 1 report, detailing your controls and whether they meet SOC 2 criteria. This report serves as a powerful tool to demonstrate your security posture to clients, partners, and prospects.

SOC 2 Type 2 Audit Timeline

SOC 2 Type 2 audits examine your security control effectiveness over a longer time frame, which you select, ranging from 3 to 12 months. This extended evaluation provides stakeholders with confidence in your ongoing security practices.

Pre-Audit Preparation | 1–3 months

Similar to Type 1, preparation involves implementing necessary controls and remediating compliance gaps. The time needed depends on your current control coverage. After readiness, hire an AICPA-accredited auditor authorized for SOC 2 Type 2 engagements.

Compliance Observation Period | 3–12 months

The defining feature of a Type 2 audit is the observation window during which the auditor monitors your controls’ performance. Early-stage companies often opt for shorter windows (e.g., 3 or 6 months) to accelerate report delivery, whereas mature organizations typically select a full year for comprehensive assurance. Subsequent attestations usually adhere to a 12-month cycle.

Official Audit | 1–3 weeks

With months of monitored data, the auditor reviews your documentation and control effectiveness. Timely responses to requests during this phase help streamline the audit.

Report Generation and Delivery | 2–6 weeks

The auditor compiles a detailed SOC 2 Type 2 report highlighting your security posture, control implementation, and operational effectiveness against the Trust Services Criteria. This report is essential for sharing with customers and other stakeholders seeking deeper assurance.

Accelerate Your SOC 2 Audit with SecureSlate

SOC 2 audits can be time-consuming, but automation can significantly reduce the effort and duration. SecureSlate’s comprehensive compliance platform simplifies and fast-tracks your SOC 2 journey by automating key tasks:

• Seamlessly integrate your infrastructure with 200+ built-in connections
• Gain holistic risk insights from a unified dashboard
• Receive instant notifications highlighting compliance gaps
• Access actionable checklists to address non-compliance
• Automate evidence collection and centralize documentation
• Find and collaborate with AICPA-vetted auditors within the platform
• Streamline auditor reviews through a centralized Trust Center

By leveraging SecureSlate’s automation, organizations save valuable time and reduce costs, achieving SOC 2 compliance faster and with greater confidence.

Conclusion

The SOC 2 audit timeline depends on the report type: Type 1 is a quick snapshot (5 weeks — 2 months audit/reporting post-prep), while Type 2 involves a 3–12 month observation period plus reporting (2–6 weeks). Preparation is the most variable phase.

Automation can significantly accelerate the process, helping organizations navigate the timeline efficiently to achieve compliance and build trust.

Ready to Streamline Compliance?

Building a secure foundation for your startup is crucial, but navigating the complexities of achieving compliance can be a hassle, especially for small teams.

SecureSlate offers a simpler solution:

• Affordable: Expensive compliance software shouldn’t be a barrier. Our affordable plans start at just $99/month.
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• Gain Confidence and Credibility: Our platform guides you through the process, ensuring you meet all essential requirements and giving you peace of mind.

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