Audit Timeline
How Long Does SOC 2 Take?
A realistic timeline for your first SOC 2 audit, subsequent years, and what to expect at each phase.
6-12 Months
First SOC 2 (Type II)
Including preparation, observation period, and audit
2-4 Months
With Automation Platform
LowerPlane customers achieve compliance 60% faster
3-4 Months
Subsequent Years
Renewal audits are faster with established processes
Type I vs. Type II: Which Should You Choose?
SOC 2 Type I
- Point-in-time assessment
- Evaluates control design only
- Takes 2-4 weeks to complete
- Lower cost than Type II
Best for: Companies needing a report quickly or as a stepping stone to Type II
SOC 2 Type II (Recommended)
- Evaluates control operation over time
- Observation period: 3-12 months
- More valuable to customers and prospects
- Required by most enterprise customers
Best for: B2B SaaS companies seeking long-term customer trust
Year 1
First-Time SOC 2 Audit
Planning & Scoping
2-4 weeks
Key Activities:
- Define audit scope (which Trust Service Criteria)
- Identify systems and applications in scope
- Select Type I or Type II audit
- Choose auditor/CPA firm
- Establish project timeline and milestones
- Assign internal compliance team roles
Pro Tips
- • Start with Security (required) + 1-2 other criteria
- • Type II provides more value but requires 3-12 month observation period
- • Get quotes from 2-3 CPA firms before deciding
Gap Assessment
2-4 weeks
Key Activities:
- Conduct readiness assessment against SOC 2 requirements
- Document current security policies and procedures
- Identify control gaps and deficiencies
- Prioritize remediation efforts
- Create remediation roadmap
- Estimate resource requirements
Pro Tips
- • Use a compliance platform like LowerPlane for automated gap analysis
- • Focus on high-impact gaps first
- • Document everything, even informal processes
Remediation & Implementation
4-12 weeks
Key Activities:
- Implement missing policies and procedures
- Deploy security controls and tools
- Configure monitoring and alerting
- Establish access control procedures
- Implement change management process
- Set up vendor management program
- Deploy employee security training
- Document all controls and evidence
Pro Tips
- • This is typically the longest phase for first-time audits
- • Automate evidence collection from day one
- • Train employees on new procedures before audit period
Observation Period (Type II)
3-12 months
Key Activities:
- Operate controls consistently throughout period
- Collect evidence of control operation
- Conduct regular access reviews
- Perform vulnerability scans and address findings
- Document incidents and responses
- Monitor for compliance drift
- Prepare evidence packages for auditor
Pro Tips
- • Most first-time audits use a 3-6 month observation period
- • Set calendar reminders for recurring evidence collection
- • Address any control failures immediately and document remediation
Audit & Report
4-8 weeks
Key Activities:
- Submit evidence to auditor
- Participate in auditor interviews
- Address auditor questions and requests
- Review draft report for accuracy
- Remediate any findings if needed
- Receive final SOC 2 report
- Share report with customers and prospects
Pro Tips
- • Respond to auditor requests within 24-48 hours
- • Have subject matter experts available for interviews
- • Review management assertion carefully before signing
Year 2+
Subsequent Years & Renewals
After your first SOC 2 audit, renewals become significantly easier. With established processes and continuous monitoring, you can maintain compliance with minimal disruption to your team.
Continuous Monitoring
Ongoing
- Maintain all controls from Year 1
- Continuous evidence collection
- Regular access reviews (quarterly)
- Quarterly vulnerability assessments
- Annual risk assessment update
- Employee security awareness training
Pre-Audit Preparation
2-4 weeks
- Review prior year findings and ensure remediation
- Update policies for any organizational changes
- Confirm scope with auditor (same or expanded)
- Gather evidence for observation period
- Conduct internal readiness review
Audit & Report
3-6 weeks
- Submit evidence package to auditor
- Shorter audit cycle due to familiarity
- Address any new findings
- Receive updated SOC 2 report