Read this first. We are not a CPA firm, so we provide SOC 2 readiness, gap analysis and preparation consulting only. The formal SOC 2 examination and report are performed by a separate, licensed, independent CPA firm.

Service

SOC 2 implementation in four stages you can track

SOC 2 implementation turns a list of criteria into controls that run every day. So it is mostly engineering and habit, not paperwork, and it works best when someone keeps it moving.

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Readiness, not the audit
An independent CPA firm signs
Written estimate, no call

Soc 2 implementation: scope, remediate and audit support

The four stages of SOC 2 implementation

A good engagement runs four stages, so you always know where you are.

Stage	What happens	Typical time
Scope	Criteria, systems and target date agreed, so the fee is fixed.	Days.
Gap analysis	Ranked gaps with owners and dates.	Two to four weeks.
Remediation	Controls built, while evidence starts collecting.	Weeks to months.
Audit support	We answer the CPA firm's questions.	During the examination.

Who does what in SOC 2 implementation

We work alongside your engineers, rather than sending a report and leaving. However, some work must sit with your team, because they run the systems.

We: scope, policies, control design, evidence setup
Your team: configuration changes and daily operation
The CPA firm: the examination and the report

SOC 2 implementation readiness

Tick what is decided.

A named owner inside our company Criteria agreed with the customer Target report type and date chosen Engineering time is set aside A CPA firm has been shortlisted

Your result appears here as you tick, so you can see what is still open.

Realistic timelines

Type I usually takes one to three months in total. Type II takes six to twelve months, mostly because of the three to six month watch period. Therefore start the clock as early as you can.

Where SOC 2 implementation stalls

It stalls when nobody owns it. Also, it stalls when scope grows halfway, for example by adding Privacy without a customer request. We prevent both with written scope and a weekly plan.

Cost of SOC 2 implementation

Our fixed consultant fee is $5,000 to $40,000, while the CPA firm's fee is separate. A typical first year all-in runs $20,000 to $65,000. Criteria: AICPA Trust Services Criteria.

Weekly rhythm keeps it moving. A short written update listing closed gaps, open gaps and blockers is usually enough. Also, it doubles as a record that management oversaw the work, which supports the governance criteria too.

SOC 2 implementation questions

How long does SOC 2 implementation take?

One to three months for Type I and six to twelve for Type II.

Can we do it ourselves?

Yes, but first-timers often over-scope or under-evidence, so outside help saves time.

Who chooses the CPA firm?

You do, because the CPA firm must be independent of us.

Does SOC 2 implementation end after the report?

No. SOC 2 repeats yearly, although later years are easier.

Related guides

Start SOC 2 implementation with a fixed scope

Answer four scoping questions. We reply with a written scope and price range, usually the same working day.

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