How long does a SOC 2 audit take?
A realistic end-to-end range for a first SOC 2 Type 2: 9–15 months. Here's where the time goes — and how to compress it.
- Decide scope & select auditor — 2–4 weeks
Choose report type (Type 1 vs 2), Trust Services Criteria, and system boundaries. Get 2–3 scoped quotes; the engagement letter defines everything downstream. - Readiness / gap assessment — 4–8 weeks
The auditor (or a separate readiness firm) tests your controls against the criteria and hands you a remediation list. Skip this only if you're confident you're already operating cleanly. - Remediation — 4–12 weeks
Write the missing policies, fix access issues, stand up logging and monitoring, formalize vendor reviews. This is the phase most companies underestimate. - Type 1 (optional shortcut) — 4–6 weeks
A point-in-time design review. Useful when a deal can't wait for Type 2 — but you'll still need the full Type 2 cycle after. - Observation period — 3–12 months
For Type 2, auditors test that controls operated effectively across the window. Typical: 6–12 months; 3-month minimums are common for first audits. Nothing to do here except operate cleanly and collect evidence. - Fieldwork & report issuance — 4–8 weeks
The auditor tests your evidence, follows up on exceptions, and issues the signed report. Clean evidence = the short end of this range.
Fastest realistic path
Already operating with strong controls? Readiness (2 weeks) + 3-month observation + 4-week issuance ≈ 5 months to a signed Type 2. Starting from scratch with a 12-month window? Plan for 15+ months.
After year one
Renewal audits reuse your control set — most companies report the cycle compressing to a steady annual rhythm with 4–8 weeks of active effort. See the renewal guide.
Timeline questions
Can I shorten the observation period?
The observation period is typically 6–12 months; many auditors accept a minimum of 3 months for a first Type 2. Shorter windows mean less evidence of consistent operation, which some enterprise customers discount — ask your prospects what they require before choosing.
Do I need a Type 1 first?
No. If your customers accept Type 2 (most do, and prefer it), going straight to Type 2 saves a full audit cycle. Type 1 makes sense when a deal needs a report in weeks, not months.
What slows audits down most?
Evidence collection. Companies that assign one owner, use a compliance platform, and pre-organize evidence routinely shave 4–8 weeks off the timeline.
Start the clock
Tell us your deadline — we'll match you with auditors who can hit it.