Imagine a startup with twelve people, a working SaaS product, and an expanding customer base. Security matters, but no one has “compliance manager” in their job title. Then a prospective enterprise customer requests a SOC 2 report.
So, where should you begin?
If you’re a founder researching how to get SOC 2 certification, don’t download dozens of policies immediately. A handful of choices defines what your company needs to document, implement, and prove, and that is where to start.
Decide What Your First SOC 2 Audit Should Cover
SOC 2 measures controls against the AICPA Trust Services Criteria. Security, Availability, Confidentiality, Processing Integrity, and Privacy are the areas they cover. Of these, only Security is mandatory. Include the other categories only when they are relevant to the organization’s services and commitments. A startup offering a straightforward business application may begin with Security alone, provided that scope meets customer expectations.
The applications, infrastructure, employees, and service providers involved should be identified before anyone starts collecting evidence. An overly broad scope creates extra work without necessarily improving the report’s value.
Choose the SOC 2 Report Your Deadline Allows
Anyone wondering how to get SOC 2 certified soon runs into two reporting options. At a specified date, Type 1 evaluates the design of controls. Type 2 examines their design and operating effectiveness throughout a defined period. Where an enterprise customer needs evidence fast, Type 1 can be a useful place to start, so long as the customer accepts it.
Anyone investigating how to get SOC 2 type 2 certification should expect an observation period, typically three to twelve months, and then an independent examination. Type 1 isn’t a mandatory prerequisite for Type 2. Find out what your customer requires before you pay for either examination.
Tackle the Day-to-Day Security Gaps First
When security controls are connected to everyday business activities, SOC 2 preparation becomes more manageable. For instance, enforce multi-factor authentication for important accounts, establish a documented employee offboarding process, and review access permissions on a regular basis.
Developers should keep evidence of production changes and approvals. Leadership should record risk assessments and relevant supplier reviews. Write policies that describe what employees actually do. If nobody follows it, even a beautifully written procedure has limited value.
Keep Your Evidence Organized Before the Auditor Asks
SOC 2 for saas companies involves demonstrating that relevant controls exist and, for Type 2, operate consistently. You could be asked for records showing when a former employee’s access was removed or whether a production deployment received appropriate approval.
It’s easier to gather these records as activities occur than to reconstruct them months later. Small teams can manage this work with CertAssist’s built-in controls, editable policy templates, evidence checklists, and document storage.
There is no need for direct integrations with company systems. Teams add evidence themselves and can provide auditors with read-only access.
Why SOC 2 Requires an Independent Auditor
SOC 2 is technically an attestation, not a certification. A licensed CPA firm carries out the examination and issues the SOC 2 report. Nothing replaces the independent auditor, not even compliance software, which helps prepare and organize evidence.
For the software, CertAssist advertises a US$225 monthly promotional subscription covering SOC 2, ISO 27001, and its other supported frameworks. Audit fees are charged separately. Ask for an auditor’s quote that reflects your business size, selected criteria, and intended reporting period before budgeting.
Keep the Process Manageable After Your First Report
Your security activities shouldn’t end when the SOC 2 examination is finished. Things keep changing: employees join and leave, applications change, and new suppliers appear. Controls must remain relevant.
Three habits keep things on track: setting clear responsibilities, retaining evidence throughout the year, and regularly reviewing whether your documented procedures match reality. That discipline helps make future examinations easier for a growing startup, while also supporting the security expectations of customers who depend on your software.