Your startup has twelve people, a functioning SaaS product, and a steadily growing customer base. Security matters, but nobody carries “compliance manager” in their job title. One day, a prospective enterprise customer wants to see a SOC 2 report.
So, where should you begin?
For founders researching how to get SOC 2 certification, the first step isn’t to collect dozens of policies straight away. Start by making a few decisions that determine what your company needs to document, put in place, and prove.
Begin by Deciding Your Audit Scope
The AICPA Trust Services Criteria serve as the standard that SOC 2 evaluates controls against. These address Security, Availability, Confidentiality, Processing Integrity, and Privacy. Every report includes Security. Include the remaining areas only when they’re relevant to the organization’s services and commitments. A startup running a straightforward business application may begin with Security alone, provided that scope meets customer expectations.
List the applications, infrastructure, employees, and service providers involved prior to collecting evidence. More scope means extra work, though not necessarily a more valuable report.
Choose the Report That Matches Your Deadline
People searching for how to get SOC 2 certified often discover two reporting options. As of a specified date, Type 1 examines the design of controls. Type 2 goes further, evaluating both design and operating effectiveness throughout a defined period. Type 1 may be a useful first step when an enterprise customer needs evidence fast, as long as the customer accepts it.
Businesses exploring how to get SOC 2 type 2 certification should expect an observation period, typically three to twelve months, followed by an independent examination. Type 1 isn’t a mandatory prerequisite for Type 2. Before paying for either examination, verify your customer’s requirements.
Close the Everyday Security Gaps First
If security controls are connected to everyday business activities, SOC 2 preparation gets more manageable. A sensible place to start is requiring multi-factor authentication for important accounts, setting up a documented employee offboarding process, and reviewing access permissions on a regular basis.
Development teams should hold on to evidence of production changes and approvals. Company leadership should document risk assessments and relevant supplier reviews. Policies must describe what employees actually do. A well-written procedure offers limited value if nobody follows it.
Organize Evidence Before It Becomes a Problem
At its core, SOC 2 for saas companies involves demonstrating that relevant controls exist and, for Type 2, operate consistently. An auditor may request records showing when a former employee’s access was removed or whether a production deployment received appropriate approval.
Collecting these records as activities occur is easier than reconstructing them months afterward. With built-in controls, editable policy templates, evidence checklists, and document storage, CertAssist supports small teams organize this work.
The platform doesn’t require direct integrations with company systems. Teams add evidence themselves and can provide auditors with read-only access.
Why SOC 2 Requires an Independent Auditor
Technically, SOC 2 is an attestation rather than a certification. The examination is conducted by a licensed CPA firm, which then issues the SOC 2 report. Compliance software can help prepare and organize evidence, but it can’t replace the independent auditor.
CertAssist offers a US$225 monthly promotional subscription that includes SOC 2, ISO 27001, and its other supported frameworks. The independent audit is a separate expense. Ask for an auditor’s quote that reflects your business size, selected criteria, and intended reporting period before you set a budget.
Keep the Process Manageable After the First Report
A completed SOC 2 examination shouldn’t mark the end of your security activities. Your operations keep changing: people join and leave, applications change, and new suppliers appear. Your controls need to remain relevant.
Make sure each responsibility has a clear owner, evidence is retained throughout the year, and documented procedures are reviewed regularly against reality. For a growing startup, keeping this up makes future examinations easier and supports the security expectations of customers who depend on your software.