To get SOC 2 as a startup, choose Type 1 or Type 2, scope your system, close control gaps, collect evidence, and hire an external CPA firm to audit you. Vanta says preparation takes one to five months, and a Type 2 observation window is typically three to twelve months.
Figures are from vendor sources and are estimates, as of 19 October 2026.
Key takeaways
- Only an external auditor from a licensed CPA firm can issue a SOC 2 report.
- Type 1 looks at controls at one point in time. Type 2 tests them over a period.
- Software and consultants help you prepare but do not do the audit.
- Start with the customer request: which report, which categories, by when.
What do founders ask about SOC 2?
- Do I need SOC 2 yet?
- Type 1 or Type 2 first?
- How long and how much?
- Do I need a tool or consultant?
- Which trust services categories?
- What if a customer asks before I am ready?
What are the steps to get SOC 2?
- Confirm the ask. Which customers need it, and do they need Type 1 or Type 2?
- Scope the system. Decide which product, infrastructure and trust services categories are in scope. Vanta notes scoping stays a human job.
- Run a readiness check. Find gaps against the criteria. Vanta says a readiness assessment starts around $10,000.
- Write policies and close gaps. Access, change management, incident response, vendor management.
- Run the controls and collect evidence. For Type 2 this runs through the observation window.
- Choose an auditor. An external CPA firm. Get more than one quote.
- Audit and report. The auditor tests, interviews staff and issues the report.
- Repeat annually. An official report is valid for one year, per the Cloud Security Alliance.
Click through it at your own pace, or open it full screen.
Should a startup start with Type 1 or Type 2?
Ask what the buyer requires. Type 1 is faster. Optro says a rapid Type 1 may be completed in as little as four weeks, and Secureframe's manual route gives one to four months overall. Many buyers want Type 2, which needs the observation window. See our Type 1 vs Type 2 guide.
How long and how much will it take?
Vanta says an audit fee usually runs $10,000 to $50,000, and the all-in cost of a first SOC 2 lands between $10,000 and $80,000 or more. Thoropass estimates 60 to 100 hours of internal work if you do not hire for control implementation. We cover the sources in how much SOC 2 costs and how long it takes.
Do I need software or a consultant?
Neither is required. Software helps with evidence over months. A consultant helps with scope and policies. See compliance automation vs a consultant.
What if a customer asks before I am ready?
Say where you are, with dates. Share your plan, and offer what you have, such as policies and a completed questionnaire. Never imply you hold a report you do not. See what to say when a customer asks for SOC 2 early.
How to choose your path
- Customer requires a report by a date? Work back from the Type 2 window.
- Nobody owns security decisions? Hire a consultant for scope.
- Small simple stack? Software may cover most evidence.
- Cash tight? Get two auditor quotes and cut scope to what buyers need.
Frequently asked questions
Can a startup get SOC 2 without a tool?
Yes. It takes more internal hours, and evidence must be collected by hand over the window.
How long does a first SOC 2 take?
Preparation is one to five months per Vanta, then a Type 2 window of three to twelve months. Type 1 can be faster.
Does SOC 2 mean I am certified?
SOC 2 is an attestation report, not a certification. A CPA firm reports on your controls.
Do I need all five trust services categories?
No. Security is the base. Others are chosen by what your customers need.
Sources
- https://www.vanta.com/resources/what-does-a-soc-2-audit-cost
- https://optro.ai/blog/soc-2-audit-cost
- https://secureframe.com/hub/soc-2/cost-and-time-savings.md
- https://www.thoropass.com/blog/how-much-does-soc-2-cost
- https://cloudsecurityalliance.org/articles/who-performs-a-soc-2-audit-the-role-of-soc-2-auditors-vs-compliance-software
Last reviewed: 19 October 2026.
