Imagine a startup with twelve people, a working SaaS product, and an expanding customer base. People take security seriously, but nobody has “compliance manager” in their job title. A potential enterprise customer next asks for a SOC 2 report.
So where should you begin?
For founders researching how to get SOC 2 certification, the answer isn’t to download dozens of policies immediately. A handful of decisions decides what your company needs to document, put in place, and prove, and that is where to start.
Begin by Defining Your Audit Scope
SOC 2 measures controls against the AICPA Trust Services Criteria. The criteria include Security, Availability, Confidentiality, Processing Integrity, and Privacy. Security is required. The remaining areas are added when they’re relevant to the organization’s services and commitments. A startup offering a straightforward business application may start with Security alone, provided that scope meets customer expectations.
Before you collect any evidence, list the applications, infrastructure, employees, and service providers involved. An unnecessarily broad scope creates extra work without necessarily improving the report’s value.
Choose the SOC 2 Report That Fits Your Timeline
People searching for how to get SOC 2 certified frequently discover two reporting options. At a specified date, Type 1 examines the design of controls. Type 2 goes further, examining design and operating effectiveness throughout a defined period. Where an enterprise customer needs evidence fast, Type 1 may be a useful starting point, if the customer accepts it.
For businesses exploring how to get SOC 2 type 2 certification, the process includes an observation period, usually three to twelve months, followed by an independent examination. You do not have to complete Type 1 ahead of Type 2. Check your customer’s requirements before paying for either examination.
Fix Everyday Security Gaps First
When security controls are tied to everyday business activities, SOC 2 preparation becomes more manageable. Think of requiring multi-factor authentication for important accounts, setting up a documented employee offboarding process, and reviewing access permissions on a regular basis.
Evidence of production changes and approvals should be retained by engineering teams. Risk assessments and relevant supplier reviews should be recorded by leadership. Policies must match what employees actually do. A polished procedure has limited value if nobody follows it.
Get Your Evidence Organized Before the Auditor Asks
Demonstrating that relevant controls exist and, for Type 2, operate consistently is the heart of SOC 2 for saas companies. You might be asked for records showing when a former employee’s access was removed or whether a production deployment received appropriate approval.
It’s much easier to collect these records as activities occur than to rebuild them months later. CertAssist assists small teams structure this work using built-in controls, editable policy templates, evidence checklists, and document storage.
The platform doesn’t require direct integrations with company systems. Evidence is uploaded by the team, and auditors can be given read-only access.
Understand the Independent Audit Requirement
SOC 2 is formally an attestation, not a certification. A licensed CPA firm performs the examination and issues the SOC 2 report. The independent auditor cannot be replaced by compliance software, though it can help prepare and organize evidence.
For the software, CertAssist offers a US$225 monthly promotional subscription that covers SOC 2, ISO 27001, and its other supported frameworks. Independent audits are a separate cost. Ask for an auditor’s quote based on your business size, selected criteria, and intended reporting period before budgeting.
Keep the Process Manageable After Your First Report
A completed SOC 2 examination shouldn’t mark the end of your security work. People join and leave, applications change, and new suppliers become part of your operations. Your controls need to stay relevant.
Define clear responsibilities, retain evidence throughout the year, and periodically review whether your documented procedures match reality. For a growing startup, that discipline makes future examinations easier while supporting the security expectations of customers who depend on your software.