How to Get SOC 2 Certification in 2025: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Businesses

In today’s digital-first world, customers care deeply about how businesses manage their data. If you’re offering SaaS, fintech, healthcare, or any cloud-based service, SOC 2 certification is not just a badge of honor—it’s a competitive necessity. It signals to customers that you handle their sensitive information securely, with strict controls aligned to industry standards.

But getting SOC 2 certification can feel overwhelming. There are auditors, frameworks, readiness assessments, and technical controls that all need attention. This guide breaks down how to get SOC 2 certification step-by-step, with detailed explanations, practical examples, and actionable advice.

We’ll also touch on parallel topics like how industries adopt compliance strategies, while incorporating useful everyday analogies like car insurance for first-time drivers, showing how preparation and cost planning are crucial in both areas.

What is SOC 2 Certification?

SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) is an auditing framework developed by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). It ensures service providers securely manage data based on five Trust Service Criteria:

1. Security – protecting data from unauthorized access.

2. Availability – ensuring systems are reliable and available.

3. Processing Integrity – delivering accurate and complete data processing.

4. Confidentiality – safeguarding sensitive data.

5. Privacy – handling personal information responsibly.

For customers, SOC 2 certification means trust. For businesses, it means winning enterprise clients who demand compliance.

Why SOC 2 Matters in 2025

Data breaches and ransomware are on the rise. A single incident can cost millions in damages and reputation loss. SOC 2 provides a clear framework for building trust and preventing risk.

• Regulatory pressure: Governments are pushing stricter data laws.

• Customer demands: Enterprises refuse to work with vendors without compliance.

• Competitive edge: Being SOC 2 certified helps you stand out in saturated markets.

Just like choosing the best car insurance for first-time drivers, SOC 2 gives your business a safety net against the unexpected.

Types of SOC 2 Reports

Before certification, it’s critical to know the two types of SOC 2 reports:

• SOC 2 Type I: Evaluates whether controls are designed properly at a specific point in time.

• SOC 2 Type II: Tests the operational effectiveness of those controls over a period (usually 6–12 months).

Think of it like car insurance costs for first-time drivers:

• Type I is like the initial sign-up fee.

• Type II is the renewal, proving you’ve been responsible over time.

Step 1: Define Scope and Goals

The first step is defining the scope. Which systems, processes, and services will SOC 2 cover?

• Decide on in-scope services (e.g., your cloud platform, databases).

• Choose relevant Trust Service Criteria (security is mandatory; others depend on client needs).

• Understand business goals (enterprise deals, market credibility).

💡 Example: A SaaS HR company might focus on Security, Privacy, and Confidentiality, while a payments processor may emphasize Processing Integrity.

Step 2: Conduct a Readiness Assessment

A readiness assessment is like a practice exam before the real test. It highlights gaps in your controls.

• Review existing policies (security, access, incident response).

• Identify missing documentation.

• Benchmark current practices against SOC 2 standards.

This step prevents costly surprises during the actual audit.

Step 3: Build Internal Policies and Procedures

Policies form the backbone of SOC 2. You’ll need documentation for:

• Access control policies – who gets to access data.

• Incident response plans – how you handle breaches.

• Vendor management policies – how third-party risks are assessed.

Much like finding low-cost car insurance for first-time drivers, creating policies requires research, comparison, and tailoring to your specific risks.

Step 4: Implement Security Controls

Now comes the technical part—setting up systems to enforce policies.

• Multi-factor authentication (MFA).

• Encryption (at rest and in transit).

• Continuous monitoring and logging.

• Automated vulnerability scans.

These controls are proof that your organization is serious about protecting data.

Step 5: Train Your Team

Human error causes over 80% of data breaches. Training your employees is essential.

• Conduct regular security awareness sessions.

• Teach phishing recognition.

• Share best practices for password management.

It’s like teaching good driving habits for new drivers—training ensures safety and reduces risk.

Step 6: Choose an Auditor

SOC 2 certification must be performed by a licensed CPA firm specializing in SOC audits.

When choosing an auditor:

• Check their industry expertise.

• Compare pricing structures.

• Ask for sample reports.

Just like selecting the best car insurance for first-time drivers, picking the right auditor ensures long-term benefits.

Step 7: Undergo the Audit

The auditor will evaluate your systems and controls.

• Type I audit: Done in weeks.

• Type II audit: Done over 6–12 months.

Auditors collect evidence, review processes, and test controls. Your report then becomes a seal of credibility you can share with clients.

Step 8: Address Findings and Remediate

It’s common to have gaps in your first audit.

• Create a remediation plan.

• Fix issues like weak password policies or missing documentation.

• Re-test and validate.

Step 9: Maintain SOC 2 Compliance

SOC 2 isn’t a one-time achievement—it’s ongoing.

• Schedule annual audits.

• Continuously monitor controls.

• Update policies as technology evolves.

Think of it like car insurance renewals—you need to prove responsibility every year.

How Much Does SOC 2 Certification Cost?

SOC 2 certification costs vary depending on scope, type of report, and auditor.

• Readiness assessment: $10,000–$20,000.

• Type I audit: $20,000–$40,000.

• Type II audit: $30,000–$60,000+.

For startups, that’s a big investment, but it opens doors to million-dollar enterprise contracts.

This is comparable to how much car insurance for first-time drivers costs—initially high, but reduces as you prove responsibility.

SOC 2 vs ISO 27001

Many businesses confuse SOC 2 with ISO 27001.

• SOC 2: More popular in the U.S., flexible to customer needs.

• ISO 27001: Internationally recognized, prescriptive with controls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not doing a readiness assessment → costly delays.

• Treating SOC 2 as IT-only → it’s company-wide.

• Choosing the wrong auditor → credibility issues.

SOC 2 Tools and Software

Many companies now use compliance automation tools like:

• Drata

• Vanta

• Tugboat Logic

• Secureframe

These streamline evidence collection, policy creation, and monitoring.

Real-World Example: A SaaS Startup’s SOC 2 Journey

A fintech SaaS startup with 50 employees spent six months preparing for SOC 2 Type II. They invested in:

• Automated compliance tools.

• Policy writing workshops.

• Regular team training.

The result? Within 3 months of certification, they closed a Fortune 500 client worth $2M annually.

Conclusion

Getting SOC 2 certification can feel daunting, but with the right preparation, tools, and mindset, it becomes manageable. It’s an investment in trust, credibility, and long-term growth.

Just as first-time drivers compare cheap car insurance for drivers over 25 to reduce costs, businesses should strategically plan their SOC 2 journey to save time and resources.

What is the best car insurance for first-time drivers? It’s the one that balances cost, coverage, and trust. Similarly, the best SOC 2 approach is the one tailored to your business goals, risks, and client expectations.