Your startup counts twelve people, a working SaaS product, and a growing customer base. No one on the team has “compliance manager” in their job title, but security matters. Then a would-be 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 is not to download dozens of policies right away. A handful of choices defines what your company needs to document, implement, and prove, and that is where to start.
Decide What Your First Audit Should Cover
SOC 2 measures controls against the AICPA Trust Services Criteria. Security, Availability, Confidentiality, Processing Integrity, and Privacy are the areas they address. Among them, only Security is mandatory. The remaining areas are added when they’re relevant to the organization’s services and commitments. A startup offering a straightforward business application may begin with Security alone, as long as that scope meets customer expectations.
The applications, infrastructure, employees, and service providers involved should be identified before collecting evidence. A needlessly broad scope adds additional work without necessarily improving the report’s value.
Choose the Report That Matches Your Deadline
People searching for how to get SOC 2 certified often discover two reporting options. At a specified date, Type 1 evaluates the design of controls. Type 2 examines those controls’ design and operating effectiveness across a defined period. If an enterprise customer needs evidence fast, Type 1 may be a useful starting point, assuming the customer accepts it.
The process for how to get SOC 2 type 2 certification starts with an observation period, commonly three to twelve months, followed by an independent examination. Type 1 is not a mandatory prerequisite for Type 2. Make sure you know what your customer requires before paying for either examination.
Start With Day-to-Day Security Gaps
Connecting security controls to everyday business activities makes SOC 2 preparation more manageable. Good first steps include requiring multi-factor authentication for important accounts, creating a documented employee offboarding process, and reviewing access permissions on a regular basis.
Evidence of production changes and approvals should be kept by developers. Risk assessments and relevant supplier reviews should be recorded by leadership. Draft policies so they describe what employees actually do. When nobody follows it, even a polished procedure has limited value.
Collect Evidence While Things Are Happening
Demonstrating that relevant controls exist and, for Type 2, operate consistently is the heart of SOC 2 for saas companies. Expect an auditor to ask about 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 later. 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. Auditors can be provided with read-only access, while teams upload evidence themselves.
Understand the Independent Audit Requirement
Technically, SOC 2 is an attestation rather than a certification. The SOC 2 report is issued by a licensed CPA firm that conducts the examination. Software can help prepare and organize evidence, but it cannot replace the independent auditor.
A monthly promotional subscription of US$225 that covers SOC 2, ISO 27001, and its other supported frameworks is offered by CertAssist. The independent audit is a separate cost. Before budgeting, get an auditor’s quote based on your business size, selected criteria, and intended reporting period.
Keep the Process Manageable After Your First Report
Finishing a SOC 2 examination shouldn’t be the end of your security work. Over time, employees join and leave, applications change, and new suppliers become part of your operations. Controls have to 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. For a growing startup, that discipline will make future examinations easier and helps meet the security expectations of customers who depend on your software.