SOC 2 TimelinePlanning Guide
Don't let your SOC 2 audit become a black hole of time. Understand the phases, observation windows, and common bottlenecks that slow teams down. Use this guide to map your journey, then use our estimator for a custom roadmap.
Timeline by Industry & Size
SOC 2 Timeline for Startups
Lean teams can reach Type I quickly if scope stays focused and evidence is organized; Type II depends on consistent logs and access reviews.
SOC 2 Timeline for SaaS
SaaS teams balance multi-tenant scope, CI/CD pace, and customer pressure; timelines hinge on evidence quality and scope control.
SOC 2 Timeline for Fintech
Fintech teams face heavier expectations around vendor risk, monitoring, and data protection; plan for deeper evidence and longer observation windows.
SOC 2 Timeline for 5-10 Employees
Lean teams running focused readiness to reach Type I quickly without overloading engineers.
SOC 2 Timeline for 10-50 Employees
Coordinating controls across squads and IT while keeping the audit calendar realistic.
SOC 2 Timeline for 50-200 Employees
Operating multiple environments and product lines through a predictable SOC 2 cycle.
The 4 Phases of SOC 2
Gap Assessment & Planning (2-4 Weeks)
Determine scope, select TSCs (Security, Availability, etc.), and identify what controls are missing.
Remediation (1-3 Months)
The "heavy lifting" phase. Drafting policies, implementing MFA, setting up logging, and closing technical gaps.
Observation Period (3-12 Months)
Only for Type II. The period where the auditor monitors your controls to ensure they operate effectively over time.
Fieldwork & Reporting (4-8 Weeks)
The auditor reviews evidence, conducts interviews, and drafts the final report for your signatures.
Avoid these "Timeline Killers"
Scope Creep
Adding new vendors or systems mid-audit adds weeks of evidence collection and review time.
Slow Policy Approval
Waiting for executive sign-off on policies can block the entire remediation phase.
Missing Logs
If you don't have logs for the full observation period, your auditor may have to restart the clock.
Lack of Ownership
Without a dedicated compliance lead, tasks often stall between engineering and IT.
Timeline FAQs
How long does a SOC 2 audit take?
A SOC 2 journey typically takes 6 to 12 months. Readiness and remediation usually take 2-4 months, while the audit itself (for Type II) includes an observation period of 3-12 months.
What is the difference between Type I and Type II timelines?
Type I validates controls at a single point in time and can be completed in weeks once readiness is done. Type II requires an observation period (usually 3, 6, or 12 months) to prove controls operate effectively over time.
Can we speed up the SOC 2 process?
Yes, by using compliance automation tools (like Vanta or Drata), having well-documented policies, and dedicating a clear owner for evidence collection. This can reduce the remediation phase by several weeks.
When should we start the audit?
You should start the audit only after you have completed your readiness assessment and remediated any gaps. Starting too early can lead to audit exceptions if controls are not yet in place.
About RiscLens
Our mission is to provide transparency and clarity to early-stage technology companies navigating the complexities of SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) compliance.
Who we serve
Built specifically for early-stage and growing technology companies—SaaS, fintech, and healthcare tech—preparing for their first SOC 2 audit or responding to enterprise customer requirements.
What we provide
Clarity before commitment. We help teams understand realistic cost ranges, timeline expectations, and common gaps before they engage auditors or expensive compliance vendors.
Our Boundaries
We do not provide legal advice, audit services, or certifications. Our assessments support internal planning—they are not a substitute for professional compliance guidance.
SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) is a voluntary compliance standard for service organizations, developed by the AICPA, which specifies how organizations should manage customer data based on the Trust Services Criteria: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.
Establish Your Audit Baseline
Get your readiness score, identify critical gaps, and unblock enterprise deal velocity in under 2 minutes.
Get your personalized SOC 2 cost estimate
Free • No sales calls • Instant results