SOC 2
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Audit Process
SOC 2 Type I vs. Type II: What’s the Difference?
SOC 2 Type I checks control design at a point in time; Type II verifies effectiveness over a period, up to 12 months.
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SOC 2 Type I vs. Type II: What’s the Difference?
If your organization is pursuing SOC 2 compliance for the first time, one of the first decisions you'll face is whether to pursue a Type I or Type II report.
Both types of SOC 2 reports help demonstrate trust and security to your customers, but they serve different purposes and communicate different levels of assurance. Understanding this distinction is crucial for building your SOC 2 project plan and preparing for your SOC 2 audit.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the key differences between these two assessment types and help you understand which approach is right for your organization’s compliance journey.
What is SOC 2?
SOC 2 stands for System and Organization Controls 2. It focuses on demonstrating that your organization manages data securely, aligning with the Trust Services Criteria. Learn more in our SOC 2 Overview.
Understanding the Core Distinction
At the highest level, the difference between SOC 2 Type I and Type II comes down to timing and depth of assurance.
What is SOC 2 Type I?
A SOC 2 Type I report evaluates whether your control activities are designed appropriately and implemented at a specific point in time. The auditor asks:
Do these controls exist today, and are they designed to meet the Trust Services Criteria?
Key points:
Snapshot evaluation at a moment in time
Focus on the design effectiveness of controls
Validates if policies, procedures, and technical safeguards align with standards
See our Key SOC 2 Controls to Know.
What is SOC 2 Type II?
A SOC 2 Type II report evaluates if your controls operate effectively over a period of time (usually 3 to 12 months). The auditor verifies:
Have these controls functioned as intended over time?
Key points:
Focus on operating effectiveness
Requires evidence of continuous performance
Stronger assurance for customers
Learn more in Staying Continuously SOC 2 Compliant.
Detailed Comparison: Type I vs Type II
Audit Duration and Timeline
Type I: ~4-8 weeks. Reviews documentation, interviews, tests control design.
Type II: ~12-16 weeks. Verifies operation evidence over time, more rigorous.
Understanding the SOC 2 Audit Journey
Evidence Requirements
Type I needs:
Current policies and procedures
System configurations
Control implementation proof
Training records
Type II additionally requires:
Continuous monitoring logs
Exception reports, remediation evidence
Incident response docs
Control testing results
Cost Considerations
Type I: $15,000 - $50,000
Type II: $30,000 - $100,000+
Check Estimating the Cost of a SOC 2 Audit.
When to Choose Type I
Ideal for:
New compliance programs
Early customer requirements
Limited operational history (<3 months)
Budget constraints
Benefits:
Lower cost, faster certification
Early risk mitigation
Prepares for Type II readiness
See Preparing for Your First SOC 2 Audit.
When to Choose Type II
Ideal for:
Enterprise customers requiring higher assurance
Mature compliance programs
Competitive differentiation
Regulatory requirements
Benefits:
Strongest customer trust
Competitive sales advantage
Risk management validation
Learn about Building Security Insights into Your SOC 2 Program.
The Natural Progression Path
Phase 1: Foundation Building (Type I)
Establish basic control activities
Document policies and procedures
Implement security practices
Complete initial certification
Phase 2: Maturation Period
Operate controls 6-12 months
Continuous monitoring
Process refinement
Build evidence collection
Phase 3: Advanced Certification (Type II)
Demonstrate sustained effectiveness
Gain premium positioning
Strengthen customer trust
Integration with Broader Compliance Programs
Align SOC 2 readiness with ISO 27001 and GDPR for multi-framework trust. Maximize your compliance investment and risk management.
Making the Right Choice for Your Organization
Choose Type I if you:
Are new to SOC 2
Need quick compliance credentials
Have limited operational control history
Face budget constraints
Choose Type II if you:
Serve enterprise customers needing full assurance
Have mature controls
Seek compliance differentiation
Want maximum stakeholder confidence
Ready to Start Your SOC 2 Journey?
DSALTA provides automation tools for both Type I and Type II audit prep, making audits efficient and keeping you audit-ready all year.
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