SOC 2 Project Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide for Founders and Security Leads

Getting SOC 2 certified can feel overwhelming, especially when you're building a startup. But with the right project plan, you can streamline the process and achieve compliance faster than you think.

This guide breaks down everything you need to create a SOC 2 project plan that works—whether you're a founder managing your first audit or a security lead building a compliance program from scratch.

What Is SOC 2 Compliance?

SOC 2 (Service Organization Control 2) is a framework developed by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) that evaluates how well your company protects customer data. It focuses on five Trust Service Criteria:

• Security – Protection against unauthorized access

• Availability – System uptime and performance

• Processing Integrity – Accurate and timely processing

• Confidentiality – Protection of sensitive information

• Privacy – Collection and use of personal information

Most startups pursue SOC 2 Type I (point-in-time assessment) first, then move to SOC 2 Type II (operating effectiveness over 3-12 months).

Why Do You Need a SOC 2 Project Plan?

A well-structured SOC 2 project plan helps you:

• Set realistic timelines for achieving compliance

• Allocate resources efficiently across your team

• Track progress through audits and remediation

• Avoid costly delays and last-minute surprises

• Build stakeholder confidence with enterprise customers

Without a plan, SOC 2 preparation can drag on for months or even stall completely.

How Long Does SOC 2 Take?

The timeline varies based on your current security posture:

• SOC 2 Type I: 3-6 months on average

• SOC 2 Type II: Additional 3-12 months of evidence collection

Starting with a clear project plan can help you hit the faster end of these ranges.

Step-by-Step SOC 2 Project Plan

Phase 1: Scoping and Readiness (Weeks 1-4)

Define your scope before anything else. Which systems, applications, and processes will be included in your SOC 2 audit?

Key activities:

• Identify systems that store or process customer data

• Determine which Trust Service Criteria apply to your business

• Document your system architecture and data flows

• Choose between SOC 2 Type I and Type II

• Select an auditor (more on this below)

Deliverables: Scope document, system description draft, auditor engagement letter

Phase 2: Gap Assessment (Weeks 5-8)

Conduct a gap assessment to understand where your current security controls fall short of SOC 2 requirements.

Key activities:

• Review existing policies, procedures, and technical controls

• Map current controls to the SOC 2 criteria

• Identify gaps and prioritize remediation efforts

• Create a remediation roadmap with timelines

Deliverables: Gap assessment report, prioritized remediation plan

Pro tip: Many startups discover they already have 60-70% of required controls in place—they just need better documentation.

Phase 3: Control Implementation (Weeks 9-20)

This is where the heavy lifting happens. You'll implement missing controls and formalize existing ones.

Key activities:

• Policies and procedures – Create or update your information security policy, access control policy, incident response plan, and other required documentation

• Technical controls – Implement encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA), logging and monitoring, vulnerability management, and backup procedures

• Organizational controls – Conduct background checks, provide security awareness training, establish vendor management processes, and set up a risk assessment framework

Deliverables: Complete policy library, implemented technical controls, and training completion records

Common mistake: Rushing through this phase leads to weak controls that won't pass the audit.

Phase 4: Evidence Collection (Weeks 21-32 for Type II)

For SOC 2 Type II, you need to demonstrate that your controls operate effectively over time (typically 3-12 months).

Key activities:

• Collect screenshots, logs, and reports proving control operation

• Document security incidents and resolutions

• Maintain evidence of employee training completion

• Track vendor security reviews and contract updates

• Conduct periodic access reviews

Deliverables: Organized evidence repository, control testing documentation

Time-saver: Use automated tools to collect evidence continuously rather than scrambling before the audit.

Phase 5: Readiness Review (Weeks 33-36)

Before the formal audit, conduct an internal readiness review to catch any issues.

Key activities:

• Perform a mock audit of your controls

• Test a sample of evidence for completeness

• Review your system description for accuracy

• Confirm all stakeholders are prepared for auditor interviews

• Address any last-minute gaps

Deliverables: Readiness assessment report, final evidence package

Phase 6: Formal Audit (Weeks 37-44)

Your auditor will now evaluate your controls and the evidence supporting them.

Key activities:

• Submit the required documentation to your auditor

• Participate in the kickoff meeting and interviews

• Respond to auditor requests for information (RFIs)

• Address any findings or exceptions identified

• Review and approve the draft report

Deliverables: SOC 2 audit report

Timeline note: The audit fieldwork typically takes 2-4 weeks, with an additional 2-4 weeks for report finalization.

How to Choose a SOC 2 Auditor

Your auditor's choice impacts both the timeline and the cost. Look for firms that:

• Have experience in your industry (SaaS, fintech, healthtech, etc.)

• Offer transparent pricing and timeline estimates

• Provide guidance throughout the process, not just during the audit

• Are registered with the AICPA

Cost range: SOC 2 Type I audits typically cost $15,000-$50,000; Type II audits range from $25,000-$100,000+ depending on complexity.

What Are the Most Common SOC 2 Controls?

While requirements vary by scope, these controls appear in nearly every SOC 2 audit:

Access controls: Multi-factor authentication, password policies, role-based access, quarterly access reviews

Change management: Code review processes, testing procedures, production change approvals

Monitoring: Security information and event management (SIEM), intrusion detection, and log retention

Vendor management: Third-party risk assessments, contract reviews, ongoing monitoring

Business continuity: Backup and recovery procedures, disaster recovery plan, and incident response

How to Build Your SOC 2 Team

SOC 2 compliance isn't a one-person job. Assemble a cross-functional team:

• Project lead (security lead or founder) – Owns the overall project plan and timeline

• Technical lead – Implements and manages technical controls

• Compliance specialist – Maintains policies and evidence (can be an external consultant)

• IT/Engineering – Supports system changes and evidence collection

• HR – Manages background checks and training

• Legal – Reviews contracts and data processing agreements

For startups: If you don't have a dedicated security team, consider hiring a virtual CISO or compliance consultant to guide the process.

Common SOC 2 Mistakes to Avoid

Starting too late: Don't wait until a customer demands SOC 2. Build it into your product roadmap early.

Scope creep: Keep your initial scope focused. You can always expand in future audits.

Poor documentation: Controls without documentation don't count. Everything needs evidence.

Ignoring automation: Manual evidence collection is time-consuming and error-prone. Use compliance automation tools.

Treating it as one-and-done: SOC 2 is an ongoing commitment. Plan for continuous monitoring and annual audits.

Tools to Streamline Your SOC 2 Project

The right tools can cut your timeline significantly:

• Compliance platforms (Vanta, Drata, Secureframe, DSALTA) – Automate evidence collection and control monitoring

• Access management (Okta, Google Workspace, Azure AD) – Centralize user access and MFA

• Monitoring (Datadog, Splunk, Wazuh) – Collect security logs and alerts

• Vulnerability scanning (Qualys, Tenable, Snyk) – Identify and track security issues

• Documentation (Confluence, Notion, Google Docs) – Maintain policy library

What Happens After You Get Your SOC 2 Report?

Congratulations! But compliance doesn't end here.

Share your report: Send your SOC 2 report to prospects and customers who requested it. This often accelerates sales cycles.

Maintain controls: Continue operating your controls as documented. Your next audit will test consistency.

Plan for Type II: If you completed Type I, begin collecting evidence for your Type II audit.

Expand scope: Consider adding additional Trust Service Criteria or systems as your business grows.

Annual recertification: SOC 2 reports expire after 12 months. Plan your re-audit 2-3 months before expiration.

SOC 2 Project Plan Template

Here's a quick reference timeline:

Months 1-2: Scoping, gap assessment, auditor selection
Months 3-5: Control implementation, policy development
Months 6-8 (Type II): Evidence collection period begins
Month 9: Readiness review
Month 10: Formal audit
Month 11: Report finalization and delivery

Adjust based on your starting point and resource availability.

Is SOC 2 Worth It?

For B2B SaaS companies, SOC 2 compliance is often non-negotiable for closing enterprise deals. But the benefits go beyond sales:

• Demonstrates your commitment to security

• Provides a structured framework for building security programs

• Reduces security risks and potential data breaches

• Builds customer trust and competitive advantage

The upfront investment pays dividends in customer confidence and operational security.

How DSALTA Can Help

Creating a SOC 2 project plan doesn't have to be complicated. DSALTA's AI-powered compliance platform helps founders and security leads:

• Automate evidence collection across your tech stack

• Get real-time visibility into control health

• Generate audit-ready documentation instantly

• Reduce time-to-compliance by 60%

Whether you're starting your SOC 2 journey or preparing for re-certification, DSALTA makes compliance faster, simpler, and less expensive.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does SOC 2 cost?
Total costs typically range from $30,000 to $150,000, including auditor fees, tools, and internal labor. Using automation platforms can significantly reduce costs.

Can I get SOC 2 certified in 3 months?
SOC 2 Type I is possible in 3-4 months if you have strong existing controls and dedicated resources. Type II requires 6-9 months due to the evidence-collection period.

Do I need a dedicated security team for SOC 2?
Not necessarily. Many startups achieve SOC 2 with a part-time security lead or consultant, especially when using compliance automation tools.

What's the difference between SOC 2 Type I and Type II?
Type I assesses whether controls are properly designed at a point in time. Type II evaluates whether controls operated effectively over a period (usually 3-12 months).

How often do I need to renew SOC 2?
SOC 2 reports are valid for 12 months. Most companies pursue annual audits to maintain their current compliance status.

Ready to start your SOC 2 journey? Download our free SOC 2 project plan template and timeline calculator, or schedule a demo with DSALTA to see how automation can accelerate your path to compliance.