How Long Does a SOC 2 Audit Take to Complete?

At Compass, we frequently get asked, “How long does a SOC 2 audit take?” The answer depends on several factors—but having a clear understanding of the typical phases, timelines, and what influences the duration can help your organization prepare and plan accordingly.

Whether you are pursuing a SOC 2 Type 1 or SOC 2 Type 2 audit, the overall timeline can vary significantly, especially depending on your current level of readiness. In this guide, we break down the phases of a SOC 2 audit and how long an organization can expect the process to take.

Factors That Influence the SOC 2 Audit Timeline

Several variables can impact how long a SOC 2 audit takes:

1. Audit Readiness

• Preparation is key. Organizations that already have strong controls, policies, and procedures in place will move through the audit faster.
• We often begin with a SOC 2 readiness assessment, which helps identify and address any gaps before starting the formal audit.

2. Type of SOC 2 Audit: Type 1 vs. Type 2

• SOC 2 Type 1 evaluates the design of controls at a specific point in time and generally moves faster.
• SOC 2 Type 2 assesses the operational effectiveness of controls, typically over a 6 to 12 month review period, making the process significantly longer due to the observation window.

3. Scope of the Audit

• A larger or more complex environment—more systems, locations, or Trust Service Criteria—can extend the timeline.
• The more Trust Service Criteria you include (Security, Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy), the more testing and documentation is involved.

4. Internal Resources and Team Involvement

• Your team’s availability and experience with audits can either accelerate or delay the process.
• Delays often occur when documentation is incomplete, or teams cannot respond promptly to auditor requests.

5. Third-Party Dependencies

• If third-party vendors play a critical role in your environment, their responsiveness and security posture can impact the timeline.

Phases of a SOC 2 Audit

To better understand the SOC 2 audit timeline, here is a breakdown of the key phases of a SOC 2 audit and how long each typically takes:

1. Preparation Phase (3 to 6 Months) This includes:

• A readiness or gap assessment
• Policy and procedure development
• Control design and implementation

Note: If you are starting from scratch, this phase may take longer—particularly for organizations building their compliance program for the first time.

2. Observation Period (6 to 12 Months – SOC 2 Type 2 Only)

• During this phase, auditors evaluate how effectively your controls operate over time, rather than just reviewing their design.
• The observation window typically spans 6 to 12 months, depending on your goals and readiness.

3. Audit Fieldwork & Reporting (6 to 10 Weeks)

• Evidence collection and review by the auditor
• Drafting the report, handling follow-up questions, and finalizing the attestation
• Includes time for any clarifications requested by stakeholders or auditors

How Long Does It Take to Get a SOC 2 Report?

The timelines below are general estimates and may vary based on your organization’s current state of readiness and, for SOC 2 Type 2 audits, the length of the selected observation period.

How Compass Helps Accelerate the SOC 2 Process

At Compass, we understand that time is often a critical factor. Here is how we support and streamline the SOC 2 process:

Customized Readiness Assessments

Tailored to your environment and goals, helping you identify and remediate gaps quickly.

Ongoing Guidance and Support

We assist your team throughout the audit lifecycle—from control implementation to evidence collection.

Proactive Communication

Our team stays engaged with your stakeholders to minimize delays and ensure questions are resolved quickly.

Experienced Auditors

With deep expertise in SOC 2 audits, we anticipate potential roadblocks and help keep your audit on track.

Final Thoughts

Every organization’s SOC 2 journey is unique, shaped by its systems, goals, and existing controls. One of the most common questions we hear is, “How long will it take to complete a SOC 2 audit?”—and while the answer depends on several factors, the process can be completed efficiently with the right preparation and expert support.

To help organizations take the first step, we offer a SOC 2 Readiness Scorecard—an innovative tool designed to help you assess your alignment with the Trust Services Criteria (TSC). The scorecard includes fillable sections where you can rate your readiness across each control category, giving you a clear, actionable view of where you stand and where to focus.

Whether you're just beginning to evaluate your readiness or are approaching the audit phase, having the right tools and a trusted partner can make all the difference. If you're preparing for a SOC 2 audit and want a tailored approach that aligns with your timeline, risk profile, and business priorities, contact Compass today. Our experienced team is ready to support you through every phase—from readiness assessments to final report delivery—helping you build a solid foundation of trust, security, and compliance.