How Long Does It Take to Complete a SOC 2 Audit?
A SOC 2 report is a third-party validation that attests to an organization’s ability to protect data and information. It’s widely accepted across industries and provides a singular asset that can be used in the due diligence process with multiple prospects and customers — replacing the need to undergo a custom cybersecurity audit with each new customer.
To obtain a SOC 2 report, a company must submit to an audit whereby assessors evaluate the internal controls used to secure information, along with the systems, technology, and staff roles within the organization. Although some organizations claim they can complete the SOC 2 audit process in as little as two weeks, experienced CPAs consistently note that this timeframe is unrealistic for a thorough, high‑quality assessment. A SOC 2 audit involves multiple phases, each requiring coordination, documentation, and testing that varies based on organizational size and complexity.
In this blog, we’ll review each step of the SOC 2 audit process and explain how long each aspect of the audit process takes. This piece is meant to serve as a general guideline, as audit timelines can vary significantly based on the size of a company and the complexity of its environment and services.
Readiness phase: Find the right partner and define scope
Estimated timeline: varies (often several weeks)
The readiness phase of a SOC 2 audit focuses on selecting an audit partner, defining scope, identifying potential gaps, and ensuring controls are appropriately designed before formal testing begins. It’s important to note that SOC 2 audits are regulated by the AICPA and reports can only be generated by an external auditor from a licensed CPA firm — like A-LIGN. Once you engage with a partner, there will be some preliminary discussions to define the scope of the project and sign a contract.
If this is your first time pursuing a SOC 2 report, many organizations complete a SOC 2 readiness assessment during this phase to identify control gaps before the formal audit begins. Addressing deficiencies early can help reduce delays later in the audit lifecycle.
Once you’re ready to officially proceed, contracts will be signed and the official engagement will begin. At that point you will be introduced to your SOC audit team. At A-LIGN, SOC 2 audit teams typically consist of a senior manager, manager, and auditor.
Senior managers and managers act as primary points of contact during preliminary discussions. Auditors take over as the point person when it’s time for walkthroughs, testing, and evidence review. All three of these roles work together throughout the entire audit to ensure you are supported and informed every step of the way. By leveraging the A-SCEND audit management platform, clients are able to have direct access to the audit team to flag, ask questions, and submit evidence. The tool will help companies stay organized throughout the audit process and have a clear understanding of what is required.
Evidence collection: Information requests and documentation
Estimated timeline: 2–3 business days to issue requests; ongoing throughout testing
During the evidence collection phase, auditors issue an information request list (IRL) that outlines the documentation and artifacts required to support each control. The IRL serves as a structured guide for organizations to submit policies, system configurations, logs, screenshots, and other supporting evidence. This phase often runs in parallel with auditor walkthroughs and testing, and may include follow‑up requests if additional clarification or documentation is needed.
Timelines during evidence collection can vary depending on the organization’s readiness, the availability of internal control owners, and how quickly documentation can be gathered and submitted. Many experts recommend using audit management software to help reduce time and make the process more efficient. At A-LIGN, we use A-SCEND to streamline the process in one easy-to-use dashboard, facilitate real-time collaboration between auditors and clients, and utilize existing audit evidence for multiple frameworks.
Through A-SCEND, once the evidence is collected it is transformed into readable reports that are automatically mapped to the corresponding evidence requests from the IRL. This process reduces the amount of effort, time and resources required for providing evidence.
Audit window: Walkthroughs and control testing
Estimated timeline: 2-6 weeks
The audit window is the period when auditors perform walkthroughs, interview control owners, and test controls against the SOC 2 Trust Services Criteria. During this phase, auditors validate submitted evidence, assess whether controls are designed appropriately, and confirm operating effectiveness where applicable. The goal of this phase is to gain an in-depth understanding of your organization’s controls, processes, and procedures related to people and technology. The length of the audit window can vary depending on audit scope, organizational readiness, and the availability of internal stakeholders to support walkthroughs and follow‑up questions.
SOC 2 report issuance
Estimated timeline: 3 weeks
The final stage of the SOC 2 timeline is report issuance, when testing concludes and the auditor delivers the finalized SOC 2 report. A SOC 2 report comes in two parts:
- Draft: You’ll receive a draft report within three weeks of completing the fieldwork, sometimes earlier depending on deadlines and the complexity of the scope. During this draft report phase, you’ll have the opportunity to review the assertion, opinion, system description, and testing of the controls. If necessary, you can provide feedback or ask questions of the audit team. Once the draft report is approved internally, you’ll sign a management representation letter and notify your SOC 2 team that they can proceed with the final report.
- Final report: One to two weeks after the draft has been approved, you’ll receive a final report with any updates or clarifications requested in the draft phase.
Common SOC 2 audit delays
Common factors (and causes) that can extend a SOC 2 timeline include:
- Incomplete readiness – Controls or policies are not fully implemented before testing begins
- Delayed evidence submission – Internal teams are slow to respond to information requests
- Scope changes mid‑audit – Adding systems or Trust Services Criteria increases testing requirements
- Control exceptions – Identified gaps require remediation and re‑testing before report issuance
Proactive preparation, clear internal ownership, and early scoping decisions can help reduce these delays and keep the audit moving efficiently.
Partner with A-LIGN to begin your SOC 2 audit
A-LIGN is the #1 SOC 2 issuer audits in the world. We have completed over 17,500 SOC 2 assessments and can confidently say that a proper SOC 2 audit takes at least eight weeks to complete. In planning for your SOC 2, beware of the “14-day audit” promise — this is likely only referring to the audit readiness timeline. At A-LIGN we provide the tools and expertise to help you during every step of the SOC 2 audit journey.
Ready to pursue a SOC 2 audit for your business? Speak to an expert at A-LIGN to get started.
