How to choose the right SOC 2 auditor for Type 1 or Type 2 compliance and meet SOC 2 compliance standards with confidence.
When your organization is preparing for a SOC 2 audit, choosing the right auditor is one of the most critical decisions you'll make. A qualified and experienced auditor can help ensure the process runs smoothly, reduce friction, and ultimately improve your chances of receiving a clean report.
Whether you're pursuing SOC 2 Type 1 compliance or SOC 2 Type 2 compliance, aligning with the right auditing firm ensures you meet SOC 2 compliance standards effectively and efficiently.
In this guide, Auditify Security walks you through the essential criteria for selecting a SOC 2 auditor that fits your business needs and goals.
Why Your SOC 2 Auditor Matters
SOC 2 audits are rigorous evaluations of how your organization manages customer data based on the Trust Services Criteria: Security, Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy. The results of your audit directly affect client trust, sales opportunities, and legal or regulatory posture.
A well-matched auditor will:
Understand your industry and business model
Guide you on aligning controls with SOC 2 compliance standards
Offer practical, tailored advice during the readiness and audit phases
Help reduce the cost and time required for SOC 2 Type 1 and Type 2 compliance
1. Check for CPA Firm Accreditation
Only licensed CPA firms or affiliated audit professionals can issue SOC 2 reports. Your first step should be to verify that the auditor or firm is authorized to perform SOC audits under the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
Ask for:
Proof of CPA status
Examples of past SOC 2 reports issued
Professional credentials related to information security (e.g., CISA, CISSP)
2. Evaluate Their Experience with SOC 2 Type 1 and Type 2 Audits
Not all SOC 2 audits are the same. It’s important to work with a firm that has experience with both SOC 2 Type 1 compliance (a point-in-time assessment) and SOC 2 Type 2 compliance (which reviews operations over a period of 3–12 months).
A good SOC 2 auditor should help you determine:
Whether Type 1 or Type 2 is the best first step
How to structure your audit timeline
Which Trust Services Criteria apply to your business
Tip: If you’re a startup or early-stage company, you might begin with Type 1 to demonstrate early-stage controls and later move into Type 2 as your systems mature.
3. Look for Industry-Relevant Expertise
A SOC 2 auditor who understands your industry can provide more context-specific recommendations. For example, SaaS platforms, fintech companies, and healthcare providers all have unique risks and compliance requirements.
Questions to ask:
Have you audited other companies in our industry?
Do you understand our regulatory environment (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR, PCI)?
Can you provide references from similar clients?
At Auditify Security, we often help match clients with auditors who have sector-specific knowledge so the process feels more collaborative and efficient.
4. Review Their Methodology and Tools
Different auditors have different styles. Some rely on spreadsheets and email threads, while others use modern compliance platforms that streamline evidence collection and documentation.
You want an auditor who:
Uses technology that simplifies evidence submission
Provides clear timelines and expectations
Communicates proactively and clearly
Ask to see a sample audit plan or engagement timeline so you understand their process from kickoff through final report delivery.
5. Assess Their Communication and Responsiveness
SOC 2 audits are complex and can raise questions throughout the process. A responsive auditor who communicates clearly can reduce stress and keep your project on track.
Signs of a great communication fit:
Answers your emails or calls quickly
Explains technical requirements in plain language
Provides regular status updates
Auditify Security often recommends firms with dedicated client liaisons who serve as a single point of contact from start to finish.
6. Understand the Cost Breakdown
SOC 2 audits are a serious investment. But pricing can vary dramatically based on:
Scope of the audit (Type 1 vs. Type 2)
Number of in-scope systems
Trust Services Criteria being evaluated
Readiness assessment fees
Ask each auditor for a detailed quote and clarify:
What’s included (and not)
Hourly rates for post-audit consulting
Discounts for multi-year agreements or bundling services
Some firms offer readiness assessments to help prepare your controls before the formal audit begins. This can be especially helpful if you’re new to SOC 2 compliance standards.
7. Check References and Reviews
Before signing a contract, ask for references or client testimonials. Look for consistent themes like professionalism, timeliness, and audit quality. If possible, speak directly with a past client about their experience.
You can also look at third-party review platforms or compliance community forums to hear unfiltered feedback.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right SOC 2 auditor isn't just about checking a box—it’s about finding a partner who understands your business and can help you build trust with customers. At Auditify Security, we’ve helped hundreds of companies prepare for and pass both SOC 2 Type 1 and SOC 2 Type 2 compliance with confidence.
