If you run a SaaS or cloud-based business, you’ve likely heard the excitement surrounding SOC 2 certification. It’s more than just a cool acronym — it’s a stamp of trust, conveying that the company is serious about data security. But, if you’re wondering what are the steps to obtaining SOC 2 certification (or how to get an SOC 2 ), you’re not alone.

In this guide, we’ll outline the step by step process, explain what role CPA Firms play in the service, and even talk about those firms located in locations such as San Jose, CA, and what makes for tech startups so important.

What Is SOC 2 Certification?

SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) is an audit framework developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). It’s designed to evaluate how well your company manages customer data based on five “Trust Services Criteria”:

• Security
• Availability
• Processing Integrity
• Confidentiality
• Privacy

Unlike certifications like ISO 27001, SOC 2 is customizable to your organization’s operations and risks, which is great — but also means there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.

Why SOC 2 Matters More Than Ever

Picture this: you’re pitching to a major enterprise client. They ask, “Do you have SOC 2 certification?” If your answer is “No, but we’re working on it,” that deal may stall — or vanish.

SOC 2 isn’t just a technical requirement. It’s a competitive edge. It shows your company is committed to protecting customer data and operating with transparency. In today’s privacy-focused world, that builds trust, drives growth, and unlocks opportunities with enterprise-level clients.

Step-by-Step: How to Obtain SOC 2 Certification

Let’s cut through the jargon. Here’s a simple breakdown of how to get SOC 2 certification.

Step 1: Understand the SOC 2 Type You Need

There are two types:

• SOC 2 Type I assesses your controls at a single point in time.
• SOC 2 Type II evaluates how effective those controls are over a 3–12 month period.

Most companies start with Type I to get compliant quickly, then follow up with Type II to demonstrate operational consistency.

Step 2: Choose the Right CPA Firm

Here’s the key: Only a licensed CPA firm can issue a SOC 2 report.

So what is a CPA firm? A CPA (Certified Public Accountant) firm is a licensed group of accounting professionals qualified to perform financial and IT audits — including SOC 2 audits.

Not every CPA firm is tech-savvy. That’s why many SaaS businesses turn to CPA firms in San Jose, CA, where tech and compliance expertise collide. These firms understand cloud-native environments, DevOps practices, and SaaS business models, making them ideal partners for SOC 2.

Step 3: Perform a Readiness Assessment

Before the actual audit, most companies go through a readiness assessment — kind of like a mock exam. This identifies:

• Security gaps
• Missing documentation
• Controls that need to be implemented or improved

Your CPA firm (or a consultant) will help you build an actionable roadmap so you’re not caught off guard during the official audit.

Step 4: Implement the Necessary Controls

This is where the real work happens. You’ll need to:

• Set up access controls
• Encrypt data at rest and in transit
• Maintain audit logs
• Implement incident response policies
• Conduct regular risk assessments

You don’t need to do this alone. Many tools (like Drata, Vanta, or Secureframe) automate control implementation and evidence collection to make your life easier.

Step 5: Complete the SOC 2 Audit

Once your controls are in place and you’re confident in your setup, it’s time for the formal audit. Your CPA firm will:

• Review evidence
• Interview staff
• Test control effectiveness
• Write the audit report

If you’re pursuing a Type II report, this process typically lasts 3 to 12 months, since it tracks how consistently controls are applied over time.

Step 6: Receive Your SOC 2 Report

Congrats! If everything checks out, you’ll receive your SOC 2 report — a document you can confidently share with prospects, clients, and partners.

Real-World Example: SaaS Startup in San Jose

Let’s say you’re a SaaS startup in San Jose offering a B2B collaboration tool. You’re scaling fast and trying to close a deal with a Fortune 500 company. But the client won’t proceed until you provide a SOC 2 report.

You reach out to a CPA firm in San Jose, CA, like Decrypt CPA, known for helping local SaaS companies get certified faster. After a quick readiness assessment and tool-assisted prep, you go through a smooth Type I audit. Within two months, you’ve got your SOC 2 report — and your biggest client onboard.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Getting SOC 2 certification isn’t rocket science — but there are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

• Delaying too long: Start early. Clients expect this now.
• Choosing the wrong CPA firm: Make sure they specialize in SOC 2 and know your industry.
• Skipping the readiness phase: Without it, you risk failing the audit.
• Not involving the whole team: Security is everyone’s job — from engineering to HR.

What Is a CPA Firm & Why It Matters in SOC 2

In brief? CPA firms are licensed organizations that employ certified public accountants. Only such firms can issue legitimate SOC 2 audit reports. They abide by standards set forth by the AICPA and are trained in audit procedures.

Getting a CPA firm with IT audit experience in particular security compliance will cut months of back-and-forth and lessen the chances of audit failure.

Firms situated in tech hubs such as San Jose, CA, frequently have better familiarity with the needs of startups and SaaS companies for compliance, and hence are best for speedy-paced businesses.

Final Thoughts: Start Smart, Stay Secure

The SOC 2 certification may sound daunting at first, but it is not impossible with the right direction. With careful selection of a reputable CPA firm, the right automation tools, and proper preparation, you could go from “We should do this” to “We did it” quicker than you might expect.

If you’re ready to scale your SaaS company and earn client trust, you shouldn’t wait!

Ready to get started? Decrypt Compliance can help you get SOC 2 certification 50% faster; with expert direction, real-time readiness tracking, and customized support for rapidly growing tech companies.