When organizations start their SOC 2 journey, one of the first questions is: should we go for Type 1 or Type 2? The answer depends on where you are in your compliance maturity, what your clients expect, and your timeline.
SOC 2 Type 1 evaluates the design of your controls at a specific point in time. The auditor assesses whether the right controls are in place and whether they are suitably designed to meet the Trust Service Criteria. Think of it as a snapshot: on this date, these controls existed and were designed appropriately.
SOC 2 Type 2 goes further. It evaluates both the design and the operating effectiveness of your controls over a period of time, typically six to twelve months. The auditor not only checks that controls exist, but tests whether they actually worked consistently throughout the review period.
When to choose Type 1
Type 1 is a good starting point for organizations that are new to SOC 2. It validates that you have built the right foundation. It is faster and less expensive than Type 2, and it gives you a report you can share with clients while you work toward Type 2. Some clients accept a Type 1 report, especially if you can demonstrate a commitment to obtaining Type 2.
When to choose Type 2
Most enterprise clients, procurement teams and security reviewers expect a Type 2 report. Type 2 provides stronger assurance because it demonstrates that controls were not just designed but actually operated effectively over time. If your clients are asking for SOC 2, they almost certainly mean Type 2.
The typical path
Many organizations follow a staged approach: obtain Type 1 first to validate control design, then transition to Type 2 for the next audit period. This allows you to identify and fix gaps before they are tested over a full period.
We guide organizations through both Type 1 and Type 2 audits, helping you build a SOC 2 program that meets client expectations efficiently. Reach out to discuss your roadmap.
About the author
Partner | IT Auditor