SOC 2 Guide
SOC 2 Readiness Guide: From Zero to Report
15 min read
A SOC 2 report tells your customers that an independent CPA firm examined your controls. This guide explains the Trust Services Criteria, the difference between Type I and Type II, how to prepare evidence, and how to survive the observation window without a last-minute scramble.
What you'll learn
- The five Trust Services Criteria explained
- Type I vs Type II — which to pursue first
- Mapping controls to the criteria
- Collecting evidence continuously
- Surviving the Type II observation window
- Working with a licensed CPA firm
How Qireon helps
Qireon turns this guide into action — automating evidence collection, mapping controls, generating policies, and giving your auditor a live workspace for SOC 2. Map a control once and satisfy it across SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and GDPR.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between SOC 2 Type I and Type II?
Type I evaluates whether controls are suitably designed at a point in time. Type II evaluates whether they operated effectively over a period, typically three to twelve months.
Who performs a SOC 2 examination?
A licensed, independent CPA firm. A compliance platform can get you ready and provide the evidence, but only a CPA firm can issue the SOC 2 report.
Ready to simplify compliance?
Put these resources into practice. Start a free trial or book a demo and see Qireon automate compliance across SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and GDPR.