SOC 2 buyer guide: scope, evidence, and auditor selection

SOC 2 is an AICPA attestation examination of controls relevant to Security and any additional Trust Services Criteria selected in scope.

Plan readiness separately from the examination and choose a licensed CPA firm based on documented evidence, not unsupported badges or rankings.

SOC 2 Type 2 audits starting at $2,500

Compare SOC 2 Type 2 audits starting at $2,500. Review scope, auditor evidence and pricing, then request comparable quotes on AuditNex.

What changes the fee: Company size, systems, Trust Services Criteria, readiness and observation period affect the fee. Confirm the covered examination and report, exclusions and engagement terms in writing.

Potential separate costs: All AuditNex platform and payment-processing fees are included in the displayed price; no extra percentage or flat platform fee is added. Readiness, remediation, compliance software, additional criteria and future renewals remain outside the audit scope and may be priced separately. Confirm the itemized scope and total before engagement.

An AuditNex network starting offer, not a fixed quote or every listed firm's rate. Each firm confirms eligibility, scope, availability and final fees.

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From requirement to report

Phase	Buyer task	Output
Requirement	Confirm what customers ask for	Report type, criteria, deadline
Readiness	Design controls and collect evidence	Resolved gaps and defined system
Examination	Support testing and respond to exceptions	Auditor evidence and management responses
Delivery	Review description and distribution terms	Final restricted-use SOC 2 report