SOC 2 audit costs vary significantly by audit firm, organization size, scope of Trust Service Criteria, and audit type (Type I vs. Type II). I am not certain of specific current market figures - request quotes directly from qualified CPA firms. Cost drivers include first-time vs. recurring audits, number of Trust Service Criteria in scope, organization complexity, and readiness of your control documentation going into the audit.
Several factors drive SOC 2 audit cost variation.
Audit firm: Big Four and national CPA firms typically charge more than smaller specialized technology audit firms.
First-time vs. recurring: First-time Type II audits require more auditor time to establish baseline documentation. Repeat audits for the same organization are generally less expensive if controls have not changed significantly.
Type I vs. Type II: Type I audits assess control design at a point in time and are less expensive. Type II audits assess operating effectiveness over a period (typically 6-12 months) and require more evidence review and auditor time.
Scope of Trust Service Criteria: Adding Availability, Confidentiality, Processing Integrity, or Privacy criteria to the baseline Security criterion increases scope and cost.
Organization size and complexity: More users, systems, employees, and complex infrastructure all increase evidence requirements and auditor time.
Readiness: Organizations that arrive at an audit without adequate control documentation will spend more auditor time on clarification and remediation. Investing in a readiness assessment and control documentation before the audit commonly reduces total cost.
For current pricing, request quotes from at least two or three CPA firms that specialize in SOC 2 audits - market rates change over time and vary by region and firm.
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