SOC 2 Type I

SOC 2 Type I is an audit that evaluates whether an organisation’s security controls are properly designed and in place at a specific point in time to protect customer data.

Expanded Definition

SOC 2 Type I—part of the SOC 2 framework created by the AICPA—assesses the completeness and design of a company’s security policies, procedures, and technical safeguards on a single date. It answers the question: Do you have the right controls in place to meet the Trust Services Criteria?

This type of audit reviews documentation, interviews staff, and examines systems to confirm that controls exist and are logically structured. Unlike SOC 2 Type II, which tests how controls operate over months, Type I does not verify long-term performance. Instead, it provides a snapshot that shows the organisation has established an appropriate security foundation.

A SOC 2 Type I report is often used as an early milestone for companies beginning their compliance journey, especially those needing to demonstrate readiness to customers and partners.

Why It Matters

SOC 2 Type I is valuable because it helps organisations quickly show that they take security seriously—even if they haven’t yet operated their controls long enough for a Type II audit.

Startups and growing companies often pursue Type I to meet customer expectations, unlock enterprise conversations, or satisfy vendor risk assessments. It’s faster and less complex than Type II, and it sets the groundwork for maturing security practices over time.

The report provides external validation that the company’s policies and systems meet established security standards, helping build trust and credibility with potential clients.

When It’s Relevant / Common Use Cases

A SOC 2 Type I audit is most relevant for organisations early in their compliance journey or preparing for a future Type II audit. SaaS companies, cloud-based service providers, managed IT teams, and fintech or healthcare tech firms often start with Type I.

It’s also useful when prospects request proof of security controls but don’t require the full operational rigor of a Type II report. Many teams use Type I as a stepping stone, giving them a compliant framework while they collect the evidence needed for a future Type II audit.

Examples / Analogies

Think of SOC 2 Type I like taking a high-quality photo of your security posture at a specific moment. The picture might look excellent, but it doesn’t show what happens before or after.

Another analogy: If SOC 2 Type II is like reviewing months of security surveillance footage, SOC 2 Type I is checking the security measures once to confirm they’re set up correctly.

TL;DR Summary

SOC 2 Type I is a point-in-time audit that verifies whether an organisation’s security controls are designed properly and implemented correctly. It’s an important first step in the SOC 2 journey and helps companies demonstrate early-stage security maturity to customers and partners.