2026 Compliance Guide
Professional Services
Data last verified: January 2026

SOC 2 Requirements for Professional Services

System and Organization Controls 2 guidance tailored to Professional Services. Align your controls, testing cadence, and evidence to avoid penalties.

Annual audit, Type I (point-in-time) or Type II (12-month period)Penalties: Loss of customer trust, failed sales, no certificationIndustries: 4
Client data confidentiality
Multiple client requirements
Remote workforce security
Pricing verified Q1 202645+ vendor interviews127+ data sourcesUpdated monthly
Required controls and tests
Testing cadence: Annual audit, Type I (point-in-time) or Type II (12-month period)
Evidence: Map findings to SOC 2, Client Requirements
Risk areas: penetration-testing, vciso-services
What to prepare
Enterprise client requirement
SOC 2 certification need
M&A due diligence

FAQs

Does SOC 2 apply to Professional Services?
AICPA framework for service organizations handling customer data It is commonly required or expected for Professional Services organizations.
How often should Professional Services companies test for SOC 2?
Annual audit, Type I (point-in-time) or Type II (12-month period)
What penalties are relevant for Professional Services?
Loss of customer trust, failed sales, no certification

SOC 2 for Professional Services

Align testing, evidence, and remediation to your regulator and auditor expectations.