How to get a SOC3 report when you already have SOC2?

How to get a SOC3 report when you already have SOC2?

If your organization already holds a SOC 2 report, obtaining a SOC 3 is the logical next step toward strengthening trust and transparency with your clients and partners. The good news is that you don’t need to start the process from scratch. Both reports are based on the same Trust Services Criteria (TSC) developed by the AICPA, which means you can leverage your existing SOC 2 evidence, tests, and reporting period. As a result, adding a SOC 3 report is significantly faster and more cost-effective.

The difference between SOC 2 and SOC 3

A SOC 2 report is an internal or restricted-use document that provides a detailed overview of your security environment, control framework, and audit results. It’s intended for a limited audience—typically your customers, business partners, or their auditors—and contains sensitive operational details.

By contrast, a SOC 3 report is designed for general use. It’s based on the same Trust Services Criteria but presents the findings in a concise, non-technical way that’s easy for the general public to understand. Because it doesn’t include test procedures or specific audit results, it’s safe to publish publicly—for example, on your company’s website or in marketing materials. Importantly, SOC 3 reports are always Type II, which means they assess the effectiveness of controls over a defined period, not just at a single point in time.

Why obtaining SOC 3 is worth it?

Adding a SOC 3 report on top of your SOC 2 demonstrates a higher level of maturity in your organization’s information security practices. Many companies now view SOC 3 as a marketing and trust-building tool that helps establish credibility with potential clients. Publishing it on your website signals transparency and a strong commitment to data protection, showing that your organization aligns with industry best practices.

From a business perspective, a SOC 3 can accelerate the sales cycle. When prospects are still evaluating vendors, a public SOC 3 report serves as immediate proof of compliance with security standards. Later in the process—after signing an NDA—you can provide them with your detailed SOC 2 report. In this way, SOC 3 becomes a strategic communication asset that supports marketing, sales, and customer confidence simultaneously.

How to obtain a SOC 3 based on SOC 2?

The process of obtaining a SOC 3 report when you already have SOC 2 is straightforward and typically involves four steps:

1. Define a joint audit scope

The most efficient approach is to plan both SOC 2 and SOC 3 audits simultaneously. They can share the same scope of services and Trust Services Criteria, allowing the auditor to reuse collected evidence and avoid duplicate testing.

2. Prepare your environment and documentation

Make sure all your security policies and processes are up to date and that any gaps identified in your SOC 2 audit have been resolved. This includes access controls, monitoring procedures, data protection policies, and incident response processes.

3. Conduct a readiness assessment

Before the formal audit, perform an internal readiness review to confirm that your controls are working effectively. This step helps minimize the risk of audit findings. You can handle it in-house or engage an external consultant for support.

4. Work with your auditor and publish your report

Once verification is complete, the auditor issues an opinion confirming the effectiveness of your controls. The SOC 3 report consists of a management assertion, the auditor’s opinion, and a brief system description. After approval, you can publish it in the Security & Compliance section of your website or include it in sales materials.

Understanding the Trust Services Criteria (TSC)

Both SOC 2 and SOC 3 reports are built on the same five Trust Services Criteria established by the AICPA:

• Security – protection of systems from unauthorized access (mandatory criterion)

• Availability – ensuring systems and services remain available as agreed in SLAs

• Processing integrity – maintaining accuracy and completeness of data processing

• Confidentiality – safeguarding sensitive information from disclosure

• Privacy – complying with privacy principles and personal data handling requirements

Each organization selects the criteria most relevant to its services and risks. The scope defined for your SOC 3 should always align with the one used in your SOC 2 audit.

What’s included in a SOC 3 report?

The SOC 3 report provides a high-level summary of your organization’s control environment without disclosing technical details. It includes the auditor’s opinion, management’s assertion, and a concise description of the system and relevant TSC categories. It does not contain test procedures, audit results, or detailed control listings. Because of this, SOC 3 reports can be freely shared with the public without compromising sensitive information.

When SOC 3 delivers the most value?

SOC 3 reports are especially beneficial for technology companies, cloud service providers (SaaS, PaaS), and organizations that process customer data. Publishing the report enhances your market credibility, reassures new clients, and speeds up vendor due diligence during early sales discussions. Moreover, having a SOC 3 often serves as a competitive advantage in markets where data security and compliance are key differentiators.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a SOC 3 without a SOC 2?

Technically yes, but it’s rare and not cost-effective. SOC 3 relies on the same audit procedures, so most companies commission both reports simultaneously.

Is SOC 3 legally required?

No. However, it is increasingly expected in industries that handle customer data or operate under strict compliance frameworks.

How often should SOC 3 be renewed?

Since SOC 3 is always a Type II report, it evaluates control performance over time. Most organizations update it annually, alongside their SOC 2 audit.

Conclusion

Obtaining a SOC 3 report after completing a SOC 2 audit is a practical and efficient way to strengthen your organization’s credibility and demonstrate commitment to information security. Both reports share the same framework, and preparing a SOC 3 does not require redoing the entire audit. Within a short timeframe, your company can gain a publicly shareable document that builds client trust, supports sales efforts, and highlights your transparency in protecting data and maintaining robust security practices.