Guide
SOC 2 attestation: an opinion, not a certificate
SOC 2 attestation means a licensed CPA firm gives a formal opinion about your controls under AICPA standards. There is no SOC 2 certificate and no certifying body. So anyone selling a SOC 2 badge is selling something buyers will not accept.
- Preparation, not the examination
- A licensed CPA firm signs the report
- Plain-English guidance
What SOC 2 attestation involves
Management first makes an assertion about its system and controls. Then the CPA firm examines that assertion and issues an opinion. Therefore the report is a statement by an independent professional, not a pass mark.
Attestation versus certification
The difference matters, because buyers know it.
| SOC 2 attestation | Certification (e.g. ISO 27001) | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | An opinion in a report. | A certificate. |
| Issued by | Licensed CPA firm. | Accredited certification body. |
| Badge or logo | No official badge. | Certificate marks exist. |
SOC 2 attestation: is the offer genuine?
Tick what is true of an offer you received.
Your result appears here as you tick, so you can see what is still open.
Spotting misleading claims
Phrases like 'SOC 2 certified' are common but inaccurate. Also, logos implying AICPA endorsement may only be used by the audited organisation within the AICPA's rules. So check what is actually being offered.
- A badge offered without a CPA examination
- A 'certificate' instead of a report
- A promised pass
Why SOC 2 attestation still carries weight
Buyers trust it because an independent licensed firm stakes its professional standing on the opinion. Therefore a clean report is strong evidence, even without a certificate.
Our role
We prepare you for the examination. However, only a licensed CPA firm can issue the attestation, because we are not one. Reference: AICPA guidance on SOC 2.
When describing your status publicly, keep the wording accurate. For example, 'We have a SOC 2 Type 2 report from an independent CPA firm, available under NDA' is correct and persuasive. Phrases implying certification invite questions from experienced security reviewers. So accurate language protects credibility as well as compliance. Also brief your sales team on the correct wording, because they repeat it most often.
SOC 2 attestation questions
Is SOC 2 attestation the same as certification?
No. It is an opinion in a report, while certification issues a certificate.
Can we say we are SOC 2 certified?
It is inaccurate. Say you have a SOC 2 report from an independent CPA firm.
Who can perform SOC 2 attestation?
Only a licensed CPA firm.
Is there an official SOC 2 logo?
The AICPA has a logo with strict usage rules for audited organisations only.
Related guides
Prepare for a genuine SOC 2 attestation
Tell us your scope. We reply with a written scope and a fixed preparation fee. The plan keeps readiness and examination in separate hands, as independence requires.
Scope your preparation