Comparison
SOC 2 vs FedRAMP: commercial buyers versus federal agencies
The SOC 2 vs FedRAMP choice is about who you sell to. Commercial buyers ask for SOC 2, while US federal agencies require FedRAMP authorisation for cloud services they use.
- Preparation, not the examination
- A licensed CPA firm signs the report
- Plain-English guidance
What separates SOC 2 vs FedRAMP
FedRAMP is a US government programme that authorises cloud services for federal use. It is based on NIST SP 800-53 controls and assessed by a third-party assessment organisation. SOC 2, by contrast, is a CPA attestation against the AICPA criteria. See the FedRAMP programme site.
SOC 2 vs FedRAMP side by side
The two differ greatly in effort.
| SOC 2 | FedRAMP | |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers | Commercial companies. | US federal agencies. |
| Basis | AICPA trust criteria. | NIST SP 800-53 controls. |
| Assessor | Licensed CPA firm. | Third-party assessment organisation. |
| Effort | Moderate. | Much greater. |
SOC 2 vs FedRAMP: which path fits?
Tick what applies. Mostly ticks point to SOC 2.
Your result appears here as you tick, so you can see what is still open.
Does SOC 2 vs FedRAMP overlap help?
Partly. Many controls overlap, so a mature SOC 2 programme is a useful foundation. However, FedRAMP adds many specific controls and documentation, so it is a much larger project.
When to pursue SOC 2 vs FedRAMP
Pursue SOC 2 when commercial deals ask for it. Pursue FedRAMP only when federal agencies are a real target market, because the investment is substantial. Also, FedRAMP explicitly requires penetration testing, which has its own planning.
Our role in SOC 2 vs FedRAMP decisions
We prepare companies for SOC 2 only. So if FedRAMP is your real need, we say so plainly. The SOC 2 examination is always performed by a licensed CPA firm. Reference: AICPA guidance on SOC 2.
There is also a middle step for some companies. Selling to state agencies or to federal contractors may involve other frameworks, such as StateRAMP or CMMC, rather than FedRAMP itself. So check exactly which programme a prospect names before planning. Also remember that agency sponsorship is part of most FedRAMP paths, which means a committed federal buyer usually comes first. Without one, a SOC 2 remains the practical foundation for most commercial software companies, and it keeps commercial deals moving while you decide.
SOC 2 vs FedRAMP questions
Can SOC 2 replace FedRAMP?
No. Federal agencies require FedRAMP authorisation for cloud services.
Is SOC 2 vs FedRAMP a big jump in effort?
Yes. FedRAMP is much larger, with many more controls.
Who assesses FedRAMP?
An accredited third-party assessment organisation.
Should we do SOC 2 first?
Usually, if commercial buyers matter, because it builds a foundation.
Related guides
Building the SOC 2 foundation first?
Tell us your buyers and timeline. We reply with a written scope and a fixed preparation fee. If FedRAMP becomes your priority, we say so early.
Scope your preparation