SSAE 18 SOC 1 — Report on Controls at a Service Organisation (ICFR)
SOC 1 reports, issued under SSAE 18 (AT-C Section 320) by the AICPA, provide assurance on controls at a service organisation relevant to user entities' internal control over financial reporting (ICFR). The US equivalent of ISAE 3402. Type I reports assess control design at a point in time. Type II reports assess design and operating effectiveness over a period. Essential for service organisations whose services affect clients' financial statements (payroll processors, loan servicers, data centres).
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Framework Domains (16)
Application Controls
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| SOC1-12 | Application and Transaction Controls |
Audit Approach
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| SOC1-14 | Use of Internal Audit Work |
Communication
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| SOC1-18 | Communication with Management and Governance |
Complementary Controls and Reporting
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| CCR-1 | Management Assertion |
| CCR-2 | Complementary User Entity Controls |
| CCR-3 | Type I vs Type II Reporting |
| CCR-4 | Auditor Testing and Opinion |
Control Environment
The set of standards, processes, and structures providing the basis for carrying out internal control. The board and management establish tone at the top regarding the importance of internal control.
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| CE-1 | Demonstrates Commitment to Integrity and Ethical Values |
| CE-2 | Exercises Oversight Responsibility |
| CE-3 | Establishes Structure, Authority, and Responsibility |
| CE-4 | Demonstrates Commitment to Competence |
| COSO-IC-CE-01 | The organization demonstrates commitment to integrity and ethical values |
| COSO-IC-CE-02 | The board demonstrates independence from management and exercises oversight of internal control |
| COSO-IC-CE-03 | Management establishes structures, reporting lines, authorities, and responsibilities |
| COSO-IC-CE-04 | The organization demonstrates commitment to attract, develop, and retain competent individuals |
| COSO-IC-CE-05 | The organization holds individuals accountable for their internal control responsibilities |
| COSO-IC-OV-01 | COSO Internal Control Framework — integrated operation of all five components (Control Environment, Risk Assessment, Control Activities, Information & Communication, Monitoring Activities) |
Description
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| SOC1-03 | System Description (Section III) |
| SOC1-04 | Control Objectives Suitability |
| SOC1-07 | Complementary User Entity Controls (CUECs) |
Engagement Management
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| SOC1-01 | Engagement Acceptance and Continuance |
| SOC1-17 | Documentation Retention |
IT Controls
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| SOC1-11 | IT General Controls Scope |
IT General Controls
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ITGC-1 | Logical Access Controls |
| ITGC-2 | Change Management |
| ITGC-3 | Computer Operations |
| ITGC-4 | Program Development |
| ITGC-5 | Physical and Environmental Security |
Quality
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| SOC1-19 | Quality Management at Engagement Level |
Reporting
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| SOC1-02 | Management Assertion |
| SOC1-05 | Type 1 versus Type 2 Determination |
| SOC1-10 | Exceptions and Deviations Reporting |
| SOC1-13 | Period Coverage and Bridge Letters |
| SOC1-15 | Subsequent Events Procedures |
| SOC1-16 | Service Auditor Opinion |
| SOC1-20 | Report Distribution and Restricted Use |
Reporting and Monitoring
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| RM-1 | Risk Management Strategy |
| RM-2 | Cyber Risk Identification and Analysis |
| RM-3 | Risk Response |
| RM-4 | Subservice Organization Oversight |
Risk Management
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| SOC1-08 | Risk Assessment by Service Organisation |
Subservice Organisations
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| SOC1-06 | Carve-Out versus Inclusive Method |
Testing
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| SOC1-09 | Tests of Operating Effectiveness |
Transaction Processing Controls
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| TP-1 | Input Controls |
| TP-2 | Processing Controls |
| TP-3 | Output Controls |
| TP-4 | Reconciliation Controls |
Your Compliance Coverage
If you comply with SSAE 18 SOC 1 — Report on Controls at a Service Organisation (ICFR), you already cover:
NIST SP 800-82 Rev 3 — Guide to OT Security
36%
17 controls mapped
Compare →CSA CCM v4
34%
16 controls mapped
Compare →SSAE 18 — Attestation Standards (SOC Reporting)
34%
16 controls mapped
Compare →+ 647 more: TISAX — Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange (34%), PSD2 SCA (32%)
See all 650 mapped frameworks ↓Maps to 650 other frameworks
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SSAE 18 SOC 1 — Report on Controls at a Service Organisation (ICFR)?
SSAE 18 SOC 1 — Report on Controls at a Service Organisation (ICFR) is a compliance framework from United States (AICPA) with 16 domains and 47 controls. SOC 1 reports, issued under SSAE 18 (AT-C Section 320) by the AICPA, provide assurance on controls at a service organisation relevant to user entities' internal control over financial reporting (ICFR). The US equivalent of ISAE 3402. Type I reports assess control design at a point in time. Type II reports assess design and operating effectiveness over a period. Essential for service organisations whose services affect clients' financial statements (payroll processors, loan servicers, data centres). It is used by organisations to establish and maintain compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
How many controls does SSAE 18 SOC 1 — Report on Controls at a Service Organisation (ICFR) have?
SSAE 18 SOC 1 — Report on Controls at a Service Organisation (ICFR) has 47 controls organised across 16 domains. The largest domains are Control Environment (10 controls), Reporting (7 controls), IT General Controls (5 controls). Each control defines specific requirements that organisations must implement to achieve compliance.
What frameworks does SSAE 18 SOC 1 — Report on Controls at a Service Organisation (ICFR) map to?
SSAE 18 SOC 1 — Report on Controls at a Service Organisation (ICFR) maps to 650 other compliance frameworks. The top mapping partners are NIST SP 800-82 Rev 3 — Guide to OT Security (36% coverage), CSA CCM v4 (34% coverage), SSAE 18 — Attestation Standards (SOC Reporting) (34% coverage). Use our comparison tool to explore control-level mappings between frameworks.
How do I get started with SSAE 18 SOC 1 — Report on Controls at a Service Organisation (ICFR) compliance?
Start your SSAE 18 SOC 1 — Report on Controls at a Service Organisation (ICFR) compliance journey by running a self-assessment on our platform to identify your current compliance posture. Our AI advisory can answer specific questions about SSAE 18 SOC 1 — Report on Controls at a Service Organisation (ICFR) requirements, and cross-framework mapping helps you leverage existing controls from other frameworks you may already comply with. Create a free account to access all 47 controls and track your progress.
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