What's the difference between FedRAMP and SOC 2?

FedRAMP.gov does not publish a side-by-side comparison of FedRAMP and SOC 2. It does treat SOC 2 Type II as an external framework that can support only the entry-level Class A certification, not a substitute for FedRAMP.

What FedRAMP is

FedRAMP is the federal program, set up by law, for certifying cloud services that agencies use. It has its own rules, Certification Classes A to D, and Key Security Indicators (KSIs), the security outcomes a 20x provider must show. Classes B to D require assessment by an assessor FedRAMP recognizes, plus ongoing certification.

How FedRAMP views SOC 2

FedRAMP.gov calls SOC 2 Type II "the widest used external security framework with the least applicability to the Rev5 process." It notes agencies most often rely on it for pilots. FedRAMP also says it is "aware of concerns about the quality and reliability of SOC 2 Type II audits."

What it means for providers

A SOC 2 report alone does not satisfy FedRAMP rules. FedRAMP's help center says pointing reviewers to "see the SOC 2 report" is usually not acceptable. Providers should map SOC 2 evidence to each FedRAMP rule, explain the implementation and link to the supporting artifact.

Why the gap is bigger than it looks

FedRAMP is far more nuanced than SOC 2. Teams that approach it as an extension of SOC 2 often underestimate the work and find answers that need rework later.