Which Compliance Framework Do You Need? Free Quiz (2026)
Last updated: 2026-03-28
Not sure whether you need SOC 2, HIPAA, PCI DSS, CMMC, or ISO 27001? Answer 8 questions about your industry, data handling, customers, and budget to get a personalized recommendation with explanations of why each framework does or does not apply to your business.
Which Compliance Framework Do You Need?
Answer 8 questions to find out which compliance frameworks apply to your business.
What industry is your business in?
Different industries have different regulatory requirements.
This quiz provides general guidance only. Compliance requirements depend on your specific business operations, customer contracts, and applicable laws. Consult a compliance professional or attorney for definitive guidance.
Compliance Framework Comparison
| Framework | Required When | Cost Range (Year 1) | Timeline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC 2 | B2B SaaS, enterprise sales | $20K-$100K | 3-9 months | Voluntary attestation |
| HIPAA | Handle PHI / healthcare data | $15K-$80K | 3-12 months | Legal requirement |
| PCI DSS | Process credit card data | $5K-$200K+ | 1-12 months | Contractual requirement |
| CMMC | DoD contracts / CUI | $30K-$150K | 6-18 months | Government requirement |
| ISO 27001 | International enterprise sales | $30K-$150K | 6-12 months | Voluntary certification |
When You May Not Need a Compliance Framework
Not every business needs formal compliance certification. You may not need a framework if: you are a small B2C business with no sensitive data, you do not handle health or financial data, your customers are SMBs that do not require vendor security reviews, or your budget is under $15,000.
However, even without a formal framework, you should implement basic security hygiene: strong passwords with MFA, data encryption, regular backups, and a basic incident response plan. These fundamentals protect your business and prepare you for when compliance becomes necessary as you grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a compliance framework?
A compliance framework is a structured set of security controls, policies, and processes that organizations implement to meet specific regulatory or industry requirements. Frameworks like SOC 2, HIPAA, and PCI DSS define what controls you need, how to implement them, and how to prove compliance through audits or assessments. Some frameworks are legally required (HIPAA for health data, PCI DSS for credit cards), while others are voluntary but expected by customers (SOC 2 for B2B SaaS).
Which compliance framework is most common for startups?
SOC 2 is the most common compliance framework for startups, especially B2B SaaS companies. It is the standard that enterprise buyers request most frequently during vendor security reviews. SOC 2 Type 2 is considered the gold standard, but many startups begin with Type 1 to demonstrate commitment. The typical path is: SOC 2 Type 1 first, then Type 2, then add ISO 27001 if selling internationally.
Do I need more than one compliance framework?
Many businesses need multiple frameworks. For example, a health tech SaaS company may need both SOC 2 (for enterprise buyers) and HIPAA (for handling PHI). A government contractor may need both CMMC (for DoD) and SOC 2 (for commercial clients). The good news is that frameworks share significant overlap — about 70% of SOC 2 controls overlap with ISO 27001, and HIPAA security controls map closely to SOC 2 Security criteria.
What is the difference between SOC 2 and ISO 27001?
SOC 2 is a US-centric attestation report issued by a CPA firm, focused on Trust Service Criteria. ISO 27001 is an international certification standard for information security management systems (ISMS). Key differences: SOC 2 is faster and cheaper to achieve initially; ISO 27001 is more globally recognized. SOC 2 results in a report; ISO 27001 results in a certification valid for 3 years. Most US companies start with SOC 2; companies selling internationally often add ISO 27001.
When is HIPAA compliance required?
HIPAA compliance is legally required whenever you handle protected health information (PHI) as either a covered entity (health plans, healthcare providers, healthcare clearinghouses) or a business associate (any organization that handles PHI on behalf of a covered entity). This includes SaaS companies whose products store, process, or transmit PHI — even if health data is not your primary business. Violations can result in fines from $100 to $2.1 million per violation category per year, plus potential criminal penalties.
When is PCI DSS required?
PCI DSS compliance is required for any organization that stores, processes, or transmits credit card data. The compliance level depends on annual transaction volume: Level 1 (6M+ transactions) requires an external audit; Levels 2-4 can self-assess with a Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ). If you use a fully hosted payment processor like Stripe or Square that handles all card data, you may only need SAQ-A (the simplest level, 22 questions). PCI DSS is enforced through contracts with payment card brands, not law.
What is CMMC and who needs it?
CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) is required for all Department of Defense contractors and subcontractors. CMMC 2.0 has three levels: Level 1 (basic cyber hygiene, self-assessment) for companies handling Federal Contract Information (FCI), Level 2 (aligned with NIST SP 800-171, third-party assessment) for Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Level 3 (advanced, government-led assessment) for the most sensitive programs. CMMC requirements are being phased into DoD contracts starting in 2025.
How much does compliance cost for each framework?
Approximate Year 1 costs: SOC 2 Type 2 ($20K-$100K), HIPAA ($15K-$80K for risk assessment and remediation), PCI DSS ($5K-$200K+ depending on level and SAQ type), CMMC Level 2 ($30K-$150K), ISO 27001 ($30K-$150K). These ranges include audit/assessment fees, remediation, consulting, and tooling. Ongoing annual costs are typically 60-80% of Year 1 costs. Use our SOC 2 Cost Calculator for a detailed breakdown of SOC 2 specifically.
Can I use one automation platform for multiple frameworks?
Yes. Leading compliance automation platforms like Vanta and Drata support multiple frameworks simultaneously. Since frameworks share significant control overlap, implementing one framework through an automation platform makes adding subsequent frameworks much easier. For example, after achieving SOC 2, adding ISO 27001 through the same platform typically requires only 20-30% additional effort. Most platforms support SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI DSS, GDPR, and others.
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Last updated: 2026-03-28. This quiz provides general guidance based on your answers. Compliance requirements depend on specific laws, contracts, and customer requirements. Always consult a compliance professional or attorney for definitive guidance on your obligations.