Certification statuses

There are multiple types of certification status for auditors that are important to be aware of. Read about each below.

Certified auditors

Certified auditors include those individuals who have passed a criminal background records check, completed the Auditor Training Program (including receiving a passing score on their final post-training exam), completed the Field Training Program, and signed the auditor certification agreement. Certified auditors must maintain their certification by participating in mandatory continuing education coursework, meeting auditor reporting requirements, and successfully completing all recertification requirements every three years. 

Facilities or agencies seeking a DOJ-certified PREA auditor may browse the list below and can find an auditor by selecting “Certified” from the Auditor search menu. Additional names will be listed as pending certifications are finalized. For information about audit contracting arrangements and requirements, please visit the Contracting for an audit section. 

Note: Under no circumstances may individuals who are not DOJ-certified auditors participate or engage in the substantive work of a formal PREA audit unless they are acting under the direction of a DOJ-certified auditor.

To see the list of auditors who are currently certified, select “Certified” from the Auditor search menu.
 

Inactive auditors

Inactive auditors include any individual who elected to go inactive rather than pursue recertification. Inactive auditors retain their DOJ-issued PREA auditor certification and can apply to reactivate their certification every three years. Inactive auditors can provide PREA implementation or auditing consultancy but are not permitted to procure or conduct audits as a lead auditor. Agencies and facilities, as well as DOJ-certified PREA auditors seeking audit support staff, are strongly encouraged to use the PREA Auditor Search to ensure that the selected auditor and any support staff employed by the auditor are eligible to conduct a PREA audit.

To see the list of auditors who are currently inactive, select “Inactive” from the Auditor search menu.

Auditors who are suspended

Suspended auditors include any individual whose DOJ-issued PREA auditor certification is currently suspended. The duration of a suspension is determined by DOJ’s PREA Management Office and may be extended for cause. During the period of suspension, auditors may not conduct any audits or audit-related activity, including as an agent of a PREA auditor. (See 34 U.S.C. §30307(e)(8)(B)(i).) Agencies and facilities, as well as DOJ-certified PREA auditors seeking audit support staff, are strongly encouraged to use the PREA auditor search to ensure that the selected auditor and any support staff employed by the auditor are eligible to conduct a PREA audit. Additional information about DOJ auditor certification requirements and the suspension process can be found in chapter 28 of the PREA Auditor Handbook

Formerly certified auditors

Formerly certified auditors include any individual who was formerly certified by DOJ as a PREA auditor. Reasons for no longer holding this certification include voluntary surrender of certification, not seeking recertification when the 3-year certification expires, failure to meet recertification requirements when the 3-year certification expires, and decertification. To comply with the requirements under 34 U.S.C. §30307(e)(8)(B)(i), the PREA Management Office must publish the names of auditors who have been decertified, and the reason for decertification. Therefore, auditors who have been decertified by DOJ can be searched for separately from all other formerly certified auditors. See below for additional information on the two categories of formerly certified auditor.

Auditors who are no longer certified: 

Auditors who voluntarily surrendered their certification or were not recertified when their 3-year certification expired are still eligible to participate in an audit as an agent of a DOJ-certified PREA auditor. To see the list of auditors who are no longer certified due to any of the reasons described above, select “No longer certified” from the Auditor search menu. 

Decertified auditors: 

Pursuant to the requirements under 34 U.S.C. §30307(e)(8)(B)(i), the PREA Management Office must publish the names of auditors who have been decertified and the reason for decertification. This information can be viewed by selecting “Decertified” from the Auditor search menu. For more information about DOJ auditor certification requirements and the decertification process, refer to the PREA Auditor Handbook

It is important to know that auditors who have been decertified may not participate in PREA audits, including as an agent of a PREA auditor. See 34 U.S.C. §30307(e)(8)(B)(i). Therefore, agencies and facilities, as well as DOJ-certified PREA auditors seeking audit support staff, are strongly encouraged to check the PREA Auditor search for the names of decertified auditors, to ensure that the selected auditor and support staff employed by the auditor are eligible. To see the list of auditors who have been decertified, select “Decertified” from the Auditor search menu.

Questions about eligibility to conduct a PREA audit or to serve as support staff should be directed to the PRC by submitting a Contact us form.