Under what circumstances can the director refer a certificate holder for further investigation?

The correct choice reflects circumstances where the director has encountered indications of potential issues or violations of regulations during a compliance audit. A compliance audit is a systematic review designed to review procedures, practices, and documents to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. If the auditor finds discrepancies or violations during this process, it signals to the director that further investigation may be warranted to determine the extent of the issues and whether corrective actions or penalties are necessary. This proactive approach helps maintain the integrity of the profession and ensures that standards are upheld, thereby protecting the public's interest.

The other choices, while they may involve the director's actions or oversight, do not directly align with the typical, routine findings that emerge solely from an internal compliance audit process that would directly prompt further investigatory actions. An external agency's requirement or employee complaints can certainly trigger investigations, but they do not represent the specific situation arising from compliance audit findings that necessitate additional scrutiny. Additionally, if no further actions are required, there would be no basis for referral, which doesn’t fit the context of the situation presented in the question.