(a) The Administrative Law Judge shall prepare, after completion of the hearing and closing of the record, a decision on the issues referred by the Administrator.

(b) The decision of the Administrative Law Judge shall include a statement of findings and conclusions, with reasons and basis therefor, upon each material issue presented on the record. If the Administrative Law Judge finds that the Administrator has established by a preponderance of the evidence the factual basis for the determination to deny or revoke a certificate or to assess a civil money penalty, that determination shall be affirmed. The decision shall also include an appropriate order which may affirm, deny, reverse, or modify, in whole or in part, the determination of the Administrator. The reason or reasons for such order shall be stated in the decision.

(c) The decision shall be served on all parties and the Secretary. The decision when served by the Administrative Law Judge shall constitute the final order of the Department of Labor unless the Administrative Review Board, as provided for in § 530.407 of this subpart, determines to review the decision.