> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.sherlock.xyz/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.sherlock.xyz/audits.md).

# Audits

- [Audits for Protocol Teams](https://docs.sherlock.xyz/audits/protocols.md): Explains Sherlock’s pre-launch review options (collaborative audits, audit contests, and Blackthorn) and how teams choose the right model based on scope, timeline, and risk. Includes what to expect
- [How Collaborative Audits Work](https://docs.sherlock.xyz/audits/protocols/how-collaborative-audits-work.md): How Sherlock’s collaborative audits work, including dynamic team assembly, the engagement timeline from scoping through report, and the readiness requirements needed to start on schedule.
- [How Audit Contests Work](https://docs.sherlock.xyz/audits/protocols/how-it-works-for-protocols.md): What a Sherlock audit contest is, how the process works (scoping, contest window, live judging, remediation, and fix verification), and how to plan timelines for a mainnet launch or upgrade.
- [Audit Contest Timeline](https://docs.sherlock.xyz/audits/protocols/audit-pricing-and-timeline.md): Guidance for audit contest duration based on scope size, plus what to budget for judging, remediation, and fix verification after the contest.
- [Scheduling Process](https://docs.sherlock.xyz/audits/protocols/scheduling-process.md): How to reserve and confirm an audit slot with Sherlock, including deposits, start date confirmation, and scheduling flexibility for both major releases and update reviews.
- [Audit Contest Preparation](https://docs.sherlock.xyz/audits/protocols/audit-preparation.md): Covers how to prepare for an audit contest, what’s required 72 hours before start, and what happens if readiness or logistics aren’t complete.
- [Protocol Involvement During the Audit Process](https://docs.sherlock.xyz/audits/protocols/protocol-involvement-during-the-audit-process.md): What Sherlock expects from protocol teams during audit contests and collaborative audits, including communication channels, availability, and how visibility and disclosures are handled during live rev
- [Protocol Involvement Post-Audit](https://docs.sherlock.xyz/audits/protocols/protocol-involvement-post-audit.md): What happens after an audit, including how findings are finalized, how teams confirm disposition and implement fixes, and how Sherlock verifies remediation before a final report.
- [Rescheduling and Cancellations](https://docs.sherlock.xyz/audits/protocols/rescheduling-and-cancellations.md): How Sherlock handles rescheduling and cancellations, including how deposits are treated when a start date is blocked by readiness or logistics, and how to avoid last-minute issues.
- [Watsons](https://docs.sherlock.xyz/audits/watsons.md)
- [Lead Senior Watson Selection Process](https://docs.sherlock.xyz/audits/watsons/lead-senior-watson-selection-process.md)
- [Fix Review Process](https://docs.sherlock.xyz/audits/watsons/fix-review-process.md)
- [Contest Points](https://docs.sherlock.xyz/audits/watsons/contest-points.md)
- [How to Score Issue Points in a Contest](https://docs.sherlock.xyz/audits/watsons/how-to-score-issue-points-in-a-contest.md)
- [Meeting the Payout Criteria](https://docs.sherlock.xyz/audits/watsons/meeting-the-payout-criteria.md): How to make sure you get paid for your findings
- [First Blood Pot](https://docs.sherlock.xyz/audits/watsons/first-submission-pot.md)
- [Leaderboard Points Example](https://docs.sherlock.xyz/audits/watsons/watson-points-example.md): A Hypothetical Walkthrough of How Leaderboard Points are Calculated
- [FAQ](https://docs.sherlock.xyz/audits/watsons/faq.md)
- [Judging](https://docs.sherlock.xyz/audits/judging.md)
- [Judging Conduct Guidelines](https://docs.sherlock.xyz/audits/judging/judging-conduct-guidelines.md)
- [Criteria for Issue Validity](https://docs.sherlock.xyz/audits/judging/guidelines.md)
- [Criteria Changelog](https://docs.sherlock.xyz/audits/judging/guidelines/criteria-changelog.md): All future changes to the Issue criteria page will be logged here.
- [Lead Judge](https://docs.sherlock.xyz/audits/judging/lead-judge.md): The lead judge holds the authority to make final decisions on all contest issues.
- [Community Judging](https://docs.sherlock.xyz/audits/judging/community-judging.md): You’re going to review some issues anyway, why not get paid for it?
- [Dedicated Judge](https://docs.sherlock.xyz/audits/judging/dedicated-judge.md): A dedicated judge is dedicated to judge all issues in the contest and gets a 500% reward boost.
- [Discussion](https://docs.sherlock.xyz/audits/judging/discussion.md): Discussions on the issue voting pages are essential for reaching the correct judgment. To maintain healthy and high-quality discussions, certain constraints apply to commenting.
- [Sherlock's Exclusive Judging Apprentice Program](https://docs.sherlock.xyz/audits/judging/sherlocks-exclusive-judging-apprentice-program.md): What is the Sherlock Judging Apprentice Program, and how does it help you level up your judging skills?
- [Referral Program](https://docs.sherlock.xyz/audits/referral-program.md): Welcome to Sherlock's Referral Program!