hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
PK0-005 Practice Question: A project manager notices that actual costs are…
A project manager notices that actual costs are significantly higher than planned for the first two months of a six-month project. The project is critical to the organization, and the sponsor is concerned about the budget. What is the BEST course of action for the project manager?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the misconception that the first step when facing a budget overrun is to immediately request more funds or cut scope, rather than performing a structured analysis to understand the root cause before proposing corrective actions.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Conduct a variance analysis, identify the root cause, and present corrective options to the sponsor.
The project manager must first understand why costs are overrunning before taking action. Conducting a variance analysis and root cause analysis (e.g., using earned value management metrics like CV and CPI) provides data-driven insights. Presenting corrective options to the sponsor aligns with the PMI's principle of proactive communication and evidence-based decision-making, which is critical for a project of high organizational importance.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Delay reporting the overrun until the next status meeting to gather more data.
Why it's wrong here
Delaying reporting is unethical and may worsen the situation.
- ✗
Request additional budget from the sponsor to cover the overrun.
Why it's wrong here
Requesting more funds without analysis is not justified.
- ✓
Conduct a variance analysis, identify the root cause, and present corrective options to the sponsor.
Why this is correct
Variance analysis helps understand the issue and propose informed solutions.
- ✗
Reduce project scope to bring costs back in line with the original budget.
Why it's wrong here
Scope reduction may affect critical deliverables; analysis is needed first.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This PK0-005 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the PK0-005 exam.