The answer is to submit a change request to modify the scope baseline. This is correct because the signed scope baseline legally defines the project’s boundaries, and any work outside it—including out-of-scope defects identified during project closure—must go through formal integrated change control to assess impacts on cost, schedule, and resources. On the CompTIA Project+ PK0-005 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that even at project closure, the change control process remains the mandatory first step when handling out-of-scope defects, and a common trap is to fix the defects informally to please the client, which violates the baseline and risks scope creep. Remember the memory tip: “Baseline before baseline”—never alter the signed scope baseline without a change request, no matter how small the defect or how close to closure.
PK0-005 Project Management Concepts Practice Question
This PK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of project management concepts. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
An IT project is nearing completion. The project manager is preparing for project closure. During the final testing, the client identifies a few minor defects that were not in the original scope. The project manager has a signed scope baseline. The client insists these defects must be fixed before acceptance. The project budget is nearly exhausted, and the schedule has no buffer. What should the project manager do FIRST?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Submit a change request to modify the scope baseline.
Option A is correct because the project manager must follow the formal change control process when the client requests work outside the signed scope baseline. Since the defects are not in the original scope, the only way to proceed legitimately is to submit a change request to modify the scope baseline, which will trigger a review of cost, schedule, and resource impacts. This aligns with PMI's integrated change control and ensures the project does not proceed without proper authorization, especially given the exhausted budget and lack of schedule buffer.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Submit a change request to modify the scope baseline.
Why this is correct
A change request allows for impact analysis and approval.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Negotiate with the client to accept the project as-is with a discount.
Fix the defects and request additional funding from the sponsor.
Why it's wrong here
Work outside the baseline should not be performed without approval.
✗
Explain that the defects are out of scope and close the project.
Why it's wrong here
This may cause conflict and does not consider client needs.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume minor defects should be fixed immediately to satisfy the client, but the PMO exam tests adherence to the formal change control process even for seemingly small scope changes, especially when the budget and schedule are constrained.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In project management, the scope baseline consists of the approved scope statement, Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), and WBS dictionary. Any change to the scope must go through the Perform Integrated Change Control process, which evaluates the change's impact on the triple constraint (scope, time, cost). In this scenario, the nearly exhausted budget and zero schedule buffer mean the change request would likely trigger a formal impact analysis, potentially requiring sponsor approval or a contract modification. Real-world examples include IT projects where post-testing defects are logged as change requests, and the client may need to accept a trade-off, such as reduced functionality or additional funding.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Project Management Concepts — This question tests Project Management Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Submit a change request to modify the scope baseline. — Option A is correct because the project manager must follow the formal change control process when the client requests work outside the signed scope baseline. Since the defects are not in the original scope, the only way to proceed legitimately is to submit a change request to modify the scope baseline, which will trigger a review of cost, schedule, and resource impacts. This aligns with PMI's integrated change control and ensures the project does not proceed without proper authorization, especially given the exhausted budget and lack of schedule buffer.
What should I do if I get this PK0-005 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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