hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
PK0-005 Practice Question: During risk assessment, a project team identifies…
During risk assessment, a project team identifies a risk that has a high probability of occurrence and high impact on project cost. Which risk response strategy is most appropriate?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the misconception that mitigation is always the best response for high-probability risks, but the trap here is that for high-impact risks, avoidance is more appropriate because it eliminates the threat rather than just reducing its effects.
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
✓
Avoid the risk by changing the project plan
When a risk has both high probability and high impact, the most effective response is to avoid it by changing the project plan to eliminate the threat entirely. Avoidance removes the risk source or its consequences, which is preferred over mitigation or acceptance when the risk is severe enough to jeopardize project objectives. In this scenario, altering the project scope, schedule, or technology stack can prevent the cost overrun from occurring.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Mitigate the risk by reducing probability or impact
Why it's wrong here
Mitigation reduces risk but does not eliminate it; if feasible, avoidance is more effective for critical risks.
- ✗
Accept the risk with a contingency reserve
Why it's wrong here
Acceptance is typically for low-priority risks; for high probability/impact, avoidance or mitigation is preferred.
- ✓
Avoid the risk by changing the project plan
Why this is correct
Avoidance eliminates the threat entirely, which is ideal for high-probability, high-impact risks.
- ✗
Transfer the risk to a third party
Why it's wrong here
Transfer is suitable for financial risks but may not be possible for all high-probability risks.
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JA
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.