easyMultiple Choice
PK0-005 Practice Question: In a risk register, which field describes the…
In a risk register, which field describes the event that signals a risk is about to occur?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse the risk register's descriptive fields (owner, score, residual risk) with its monitoring fields (trigger), causing candidates to select the field that sounds most action-oriented rather than the one that specifically signals an impending risk event.
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
✓
Trigger
A trigger is the predefined indicator or event that signals a risk is imminent or has occurred, prompting the risk response plan to be activated. In a risk register, triggers are documented alongside the risk description, probability, impact, and response strategy so the project team knows exactly what to watch for. This allows proactive rather than reactive risk management.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Residual risk
Why it's wrong here
Residual risk is the exposure remaining after existing controls are applied, not the trigger indicating a risk is materialising. It is tempting because registers track post-mitigation exposure, but this field is correct only when assessing how much risk remains once planned responses have been implemented.
- ✗
Risk score
Why it's wrong here
Risk score quantifies likelihood multiplied by impact, giving a severity ranking rather than a triggering event. It is tempting because scoring drives prioritisation and reporting, but it would be the correct field only when the register needs to rank risks for escalation, not to define the warning sign.
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Risk owner
Why it's wrong here
Risk owner names the person accountable for monitoring and mitigating the risk, not the event that signals its onset. Assigning ownership is tempting because every register entry needs an accountable individual, but that field is correct only when the question asks who is responsible for managing the risk response.
- ✓
Trigger
Why this is correct
A trigger names the observable event or condition signalling that a risk is imminent, satisfying the register's need to prompt timely response. Unlike probability or impact ratings, which quantify likelihood and consequence, the trigger defines the warning indicator itself, enabling monitoring thresholds and escalation before the risk materialises.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
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