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PK0-005 Practice Question: In the context of risk management, what is a…
In the context of risk management, what is a trigger?
⚠ Common exam trap
PK0-005 often tests risk terminology, and the trap is confusing the trigger with the risk owner, the residual risk, or the risk response strategy, since all four are related concepts that appear together in the risk register.
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
✓
An event that indicates a risk is imminent or has occurred.
In risk management, a trigger (also called a risk trigger or warning sign) is an event or condition that indicates a risk is about to occur or has already occurred, prompting the team to execute the planned risk response. Triggers are defined during risk planning so the team can monitor for them and act proactively rather than reactively. This matches the definition of an event signaling that a risk is imminent or has happened.
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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The person responsible for monitoring the risk.
Why it's wrong here
A risk owner is the accountable individual who monitors and manages a risk, not the condition or event that prompts action. A risk owner would be the correct answer to a question asking who is accountable for a risk's monitoring.
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The residual risk after a response is implemented.
Why it's wrong here
Residual risk is the exposure remaining after a response has been applied, not the event that signals a risk is occurring or about to occur. Residual risk would be the correct answer to a question asking what remains once mitigation is complete.
- ✓
An event that indicates a risk is imminent or has occurred.
Why this is correct
A trigger is the observable event or condition signalling that a risk is about to materialise or already has, prompting the risk response plan into action. It satisfies the risk-management requirement by providing the early-warning indicator that activates contingency measures.
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The strategy to respond to a risk if it occurs.
Why it's wrong here
A response strategy describes the planned action taken once a risk materialises, not the indicator that it is materialising. A response strategy would be the correct answer to a question asking how a team intends to handle a risk.
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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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