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PK0-005 Practice Question: Which TWO tools are commonly used for risk…
Which TWO tools are commonly used for risk identification in a project?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates confuse quality management tools (like Pareto charts) or scheduling tools (like CPM) with risk identification techniques, because they are all used in project management but serve distinct processes.
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
✓
Brainstorming
Brainstorming (A) is a core qualitative risk identification technique in which the project team and stakeholders generate a broad list of potential threats and opportunities, often structured with categories such as RBS or prompt lists, making it a standard tool for identifying risks. SWOT analysis (E) is also a recognized risk identification technique because it systematically examines Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats, directly surfacing internal and external risks that could affect the project. The Pareto chart (B) is a quality and prioritization tool based on the 80/20 principle, used to rank existing problems or defects, not to discover new risks. The critical path method (C) is a schedule network analysis technique for determining the longest path and float, used in schedule development rather than risk identification. The RACI matrix (D) is a responsibility assignment tool that clarifies who is Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed, and it does not identify risks.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Brainstorming
Why this is correct
Brainstorming surfaces potential risks by drawing on the team's collective experience and domain knowledge, satisfying the requirement for a commonly used risk identification tool. It feeds directly into the risk register, enabling qualitative assessment before planning responses.
- ✗
Pareto chart
Why it's wrong here
A Pareto chart ranks causes by frequency to prioritise quality problems; it analyses existing data rather than identifying new risks. Risk identification uses brainstorming, interviews and SWOT analysis. Pareto tempts because it highlights the largest issues, but that is prioritisation after risks are known, not discovery of them.
- ✗
Critical path method
Why it's wrong here
Critical path method sequences schedule activities to determine project duration; it identifies timing float, not risks. Risk identification uses techniques such as brainstorming, interviews and SWOT analysis. CPM tempts because it exposes schedule uncertainty, but that is schedule development, not the risk-identification process the question asks about.
- ✗
RACI matrix
Why it's wrong here
A RACI matrix assigns responsibility, accountability, consultation and information roles for tasks; it clarifies ownership rather than surfacing risks. Risk identification draws on brainstorming, checklists and assumption analysis. RACI tempts because unclear ownership can cause risks, but the tool itself documents roles, not threats.
- ✓
SWOT analysis
Why this is correct
SWOT analysis examines internal strengths and weaknesses alongside external opportunities and threats, surfacing uncertainties that become candidate risks. It is a standard qualitative risk identification technique, satisfying the stem's requirement for a commonly used risk identification tool.
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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.