The correct action is to recalculate the risk score using the new likelihood and impact values. This is because the risk score is a multiplicative or matrix-based function of both likelihood and impact; a decrease in one factor can be exactly offset by an increase in the other, leaving the overall score unchanged. On the CRISC exam, this scenario tests your understanding that risk recalculation must reflect the current posture, not a subjective judgment—even if the score looks the same, the underlying components have shifted. A common trap is assuming that a reduced likelihood automatically lowers the score, ignoring that impact may have risen. The key memory tip is "score the facts, not the feeling": always plug the updated likelihood and impact into the formula, regardless of whether the final number changes.
CRISC IT Risk Assessment Practice Question
This CRISC practice question tests your understanding of it risk assessment. 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.
A risk register is being updated after a quarterly risk assessment. One risk has decreased in likelihood due to new controls. However, the risk score remains unchanged because the impact increased. What should the risk practitioner do?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Recalculate the risk score using the new likelihood and impact values
The risk score is a function of both likelihood and impact. Even though new controls reduced likelihood, the increased impact means the overall risk level may remain unchanged. The correct action is to recalculate the risk score using the updated values to reflect the current risk posture accurately, as required by the risk assessment process.
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.
✗
Remove the risk from the register because it is under control
Why it's wrong here
The risk is still present; removal only after acceptance or transfer.
✓
Recalculate the risk score using the new likelihood and impact values
Why this is correct
The risk score should be based on current likelihood and impact; if impact increased, the score may stay the same or increase.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Automatically accept the risk because likelihood decreased
Why it's wrong here
Acceptance requires evaluation of residual risk, not just likelihood.
✗
Escalate to senior management for a new risk treatment plan
Why it's wrong here
Escalation should occur if residual risk exceeds tolerance, not simply because score changed.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume a decrease in likelihood automatically lowers the risk score, ignoring that a simultaneous increase in impact can offset that reduction, leading them to prematurely accept or escalate the risk without recalculating.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Risk scoring typically uses a matrix (e.g., 5x5) where likelihood and impact are multiplied or combined to produce a score. A decrease in likelihood from 4 to 3 combined with an increase in impact from 3 to 4 can yield the same product (12), illustrating why recalculation is essential. In practice, risk registers often track both inherent and residual risk, and the residual risk score must be updated whenever controls change or impact estimates are revised.
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 practitioner preparing for the CRISC exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
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.
IT Risk Assessment — This question tests IT Risk Assessment — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Recalculate the risk score using the new likelihood and impact values — The risk score is a function of both likelihood and impact. Even though new controls reduced likelihood, the increased impact means the overall risk level may remain unchanged. The correct action is to recalculate the risk score using the updated values to reflect the current risk posture accurately, as required by the risk assessment process.
What should I do if I get this CRISC question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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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