The correct answer is to continuously add new risks as they are identified, because a risk register is a living document that must evolve in real time to reflect the current threat landscape. New risks can emerge from changes in technology, business processes, or external threats, and failing to capture them promptly leaves the organization exposed to unmitigated vulnerabilities. On the CRISC exam, this concept tests your understanding that risk register update frequency is not a scheduled, periodic event but an ongoing process tied to continuous monitoring and change management. A common trap is assuming updates only happen during quarterly reviews, but the exam emphasizes that any new risk—whether from a system upgrade, regulatory shift, or security incident—must be logged immediately. Memory tip: think of the risk register as a “live feed,” not a “snapshot”—if you see a risk, log it now, not later.
CRISC IT Risk Assessment Practice Question
This CRISC practice question tests your understanding of it risk assessment. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
An organization maintains a risk register. Which of the following updates should be made on an ongoing basis?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Continuously add new risks as they are identified
A risk register is a living document that must be updated continuously to reflect the current threat landscape. New risks can emerge from changes in technology, business processes, or external threats, and failing to capture them promptly leaves the organization exposed to unmitigated vulnerabilities.
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.
✓
Continuously add new risks as they are identified
Why this is correct
An effective risk register is a living document updated whenever new risks arise.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Update controls only when an incident occurs
Why it's wrong here
Proactive updates to controls can prevent incidents.
✗
Revise risk levels only after an internal audit
Why it's wrong here
Risk levels should be reviewed when factors change, not just after audits.
✗
Update the register only during the annual risk assessment
Why it's wrong here
Risks can emerge at any time; periodic updates only may miss changes.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often assume risk registers are updated only during formal assessment cycles, but the CRISC exam emphasizes that risk management is a continuous process requiring real-time updates as new risks are identified.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, a risk register typically integrates with continuous monitoring tools (e.g., SIEM, vulnerability scanners) that feed new findings directly into the register via APIs or automated workflows. For example, a new critical vulnerability (CVE) affecting a production server should trigger an immediate risk entry update, not wait for a scheduled review. Real-world frameworks like ISO 31000 and NIST SP 800-37 emphasize that risk registers are dynamic artifacts requiring ongoing maintenance to support timely risk treatment decisions.
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: Continuously add new risks as they are identified — A risk register is a living document that must be updated continuously to reflect the current threat landscape. New risks can emerge from changes in technology, business processes, or external threats, and failing to capture them promptly leaves the organization exposed to unmitigated vulnerabilities.
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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