The answer is to perform a root cause analysis of the control failure. This is the correct first step after control failure because it distinguishes between a design flaw—where the control itself is inadequate—and an operational lapse, such as a misapplication or human error. Without this analysis, any subsequent action, like escalating to management or updating the risk register, lacks the necessary context to be effective. On the Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control CRISC exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the risk response lifecycle, where diagnosis must precede communication or remediation. A common trap is jumping to escalation or reporting, which can cause unnecessary alarm or incomplete information. Remember the memory tip: “Analyze before you escalate”—root cause is the foundation for all corrective actions.
CRISC Risk and Control Monitoring and Reporting Practice Question
This CRISC practice question tests your understanding of risk and control monitoring and reporting. 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.
A risk analyst is reviewing monthly control test results. One control failed testing twice in a row. What is the FIRST step the analyst should take?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Perform a root cause analysis of the control failure.
Option A is correct because understanding the root cause helps determine whether the failure is due to a control design issue or an operational lapse. Option B is wrong because escalating without analysis may cause unnecessary alarm. Option C is wrong because reporting to management without context is incomplete. Option D is wrong because updating the risk register should follow root cause analysis.
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.
✗
Report the failure in the next risk report to management.
Why it's wrong here
Reporting should include root cause and remediation plan.
✓
Perform a root cause analysis of the control failure.
Why this is correct
Root cause analysis is essential before taking further action.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Update the risk register with a higher inherent risk rating.
Why it's wrong here
Risk rating changes should be based on analysis.
✗
Escalate the failure to the risk committee immediately.
Why it's wrong here
Escalation without analysis may be premature.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 CRISC exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Risk and Control Monitoring and Reporting — This question tests Risk and Control Monitoring and Reporting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Perform a root cause analysis of the control failure. — Option A is correct because understanding the root cause helps determine whether the failure is due to a control design issue or an operational lapse. Option B is wrong because escalating without analysis may cause unnecessary alarm. Option C is wrong because reporting to management without context is incomplete. Option D is wrong because updating the risk register should follow root cause analysis.
What should I do if I get this CRISC question wrong?
Identify which CRISC exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. During a control monitoring review, a risk analyst discovers that the control owner has not been performing the required monthly reconciliations. What should the analyst do FIRST?
easy
✓ A.Contact the control owner to understand the reason for non-performance.
B.Escalate to the risk committee for immediate action.
C.Update the risk register to reflect control deficiency.
D.Recommend removal of the control as it is not being followed.
Why A: Option B is correct because the analyst should first confirm with the control owner to understand why the control was not performed, as it may be a temporary issue or training gap. Option A is wrong escalating immediately without understanding the context is premature. Option C is wrong updating the risk register should follow the investigation. Option D is wrong assuming the control is ineffective without investigation is not appropriate.
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This CRISC practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISACA 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 CRISC exam.
Question Discussion
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