Quick Answer
The correct choice is that the control is operating effectively, because a 100% pass rate for a detective control directly indicates that the control is functioning as intended to identify issues when they occur. This result does not imply that no issues existed—detective controls only trigger after an incident happens, so a perfect pass rate simply confirms the control’s detection mechanism works reliably. On the CRISC exam, this concept tests your ability to distinguish between control effectiveness and the absence of risk events; a common trap is assuming a 100% pass rate means no problems occurred, when in fact it only validates the control’s operational performance. To interpret 100% pass rate detective control scenarios, remember that detection effectiveness is about the control’s response, not the absence of threats. A useful memory tip: “Perfect pass means perfect detection, not perfect protection.”
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 control test reveals a 100% pass rate for a detective control. What does this indicate?
The control is operating effectively
Pass rate indicates effective detection.
The control is too expensive to maintain
Why wrong: Cost not implied by pass rate.
The control is compensating for other weaknesses
Why wrong: Not indicated.
The associated risk has been fully mitigated
Why wrong: Detective control does not prevent risk.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The control is operating effectively
The correct answer is B. A 100% pass rate for a detective control suggests the control is effective at detecting issues, but it does not guarantee that no issues existed (since detection only happens if an issue occurs). Option A is irrelevant; options C and D are possible but not indicated by the pass rate alone.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
The control is operating effectively
Why this is correct
Pass rate indicates effective detection.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
The control is too expensive to maintain
Why it's wrong here
Cost not implied by pass rate.
The control is compensating for other weaknesses
Why it's wrong here
Not indicated.
The associated risk has been fully mitigated
Why it's wrong here
Detective control does not prevent risk.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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.
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FAQ
Risk and Control Monitoring and Reporting — This question tests Risk and Control Monitoring and Reporting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: The control is operating effectively — The correct answer is B. A 100% pass rate for a detective control suggests the control is effective at detecting issues, but it does not guarantee that no issues existed (since detection only happens if an issue occurs). Option A is irrelevant; options C and D are possible but not indicated by the pass rate alone.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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.
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