The correct answer is that the control is effective but the monitoring configuration is incorrect. This is because the exhibit shows the control achieving a 94.5% compliance rate, which exceeds the configured target of 90%, yet it falls short of the policy requirement of 95%. The core issue is a control monitoring configuration mismatch—the monitoring threshold was set too low, creating a false sense of security by masking the control’s failure to meet the mandated policy standard. On the CRISC exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish between operational effectiveness (meeting a configured target) and policy compliance (meeting the required benchmark), a common trap where candidates focus only on the target value. Remember the memory tip: “Target meets the eye, but policy is the sky”—always verify that monitoring configurations align with the higher policy requirement, not just the dashboard target.
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.
Exhibit
control_monitoring_config:
control_id: CR-02
monitoring_type: automated
kpi: "Percentage of transactions reviewed"
target: 90% (should be 95% per policy)
current: 94.5%
trend: stable
Refer to the exhibit. What does the exhibit most likely indicate about the control monitoring?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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 effective but the monitoring configuration is incorrect.
Option D is correct because the target is set to 90% while the policy requires 95%, so the monitoring configuration is incorrect. The control appears to meet the target (94.5% > 90%), but it fails to meet the policy requirement. Option A is wrong because the control meets the configured target but not the policy. Option B is wrong because the current value is above the configured target. Option C is wrong because the control is not failing relative to the target; it is a configuration issue.
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.
✓
The control is effective but the monitoring configuration is incorrect.
Why this is correct
The target threshold should align with policy; the configuration error might cause false sense of effectiveness.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The control is failing and needs immediate remediation.
Why it's wrong here
The control is not failing relative to the configured target.
✗
The control is close to target but requires attention.
Why it's wrong here
The current value exceeds the configured target.
✗
The control is meeting its target.
Why it's wrong here
It meets the configured target but not the policy target.
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: The control is effective but the monitoring configuration is incorrect. — Option D is correct because the target is set to 90% while the policy requires 95%, so the monitoring configuration is incorrect. The control appears to meet the target (94.5% > 90%), but it fails to meet the policy requirement. Option A is wrong because the control meets the configured target but not the policy. Option B is wrong because the current value is above the configured target. Option C is wrong because the control is not failing relative to the target; it is a configuration issue.
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: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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