The answer is SWOT analysis, brainstorming, and risk questionnaires. These three techniques are commonly used for identifying IT risks because they each serve a distinct purpose in surfacing threats and vulnerabilities across an enterprise. SWOT analysis evaluates internal strengths and weaknesses alongside external opportunities and threats, directly revealing risk-related gaps. Brainstorming leverages collaborative group sessions to generate a wide range of potential risks from diverse perspectives, while risk questionnaires systematically gather structured input from many stakeholders, ensuring broad coverage. On the Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control CRISC exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish initial identification techniques from later-stage methods like the Delphi technique (used for consensus building) or cost-benefit analysis (used for control evaluation). A common trap is confusing brainstorming with Delphi, but remember: brainstorming is for idea generation, not agreement. Memory tip: think “S-B-Q” for SWOT, Brainstorming, Questionnaires—the three core tools to start any IT risk identification process.
CRISC IT Risk Identification Practice Question
This CRISC practice question tests your understanding of it risk identification. 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.
Which THREE of the following are commonly used techniques for identifying IT risks in a large enterprise?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Brainstorming sessions
Options A, C, and D are correct. SWOT analysis (A) can identify risk-related strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats. Brainstorming (C) is a collaborative technique. Risk questionnaires (D) gather input from many stakeholders. Option B (Delphi technique) is used for consensus, not initial identification. Option E (cost-benefit analysis) is for evaluating controls, not identifying risks.
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.
✗
Cost-benefit analysis
Why it's wrong here
Cost-benefit analysis is used to evaluate risk treatment options, not to identify risks.
✓
Brainstorming sessions
Why this is correct
Brainstorming is a common risk identification technique.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Delphi technique
Why it's wrong here
Delphi is used for reaching consensus on risk assessment, not initial identification.
✓
Risk questionnaires
Why this is correct
Questionnaires are used to collect risk information from many respondents.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
SWOT analysis
Why this is correct
SWOT can help identify threats and weaknesses as risks.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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.
IT Risk Identification — This question tests IT Risk Identification — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Brainstorming sessions — Options A, C, and D are correct. SWOT analysis (A) can identify risk-related strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats. Brainstorming (C) is a collaborative technique. Risk questionnaires (D) gather input from many stakeholders. Option B (Delphi technique) is used for consensus, not initial identification. Option E (cost-benefit analysis) is for evaluating controls, not identifying risks.
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.
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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