Quick Answer
The answer is High. In a qualitative risk assessment using a 5x5 risk matrix with impact and likelihood scales of 1-5, the risk level is calculated by multiplying the two scores, giving a product of 12 (4 × 3). This product falls into the High category, typically defined by a range such as 10-15 in ISACA and CRISC frameworks, where scores above a threshold like 10 are classified as High rather than Critical. On the Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control CRISC exam, this tests your ability to apply a qualitative risk matrix correctly, a common scenario in domain one of the exam. A frequent trap is confusing the product with a simple average or misremembering the threshold for Critical, which usually requires a product of 15 or higher. Memory tip: think of the matrix as a multiplication table—4×3 equals 12, and anything over 10 is High, not Critical, until you hit the top row.
This CRISC practice question tests your understanding of it risk assessment. 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.
An organization uses a qualitative risk assessment methodology. The risk matrix has impact and likelihood scales of 1-5. A risk is assessed with impact=4 and likelihood=3. What is the risk level?
Critical
Why wrong: Product of 12 is below critical threshold (usually 16+).
High
Product of 12 falls in high range.
Low
Why wrong: Product of 12 is above low range.
Medium
Why wrong: Product of 12 is typically high, not medium.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
High
In a qualitative risk assessment with a 5x5 risk matrix (impact and likelihood scales of 1-5), the risk level is determined by multiplying the impact and likelihood scores. Here, 4 (impact) × 3 (likelihood) = 12. Typically, a product of 12 falls into the 'High' risk category (e.g., 10-15 range), as defined by common CRISC and ISACA frameworks. This aligns with the organization's methodology where scores above a threshold (e.g., 10) are classified as High, not Critical.
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.
Critical
Why it's wrong here
Product of 12 is below critical threshold (usually 16+).
High
Why this is correct
Product of 12 falls in high range.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Low
Why it's wrong here
Product of 12 is above low range.
Medium
Why it's wrong here
Product of 12 is typically high, not medium.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often misapply the matrix by adding impact and likelihood (4+3=7) and selecting 'Medium', instead of multiplying (4×3=12) to correctly identify 'High'.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, qualitative risk matrices often use predefined thresholds: e.g., product 1-5 = Low, 6-9 = Medium, 10-15 = High, 16-25 = Critical. This multiplication approach assumes linear scaling, but real-world scenarios may use weighted or logarithmic scales to avoid clustering. For instance, in IT risk assessment for a cloud migration, a High risk (12) might trigger mandatory mitigation planning, while Critical (20+) would require immediate executive escalation.
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
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FAQ
IT Risk Assessment — This question tests IT Risk Assessment — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: High — In a qualitative risk assessment with a 5x5 risk matrix (impact and likelihood scales of 1-5), the risk level is determined by multiplying the impact and likelihood scores. Here, 4 (impact) × 3 (likelihood) = 12. Typically, a product of 12 falls into the 'High' risk category (e.g., 10-15 range), as defined by common CRISC and ISACA frameworks. This aligns with the organization's methodology where scores above a threshold (e.g., 10) are classified as High, not Critical.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 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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