CRISC Information Technology and Security Practice Question
Which of the following is the PRIMARY purpose of a risk register in an IT risk management program?
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to confuse the risk register's primary purpose with secondary benefits like compliance or metrics, leading them to choose options that describe outputs or uses of the register rather than its core function of documenting and tracking risks and treatments.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
To document and track identified risks and their treatment plans
The risk register is the central repository for documenting identified risks, their assessed impact and likelihood, and the corresponding treatment plans (e.g., mitigate, accept, transfer, avoid). Its primary purpose is to provide a structured, living record that enables ongoing tracking, prioritization, and management of risk treatment activities throughout the IT risk management lifecycle.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
To document and track identified risks and their treatment plans
Why this is correct
The risk register is used to document, assess, and monitor risks and responses.
- ✗
To provide a historical record of past incidents
Why it's wrong here
Incident logs serve that purpose, not the risk register.
- ✗
To calculate key risk indicators (KRIs)
Why it's wrong here
KRIs are derived from risk data but are not the primary purpose of the register.
- ✗
To ensure compliance with regulatory requirements
Why it's wrong here
Compliance is a benefit but not the primary purpose.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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