PRINCE2F PRINCE2 Processes Practice Question
A Project Manager is managing a stage in a PRINCE2 project. A Team Manager reports that a work package is forecast to exceed its agreed tolerances. According to PRINCE2, what should the Project Manager do first?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that any work package deviation must be immediately escalated to the Project Board, when in fact the Project Manager should first assess and manage within stage tolerances.
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
✓
Assess the issue and decide on the appropriate action.
The Project Manager's first step when a work package deviation is reported is to assess the issue and its potential impact. This assessment informs the decision on whether to take corrective action, escalate, or accept the deviation. Escalation to the Project Board is only required if stage or project tolerances are threatened. Updating the Risk Register is a secondary action.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Assess the issue and decide on the appropriate action.
Why this is correct
When a Team Manager reports a forecast deviation, the Project Manager must first assess the issue to understand its impact on the stage and project. This assessment involves reviewing the work package status, the tolerances, and the overall stage plan. Only after assessing can the Project Manager decide whether to take corrective action, escalate, or accept the deviation.
- ✗
Take corrective action to bring the work package back within tolerance.
Why it's wrong here
Taking corrective action is a possible response, but the Project Manager must first assess the situation. The Team Manager has reported a forecast deviation, and the Project Manager needs to evaluate the impact before deciding on corrective action. This option skips the essential assessment step.
- ✗
Escalate the issue to the Project Board by producing an Exception Report.
Why it's wrong here
Escalation to the Project Board is only necessary if the stage or project tolerances are forecast to be exceeded. A work package deviation may be manageable within the stage tolerances. The Project Manager should first assess whether the deviation can be resolved within the stage's authority before escalating. This option jumps to escalation prematurely.
- ✗
Update the Risk Register with the potential deviation.
Why it's wrong here
Updating the Risk Register may be appropriate if the deviation represents a new risk, but it is not the first action. The Project Manager must assess the issue and determine the appropriate response. This option focuses on documentation rather than proactive management.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official PeopleCert exam blueprint
This PRINCE2F practice question is part of Courseiva's free PeopleCert 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 PRINCE2F exam.