PRINCE2F People: organizations, teams, and leadership Practice Question
In a PRINCE2 project, the Project Manager submits an Exception Report. What is the most likely trigger for this report?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates confuse an Exception Report (triggered by tolerance breach) with an Issue Report or Change Request (triggered by problems or changes within tolerance).
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
✓
The project is forecast to exceed the stage cost tolerance
In PRINCE2, an Exception Report is triggered when a forecast indicates that a stage will exceed its agreed tolerance (e.g., cost or time). Option C is correct because exceeding stage cost tolerance is a formal deviation that requires escalation to the Project Board via an Exception Report, as the Project Manager cannot authorize changes beyond tolerance.
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 Project Manager needs to request additional resources within the current stage tolerance
Why it's wrong here
Requesting resources within the current stage tolerance is exactly what the Project Manager may authorise without escalation, so no Exception Report is needed. It is tempting because resource requests feel significant, but an Exception Report is triggered only when a tolerance is forecast to be breached.
- ✗
A team member reports a minor delay that can be accommodated within tolerance
Why it's wrong here
An Exception Report is triggered only when a stage or project is forecast to exceed its tolerances, so a delay contained within tolerance is handled by the Project Manager without escalation. It is tempting because minor delays are still reported, but they belong in a Highlight Report, not an Exception Report.
- ✓
The project is forecast to exceed the stage cost tolerance
Why this is correct
An Exception Report is raised when a forecast breach of a tolerance threatens the project's business case. Exceeding the stage cost tolerance is exactly such a deviation, so the Project Manager escalates to the Project Board for a decision.
- ✗
The Senior User requests a change that does not affect the Business Case
Why it's wrong here
A change request that leaves the Business Case unaffected stays within the Project Manager's delegated authority, so no Exception Report is raised. It is tempting because change requests can threaten tolerances, but an Exception Report is triggered only when a stage or project tolerance is forecast to be exceeded.
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