The correct answer is to log the defect as an issue and manage it through Controlling a Stage. This is because PRINCE2 treats any unplanned problem with a configuration item—such as a critical defect in version 2.1 of the User Authentication Module—as an issue that must be formally captured in the Issue Register and handled within the current stage. The key technical concept here is that a configuration item record (CIR) can have a status of “Under Development” while its baseline remains unchanged; the baseline only updates when a product is formally approved and released. On the PRINCE2 Foundation exam, this question tests your understanding of how Controlling a Stage governs issue management, and a common trap is confusing a defect with a request for a baseline change—remember, a defect in an unbaselined version is simply an issue to be resolved, not a baseline alteration. A useful memory tip: “Defect in development? Log it, don’t baseline it.”
PRINCE2F PRINCE2 Processes Practice Question
This PRINCE2F practice question tests your understanding of prince2 processes. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
PRINCE2 Configuration Item Record
Item ID: CI-103
Product: User Authentication Module
Version: 2.1
Status: Under Development
Baseline: 2.0
Last Review: 2024-01-15
Owner: Project Support Office
Issue: The team reports that the latest version (2.1) has a critical defect. The status is 'Under Development' but the baseline is still 2.0. What process should the project manager follow?
Refer to the exhibit.
PRINCE2 Configuration Item Record
Item ID: CI-103
Product: User Authentication Module
Version: 2.1
Status: Under Development
Baseline: 2.0
Last Review: 2024-01-15
Owner: Project Support Office
Issue: The team reports that the latest version (2.1) has a critical defect. The status is 'Under Development' but the baseline is still 2.0. What process should the project manager follow?
Refer to the exhibit.
PRINCE2 Configuration Item Record
Item ID: CI-103
Product: User Authentication Module
Version: 2.1
Status: Under Development
Baseline: 2.0
Last Review: 2024-01-15
Owner: Project Support Office
Issue: The team reports that the latest version (2.1) has a critical defect. The status is 'Under Development' but the baseline is still 2.0. What process should the project manager follow?
A
Log the defect as an issue and manage it through Controlling a Stage.
Issues are managed during Controlling a Stage.
B
Include the defect in the next Managing a Stage Boundary report.
Why wrong: This is for stage boundaries, not for immediate issue handling.
C
Update the configuration item record and close the project.
Why wrong: Closing the project is not appropriate for a defect.
D
Raise an exception report to the project board for a baseline change.
Why wrong: The product is not baselined; it's under development.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Log the defect as an issue and manage it through Controlling a Stage.
Option A is correct because the defect in version 2.1 of the User Authentication Module is a new issue that must be formally logged and managed within the current stage. PRINCE2 requires that all issues (including defects) be captured in the Issue Register and handled through the Controlling a Stage process, which includes assessing the impact, deciding on corrective action, and updating the Configuration Item Record (CIR) accordingly. The baseline remains 2.0 because version 2.1 is still under development and has not been baselined, so the defect does not trigger a baseline change request.
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.
✓
Log the defect as an issue and manage it through Controlling a Stage.
Why this is correct
Issues are managed during Controlling a Stage.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Include the defect in the next Managing a Stage Boundary report.
Why it's wrong here
This is for stage boundaries, not for immediate issue handling.
✗
Update the configuration item record and close the project.
Why it's wrong here
Closing the project is not appropriate for a defect.
✗
Raise an exception report to the project board for a baseline change.
Why it's wrong here
The product is not baselined; it's under development.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
PeopleCert often tests the distinction between managing issues within a stage (Controlling a Stage) versus escalating to the project board (Exception Report) or deferring to stage boundaries (Managing a Stage Boundary); the trap here is assuming that any defect automatically requires a baseline change or an exception report, when in fact the product is still under development and the defect can be handled as a normal issue within the current stage.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In PRINCE2, the Configuration Item Record (CIR) tracks the status and version of each product; a product 'Under Development' means it is not yet baselined, so changes are managed through issue handling rather than formal baseline change control. The Controlling a Stage process includes the 'Escalate Issues' activity, which allows the project manager to decide whether the defect can be resolved within stage tolerances or requires an exception report. Real-world example: a developer finds a security flaw in a module still in development; the PM logs it as an issue, assesses the impact on the stage plan, and may authorize a fix without involving the project board if within tolerance.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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 PRINCE2F 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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
PRINCE2 Processes — This question tests PRINCE2 Processes — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Log the defect as an issue and manage it through Controlling a Stage. — Option A is correct because the defect in version 2.1 of the User Authentication Module is a new issue that must be formally logged and managed within the current stage. PRINCE2 requires that all issues (including defects) be captured in the Issue Register and handled through the Controlling a Stage process, which includes assessing the impact, deciding on corrective action, and updating the Configuration Item Record (CIR) accordingly. The baseline remains 2.0 because version 2.1 is still under development and has not been baselined, so the defect does not trigger a baseline change request.
What should I do if I get this PRINCE2F question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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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