PRINCE2F PRINCE2 Practices Practice Question
What is the difference between a Request for Change and an Off-specification?
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often confuse the source or budget implications of issues; candidates often assume RFCs always need a change budget or that Off-specs are only raised by the Project Manager, but PRINCE2 defines them strictly by their relationship to baselines and specifications.
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
✓
A Request for Change proposes a modification to an approved baseline, whereas an Off-specification occurs when a product does not meet its specification
In PRINCE2, a Request for Change (RFC) is a formal proposal to modify an approved baseline (e.g., a product description or project plan), while an Off-specification (Off-spec) is an issue that arises when a product does not meet its agreed specification or quality criteria. The RFC seeks to change the baseline, whereas the Off-spec identifies a deviation from the existing baseline. This distinction is fundamental to PRINCE2's issue management and change control processes.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
A Request for Change is submitted by the Project Board, whereas an Off-specification is submitted by the Project Manager
Why it's wrong here
Both can be raised by anyone involved in the project.
- ✗
A Request for Change is a type of risk, whereas an Off-specification is a type of issue
Why it's wrong here
Both are types of issues, not risks.
- ✗
A Request for Change requires a change budget, whereas an Off-specification does not
Why it's wrong here
An Off-specification may also require a change budget if corrective action is needed.
- ✓
A Request for Change proposes a modification to an approved baseline, whereas an Off-specification occurs when a product does not meet its specification
Why this is correct
This correctly distinguishes the two issue types.
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