PRINCE2F PRINCE2 Practices Practice Question
What is the difference between a Request for Change (RFC) and an Off-specification?
⚠ Common exam trap
PeopleCert often tests the confusion between 'change to a baseline' (RFC) and 'failure to meet a requirement' (Off-specification), trapping candidates who focus on who raises or approves the issue rather than the fundamental nature of the problem.
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
✓
An RFC is a change to an approved baseline, while an Off-specification is a deviation from a requirement.
In PRINCE2, a Request for Change (RFC) is a formal proposal to modify an approved baseline (e.g., a product description, plan, or schedule), whereas an Off-specification is a formal notification that a product or component does not meet its specified requirements or quality criteria. The core distinction lies in the nature of the issue: an RFC seeks to change what was agreed, while an Off-specification reports a failure to deliver what was agreed.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
An RFC is raised by the Project Board, while an Off-specification is raised by the Project Manager.
Why it's wrong here
Both can be raised by anyone; the issuer is not the distinguishing factor.
- ✗
An RFC is always approved by the Change Authority, while an Off-specification is approved by the Project Board.
Why it's wrong here
The approval level depends on delegated authority, not the issue type.
- ✓
An RFC is a change to an approved baseline, while an Off-specification is a deviation from a requirement.
Why this is correct
An RFC proposes a change to an approved baseline; an Off-specification is a failure to meet a specified requirement.
- ✗
An Off-specification can be resolved by concession, while an RFC cannot.
Why it's wrong here
A concession can be used for an Off-specification, but an RFC may also be rejected or deferred.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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