PRINCE2F PRINCE2 Processes Practice Question
When should the Project Manager escalate an issue to the Project Board?
⚠ Common exam trap
PRINCE2F often tests the misconception that all issues must be escalated or that escalation happens only at stage boundaries — the correct trigger is inability to resolve within delegated 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
✓
When the issue cannot be resolved within the delegated tolerances
In PRINCE2, the Project Manager is delegated tolerances by the Project Board and manages the stage within those tolerances. Escalation to the Board is required when an issue (or a forecast issue) cannot be resolved within the delegated tolerances, because only the Board has authority to change tolerances, the Business Case, or the project's scope. This is the 'manage by exception' principle in 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.
- ✗
When the issue involves the Project Manager's own performance
Why it's wrong here
Escalation is driven by tolerance breach, not by who is affected; the Project Manager's own performance is a separate matter handled through line management or the Board's assurance role. It tempts because personal conflicts of interest feel like Board territory, yet PRINCE2 reserves escalation for issues exceeding stage or project tolerances.
- ✗
Only at the end of a stage
Why it's wrong here
Deferring escalation to stage end lets the issue breach tolerances unchecked, whereas PRINCE2 requires escalating as soon as a forecast breach of stage or project tolerances is apparent. End-of-stage escalation suits only routine progress reporting within tolerance, not an issue threatening the business case.
- ✓
When the issue cannot be resolved within the delegated tolerances
Why this is correct
Escalation is triggered by breaching delegated authority: tolerances define how far the Project Manager may deviate before the issue exceeds their remit. Once resolution is impossible within those limits, only the Project Board can authorise corrective action or a revised plan.
- ✗
Only when the issue is identified
Why it's wrong here
Escalating the moment an issue is identified bypasses the Project Manager's assessment and any corrective action within delegated tolerances. Immediate escalation tempts cautious managers, but PRINCE2 reserves it for issues forecast to breach tolerances, after the Project Manager has attempted resolution within their authority.
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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
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