CAPM Business Analysis Frameworks Practice Question
A business analyst is using a requirements traceability matrix. A test case failure reveals that requirement REQ-007 was not implemented correctly. What does the RTM help the BA identify?
⚠ Common exam trap
CAPM often tests the RTM by offering attributes like priority or source as answers, catching candidates who confuse the matrix's traceability function with general requirement metadata.
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 related design and test artifacts
A requirements traceability matrix (RTM) links requirements to their source, design artifacts, test cases, and other deliverables, providing bidirectional traceability. When a test case fails, the RTM helps the business analyst trace from the test case back to the related design and requirement to identify where the implementation went wrong. This is the primary purpose of the RTM in verification and validation.
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 priority of the requirement
Why it's wrong here
An RTM links requirements to related artefacts such as design, code and test cases; it does not record priority, which lives in the requirements document or backlog. It is tempting because priority guides sequencing, but the matrix's purpose is tracing coverage and detecting missing or orphaned links after a failure.
- ✗
The source of the requirement
Why it's wrong here
The RTM maps each requirement to its downstream artefacts, letting the BA trace REQ-007 to the failing test case and the code implementing it, not to the requirement's origin. It is tempting because source is captured elsewhere, such as in a business case or elicitation notes, not in the traceability matrix.
- ✓
The related design and test artifacts
Why this is correct
A requirements traceability matrix links each requirement to its originating need and to downstream design, development and test artifacts. When REQ-007 fails, the RTM reveals the associated design components and test cases, enabling targeted impact analysis and correction.
- ✗
The stakeholder who approved it
Why it's wrong here
Approval info may be elsewhere; RTM focuses on tracing requirements through lifecycle.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official PMI exam blueprint
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