CAPM Practice Question: Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts
A project manager is leading a software development project using a predictive life cycle. The project is in the execution phase. Which two of the following activities are typically performed during this phase? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse executing activities with those from other process groups, such as planning or monitoring and controlling, which may also occur during the execution phase but are not part of the executing process group.
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
✓
Directing and managing project work
In a predictive life cycle, the executing process group includes activities that coordinate people and resources to carry out the project management plan. Directing and managing project work and performing quality assurance are key executing activities. The initiating and planning activities are completed earlier, and monitoring and controlling activities run in parallel but are distinct.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Developing the project management plan
Why it's wrong here
Developing the project management plan occurs in the planning process group. It is the process of defining, preparing, and coordinating all plan components. In the execution phase, the plan is already baselined and used as a guide. Attempting to develop it during execution would mean the project is not following a proper predictive life cycle, leading to inefficiencies.
- ✓
Directing and managing project work
Why this is correct
Directing and managing project work is a core activity in the executing process group. It involves leading the team, implementing the project management plan, and producing deliverables. In the execution phase, the project manager coordinates resources and ensures tasks are completed according to plan. This activity is essential for progressing the project toward its objectives.
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Controlling project scope
Why it's wrong here
Controlling project scope is part of the monitoring and controlling process group, not execution. It involves monitoring scope status and managing changes to the scope baseline. While it occurs concurrently with execution, it is not an executing activity. In the execution phase, the focus is on doing the work, not on controlling it, though both are ongoing.
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Developing the project charter
Why it's wrong here
Developing the project charter is part of the initiating process group, not execution. It formally authorizes the project and is typically done before the project manager is assigned or at the very beginning. In the execution phase, the charter already exists and is used as a reference. Performing this activity during execution would indicate a lack of proper initiation.
- ✓
Performing quality assurance
Why this is correct
Performing quality assurance is part of the executing process group. It involves auditing quality requirements and results to ensure the project uses the appropriate quality standards. This proactive activity helps prevent defects and ensures the project meets quality expectations. It is typically done during execution to validate that processes are effective and compliant.
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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 PMI exam blueprint
This CAPM practice question is part of Courseiva's free PMI certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CAPM exam.