CAPM Predictive Plan-Based Methodologies Practice Question
A project manager is performing qualitative risk analysis. Which TWO of the following are typical outputs of this process? (Select TWO)
⚠ Common exam trap
CAPM often tests the distinction between outputs of qualitative analysis and tools/techniques or outputs of other risk processes, causing candidates to select the probability and impact matrix as an output.
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
✓
Risk register updates
Qualitative risk analysis produces updates to the risk register (option B), since the process records new information about each risk such as its probability, impact, urgency, and risk score, which are documented in the register. It also produces a list of prioritized risks (option D), because the primary purpose of qualitative analysis is to rank risks by their combined probability and impact so the team knows which ones to address first. Option A is incorrect because quantitative risk analysis results come from the separate Perform Quantitative Risk Analysis process, not the qualitative one. Option C is incorrect because risk responses are developed later in the Plan Risk Responses process. Option E is incorrect because the probability and impact matrix is a tool/technique used during qualitative risk analysis, not an output of it.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Quantitative risk analysis results
Why it's wrong here
Quantitative risk analysis results come from Perform Quantitative Risk Analysis, a separate process applied to prioritised risks. Qualitative analysis outputs risk register updates such as probability and impact ratings and the prioritised list of risks.
- ✓
Risk register updates
Why this is correct
Qualitative risk analysis ranks identified risks by probability and impact, so it updates the risk register with each risk's urgency or priority rating. This satisfies the stem's requirement for a typical output of that process, since the register is the repository where prioritised risk information is recorded and maintained.
- ✗
Risk responses
Why it's wrong here
Risk responses are produced by Plan Risk Responses, which follows qualitative analysis and turns prioritised risks into agreed actions. Qualitative analysis instead outputs the risk register updates, including probability and impact ratings and the prioritised risk list.
- ✓
List of prioritized risks
Why this is correct
Prioritised risk lists are a direct output of Perform Qualitative Risk Analysis, where each risk is rated by probability and impact to establish its relative ranking. This satisfies the process's purpose of ranking risks for subsequent quantitative analysis or response planning, as defined in the PMBOK Guide's data analysis and interpersonal techniques.
- ✗
Probability and impact matrix
Why it's wrong here
A probability and impact matrix is a tool used during Perform Qualitative Risk Analysis, not an output it produces. It is tempting because it is created and updated within this process to prioritise risks, but the stem asks for outputs such as the risk register updates and risk categorisation.
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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.