CAPM Predictive Plan-Based Methodologies Practice Question
A project manager is planning a project and needs to identify all the work required to complete the project successfully. Which document is the primary output of the Create WBS process?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse the primary output of Create WBS with the project charter or requirements traceability matrix, not realizing that the scope baseline is the formal, approved document that includes the WBS itself and its supporting components.
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
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Scope baseline
The Create WBS process decomposes the project scope into manageable work packages, and its primary output is the scope baseline. The scope baseline consists of the project scope statement, the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), and the WBS dictionary, which together define all the work required to complete the project successfully.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Scope baseline
Why this is correct
The scope baseline is the primary output of Create WBS, comprising the approved scope statement, the WBS itself, and the WBS dictionary. It satisfies the stem's need to identify all required work by formally baselining the decomposed deliverables, which later guide scope verification and control.
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Project charter
Why it's wrong here
The project charter formally authorises the project and is produced in Develop Project Charter, before scope planning begins. It is tempting because it names high-level deliverables, but it contains no decomposition; Create WBS instead outputs the scope baseline, comprising the WBS, WBS dictionary and project scope statement.
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Requirements traceability matrix
Why it's wrong here
The requirements traceability matrix links requirements to deliverables and is produced during Collect Requirements, not Create WBS. It is tempting because both concern scope definition, but the Create WBS output is the scope baseline — the WBS, WBS dictionary and project scope statement — which decomposes deliverables into work packages.
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Work performance data
Why it's wrong here
Work performance data is raw observations gathered during executing processes, not a planning artefact, so it cannot be the Create WBS output. It is tempting because the WBS later feeds performance measurement, but the process's actual output is the scope baseline, comprising the WBS, WBS dictionary and project scope statement.
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