The correct first step is to submit a change request to the change control board (CCB). This is because the change control process for scope changes in predictive projects mandates that all proposed modifications, even minor ones, must be formally documented and reviewed by the CCB before any action is taken. The project manager’s assessment of cost and schedule impact is part of the analysis, but it does not grant the authority to approve the change; the CCB holds that decision-making power. On the Certified Associate in Project Management CAPM exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the formal change control system and the distinction between analyzing an impact and obtaining approval. A common trap is assuming that minor changes within contingency reserves can be implemented directly, but the process requires submission regardless of size. Remember the mnemonic: “Assess, then request—never implement without the CCB’s behest.”
CAPM Predictive Plan-Based Methodologies Practice Question
This CAPM practice question tests your understanding of predictive plan-based methodologies. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
During a predictive project's execution phase, a key stakeholder requests a change that adds a minor feature. The project manager assesses the impact and determines the change will increase cost by 5% and extend the schedule by two days, which is within the contingency reserves. What should the project manager do first?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Submit a change request to the change control board (CCB).
Option D is correct because the change control process requires submitting the change request to the change control board (CCB) for approval before implementation. Option A is wrong because implementing without approval bypasses change control. Option B is wrong because the project charter is not updated for minor changes; that is part of integrated change control. Option C is wrong because the project manager cannot unilaterally approve changes unless given authority; the CCB typically approves.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Submit a change request to the change control board (CCB).
Why this is correct
This follows the formal change control process.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Approve the change immediately and inform the team.
Why it's wrong here
The project manager may not have authority; change control board approval is needed.
✗
Update the project charter to reflect the new feature.
Why it's wrong here
The project charter is a high-level document; changes to scope go through change control.
✗
Implement the change since it is within the contingency reserves.
Why it's wrong here
Even if within reserves, formal change control must be followed.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the CAPM exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which CAPM exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Predictive Plan-Based Methodologies — This question tests Predictive Plan-Based Methodologies — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Submit a change request to the change control board (CCB). — Option D is correct because the change control process requires submitting the change request to the change control board (CCB) for approval before implementation. Option A is wrong because implementing without approval bypasses change control. Option B is wrong because the project charter is not updated for minor changes; that is part of integrated change control. Option C is wrong because the project manager cannot unilaterally approve changes unless given authority; the CCB typically approves.
What should I do if I get this CAPM question wrong?
Identify which CAPM exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. During project execution, a key stakeholder requests a change that will increase the project scope. The project manager evaluates the impact and determines it will require additional budget and time. What is the first step the project manager should take?
easy
A.Reject the change due to budget and time constraints
✓ B.Submit a change request to the change control board
C.Implement the change and document it later
D.Approve the change because the stakeholder is key
Why B: In predictive (waterfall) project management, any change that impacts scope, budget, or schedule must follow the formal integrated change control process. The project manager's first step after evaluating the impact is to submit a change request to the change control board (CCB) for approval or rejection. This ensures that all changes are documented, assessed for risks, and aligned with the project baseline before implementation.
Variation 2. During project execution, a key stakeholder requests a change that will increase the project scope. The project manager evaluates the impact and determines it will require additional budget and time. What should the project manager do first?
medium
A.Implement the change and update the project plan
✓ B.Submit a change request to the change control board
C.Update the project baseline immediately
D.Reject the change because it impacts the baseline
Why B: In predictive (waterfall) project management, any change that impacts scope, budget, or schedule must follow a formal change control process. The project manager first assesses the impact, then submits a change request to the Change Control Board (CCB) for approval before any action is taken. Implementing the change or updating baselines without CCB approval violates the control scope process defined in the PMBOK Guide.
Variation 3. In a predictive project, the project sponsor requests a scope change that will significantly increase the project cost. The project manager should FIRST:
hard
A.Reject the change as it impacts budget
✓ B.Evaluate the impact of the change on the project constraints
C.Update the project charter
D.Implement the change immediately
Why B: When a scope change is requested, the project manager must first evaluate the impact on project constraints (cost, schedule, quality, etc.) before proceeding. Updating the charter or rejecting the change without evaluation is premature.
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Question Discussion
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