CAPM Predictive Plan-Based Methodologies Practice Question
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?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers assume the project manager has the authority to approve or reject changes that impact baselines, but in predictive methodologies, only the CCB can make that decision after a formal change request is submitted.
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
✓
Submit a change request to the change control board
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.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Implement the change and update the project plan
Why it's wrong here
Changes must be approved before implementation.
- ✓
Submit a change request to the change control board
Why this is correct
Formal change request is the first step.
- ✗
Update the project baseline immediately
Why it's wrong here
Baseline update requires approval.
- ✗
Reject the change because it impacts the baseline
Why it's wrong here
Rejection without formal process is not proper.
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
One of 487 original CAPM practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.