CAPM Predictive Plan-Based Methodologies Practice Question
This CAPM practice question tests your understanding of predictive plan-based methodologies. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 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?
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
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.
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.
✗
Reject the change due to budget and time constraints
Why it's wrong here
The project manager should not unilaterally reject; the change should be formally evaluated.
✓
Submit a change request to the change control board
Why this is correct
Formal change requests are submitted to the CCB for evaluation and decision.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Implement the change and document it later
Why it's wrong here
Implementing changes without approval is a violation of change control procedures.
✗
Approve the change because the stakeholder is key
Why it's wrong here
Approval authority rests with the CCB, not the project manager alone.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
PMI often tests the misconception that a key stakeholder's request should be automatically approved or that the project manager can make unilateral decisions on scope changes, when in fact the formal change control process must always be followed regardless of stakeholder importance.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The integrated change control process is defined in the PMBOK Guide as a systematic approach to managing changes to project baselines (scope, schedule, cost). The CCB typically includes representatives from key stakeholder groups and has the authority to approve or reject changes based on impact analysis, risk assessment, and alignment with project objectives. In real-world scenarios, bypassing this process can lead to 'gold plating' (adding features without approval) or budget overruns that require re-baselining, which is a formal process requiring CCB approval.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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 — 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.
What should I do if I get this CAPM question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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.
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Question Discussion
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