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 the execution phase of a predictive project, the team discovers that a key deliverable does not meet the acceptance criteria defined in the project management plan. 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
✓
Initiate a change request
The first step is to initiate a change request to correct the defect, as changes to deliverables require formal change control. Updating the risk register or re-baselining without change authorization is incorrect. Root cause analysis may follow but is not the immediate first step.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Re-baseline the schedule
Why it's wrong here
Re-baselining without change control is not permitted; schedule changes require a change request.
✗
Conduct a root cause analysis
Why it's wrong here
Root cause analysis is important but should occur after the issue is formally logged and evaluated.
✓
Initiate a change request
Why this is correct
A change request is necessary to formally address the defect and obtain approval for corrective action.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Update the risk register
Why it's wrong here
Updating the risk register is not the first step; the issue should be addressed via a change request.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CAPM questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Predictive Plan-Based Methodologies — This question tests Predictive Plan-Based Methodologies — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Initiate a change request — The first step is to initiate a change request to correct the defect, as changes to deliverables require formal change control. Updating the risk register or re-baselining without change authorization is incorrect. Root cause analysis may follow but is not the immediate first step.
What should I do if I get this CAPM question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CAPM questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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