Match each project management process group to its primary purpose.
Drag a concept onto its matching description — or click a concept then click the description.
Define a new project or phase
Establish scope and plan actions
Complete work defined in plan
Track progress and manage changes
Finalize activities and close project
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Initiating: Define a new project or phase and obtain authorization
The five process groups are Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, and Closing. Each has a distinct purpose: Initiating authorizes, Planning defines scope and plan, Executes performs work, M&C tracks and adjusts, Closing formalizes completion.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Initiating: Define a new project or phase and obtain authorization
Why this is correct
Initiating involves defining the project and obtaining authorization to start.
Planning: Monitor and control project progress
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect — monitoring and controlling is a separate process group; Planning focuses on defining scope and objectives.
Executing: Complete the work defined in the plan
Why this is correct
Executing involves performing the work to satisfy project requirements.
Monitoring and Controlling: Establish project scope and objectives
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect — establishing scope and objectives is part of Planning; M&C tracks and regulates progress.
Closing: Finalize all activities and formally close the project
Why this is correct
Closing completes all activities across process groups to close the project.
Initiating: Track, review, and regulate project performance
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect — that describes Monitoring and Controlling; Initiating authorizes the project.
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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.