The correct first step is to re-estimate the remaining user stories using the new team capacity to determine the impact on the schedule. This is because, in a hybrid project environment, a sudden capacity loss like losing two developers fundamentally alters the team’s velocity, making the original estimates invalid. Before communicating any delays or taking corrective actions, you must first quantify the new reality with data-driven re-estimation, which provides an objective basis for revising the iteration plan and setting stakeholder expectations. On the Certified Associate in Project Management CAPM exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the "Perform Quantitative Risk Analysis" and "Control Schedule" processes, specifically how to respond to resource changes in an agile iteration within a waterfall framework. A common trap is jumping to communication or escalation without first analyzing the impact—always re-estimate before you communicate. Memory tip: "Re-estimate before you escalate."
CAPM Practice Question: Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts
This CAPM practice question tests your understanding of project management fundamentals and core concepts. 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.
A medium-sized software company is developing a new mobile application. The project manager, Alex, has a team of 10 developers and 2 testers. The organization uses a hybrid approach combining waterfall planning for the overall phases and agile for individual iterations. In the first iteration, the team committed to completing 20 user stories. During the sprint, two developers left the company, and the remaining team members had to pick up their tasks. The product owner is concerned about the delivery date. Alex needs to communicate the impact to stakeholders. What should Alex 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
✓
Re-estimate the remaining user stories using the new team capacity to determine the impact on the schedule.
Before communicating delays or taking corrective actions, Alex must first understand the impact of the reduced capacity on the iteration and overall project. Re-estimating the remaining stories based on the new team capacity provides a data-driven basis for revising the schedule and communicating realistic expectations. Option A is correct. Option B (immediately informing of delay) is premature without analysis. Options C and D are reactive and may not be feasible or effective.
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.
✓
Re-estimate the remaining user stories using the new team capacity to determine the impact on the schedule.
Why this is correct
Assessing the impact first allows informed decision-making and communication.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Immediately inform the project sponsor that the release date will be delayed.
Why it's wrong here
Without analysis, this may cause unnecessary alarm or misrepresent the actual delay.
✗
Ask the remaining team members to work overtime to make up for the lost capacity.
Why it's wrong here
Overtime can lead to burnout and may not be sustainable; also, impact should be assessed first.
✗
Add more developers from another project to the team.
Why it's wrong here
Adding new members may cause ramp-up delays and requires coordination; assess impact first.
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.
Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts — This question tests Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Re-estimate the remaining user stories using the new team capacity to determine the impact on the schedule. — Before communicating delays or taking corrective actions, Alex must first understand the impact of the reduced capacity on the iteration and overall project. Re-estimating the remaining stories based on the new team capacity provides a data-driven basis for revising the schedule and communicating realistic expectations. Option A is correct. Option B (immediately informing of delay) is premature without analysis. Options C and D are reactive and may not be feasible or effective.
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.
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Question Discussion
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