CAPM Practice Question: Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts
Which TWO are outputs of the Initiating process group?
⚠ Common exam trap
CAPM often tests process-group-to-output mapping, tricking candidates into selecting Planning outputs like the scope statement, WBS, or risk register as Initiating outputs.
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
✓
Stakeholder register
The Initiating process group produces the project charter (D) via the Develop Project Charter process, which formally authorizes the project and names the project manager; it is the key output that launches the project. It also produces the stakeholder register (C) via the Identify Stakeholders process, which records stakeholder identification, assessment, and classification information. The project scope statement (A) is an output of the Planning process group (Define Scope), not Initiating. The work breakdown structure (B) is created in Planning (Create WBS). The risk register (E) is also a Planning output (Identify Risks).
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Project scope statement
Why it's wrong here
The project scope statement is produced during Planning in Define Scope, not Initiating. It is tempting because scope feels like an early, foundational artefact, yet Initiating outputs only the project charter and stakeholder register; scope definition requires the charter as input first.
- ✗
Work breakdown structure
Why it's wrong here
The work breakdown structure is created during Planning in Create WBS, not Initiating. It is tempting because decomposition feels preliminary, but Initiating yields only the project charter and stakeholder register; the WBS depends on the scope statement produced later in planning.
- ✓
Stakeholder register
Why this is correct
The stakeholder register is created during Initiating through stakeholder identification and analysis, so it qualifies as an Initiating output. It records each stakeholder's interests, influence and engagement needs, distinguishing it from Planning documents such as the communications management plan.
- ✓
Project charter
Why this is correct
The project charter formally authorises the project and names the project manager, making it a primary output of the Initiating process group. It is produced before planning begins, satisfying the stem's requirement for an Initiating output rather than a Planning artefact.
- ✗
Risk register
Why it's wrong here
The risk register is created during Planning, specifically in Identify Risks, not Initiating. It is tempting because risk identification feels foundational, but Initiating produces only the project charter and stakeholder register; the risk register follows once planning begins.
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Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official PMI exam blueprint
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