CAPM Business Analysis Frameworks Practice Question
Which TWO of the following are commonly used requirements elicitation techniques?
⚠ Common exam trap
CAPM often tests the confusion between requirements elicitation techniques and quantitative analysis or estimating techniques, so candidates must recognize that Monte Carlo, parametric estimating, and variance analysis belong to different knowledge areas.
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
✓
Prototyping
Prototyping (B) is a recognized elicitation technique because building a mock-up or working model lets stakeholders react to something concrete, surfacing and refining requirements that are hard to articulate in the abstract. Brainstorming (D) is likewise a standard elicitation technique, used to generate a broad set of ideas and candidate requirements from stakeholders in a group setting before they are analyzed and prioritized. The remaining options are not elicitation techniques: Monte Carlo Simulation (A) is a quantitative risk/ schedule analysis method that models probability distributions of outcomes, Parametric Estimating (C) is a cost/duration estimating technique using statistical relationships between historical data and variables, and Variance Analysis (E) is a monitoring and controlling technique that compares actual performance against a baseline.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Monte Carlo Simulation
Why it's wrong here
Monte Carlo simulation models probabilistic outcomes by iterating random inputs to quantify schedule or cost risk, not to collect stakeholder requirements. It is tempting because it is a rigorous analytical technique, and would be correct in quantitative risk analysis, where the distribution of possible project outcomes must be forecast.
- ✓
Prototyping
Why this is correct
Prototyping builds a working model of the solution so stakeholders can interact with it and reveal requirements they cannot articulate abstractly. It elicits and refines requirements through iterative feedback, making it a recognised elicitation technique.
- ✗
Parametric Estimating
Why it's wrong here
Parametric estimating derives cost or duration from historical unit rates and parameters, producing quantitative estimates rather than gathering stakeholder needs. It is tempting because it appears analytical and structured, and would be correct during estimate costs or determine budget, where statistical relationships between variables predict project figures.
- ✓
Brainstorming
Why this is correct
Brainstorming generates a broad set of candidate requirements from stakeholders in a short, facilitated session, satisfying the stem's demand for a recognised elicitation technique. It complements interviews and workshops by surfacing ideas before analysis, and PMI's BA guidance lists it among standard elicitation methods.
- ✗
Variance Analysis
Why it's wrong here
Variance analysis compares actual performance against baseline to explain deviations, operating on data already captured rather than eliciting new stakeholder needs. It is tempting because it is a recognised analytical tool, and would be correct in control costs or control schedule, where the cause of a cost or schedule gap must be diagnosed.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official PMI exam blueprint
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.