PMP Process — Managing Technical Aspects Practice Question
A project manager is using a RACI chart to assign responsibilities for key deliverables. Which TWO statements about a RACI chart are true? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
PMI often tests the distinction between 'Responsible' and 'Accountable', and the trap here is that candidates mistakenly think multiple people can be Accountable for a single task, confusing it with the 'Responsible' role which can have multiple assignees.
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
✓
'Accountable' means the person who ultimately answers for the completion of the task.
In a RACI chart, 'Accountable' (the 'A') denotes the person who ultimately answers for the completion of the task or deliverable. This person has final authority and is responsible for ensuring the work is done correctly, even if others perform the work. This aligns with the PMBOK Guide definition of accountability in responsibility assignment matrices.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
'Consulted' indicates the person who must approve the work.
Why it's wrong here
In a RACI matrix, 'Consulted' refers to individuals whose input is required before work is completed or decisions are finalized. They offer expertise, provide information, or give feedback, but they do not hold the authority to approve the work. The role responsible for approving the work, and ultimately answering for its completion, is designated as 'Accountable'. Therefore, this statement incorrectly assigns the approval responsibility to the 'Consulted' role, which is primarily an input provider.
- ✗
A RACI chart is used to prioritize stakeholder engagement.
Why it's wrong here
A RACI chart is a responsibility assignment matrix primarily used to clarify and define roles and responsibilities for specific tasks or deliverables within a project. Its core function is to ensure that each activity has clearly assigned roles for who is Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed. Prioritizing stakeholder engagement, conversely, involves assessing stakeholders' influence and interest to determine the level and frequency of communication, which is a distinct process from assigning task responsibilities.
- ✓
'Accountable' means the person who ultimately answers for the completion of the task.
Why this is correct
The 'Accountable' role in a RACI matrix signifies the single individual who is ultimately answerable for the correct and thorough completion of a specific task or deliverable. This person holds the final authority to approve the work and is responsible for ensuring that it meets the required standards, even if they do not perform the work themselves. They are the one who signs off on the task, accepting ownership of its outcome and ensuring its successful delivery.
- ✗
There can be multiple people Accountable for a single task.
Why it's wrong here
A fundamental principle of the RACI matrix is that for any given task or deliverable, there can and should be only one 'Accountable' person. Assigning multiple individuals as 'Accountable' for the same task dilutes responsibility, creates ambiguity, and can lead to confusion, delays, or a lack of ownership. This singular accountability ensures clear decision-making, prevents conflicting directives, and establishes a definitive point of contact for ultimate responsibility.
- ✓
'Responsible' indicates the person who performs the work.
Why this is correct
In a RACI chart, the 'Responsible' role designates the individual or team members who are directly tasked with performing the work to complete a specific activity or deliverable. These are the people who execute the tasks, carry out the actions, and are expected to deliver the output. While multiple individuals can be 'Responsible' for a single task, they report to the single 'Accountable' person for that task, who oversees their efforts and approves the final outcome.
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This PMP 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 PMP exam.