PMP Process — Managing Technical Aspects Practice Question
A project manager is working on a predictive project. A team member identifies a risk that was not previously identified. The risk has a low probability but high impact. What should the PM do FIRST?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that candidates may jump to immediate action (like escalation or contingency) without recognizing that the PMP process mandates documenting and analyzing the risk first, even for seemingly low-probability events.
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
✓
Add the risk to the risk register and assess its impact
In predictive project management, the first step upon identifying a new risk is to document it in the risk register and perform a qualitative analysis to assess its probability and impact. This ensures the risk is formally captured and prioritized before any further action, such as escalation or response planning, is taken. Option A correctly follows this standard risk management process.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Add the risk to the risk register and assess its impact
Why this is correct
Adding the risk to the risk register is the foundational and immediate next step in the Project Risk Management process, specifically within the 'Identify Risks' process. This formal documentation ensures the risk is recorded, described, and assigned an owner. Subsequently, assessing its impact and probability, as part of 'Perform Qualitative Risk Analysis,' provides the necessary data to prioritize the risk and inform the development of appropriate response strategies, aligning with a structured and proactive approach.
- ✗
Escalate the risk to the project sponsor
Why it's wrong here
Escalating the risk to the project sponsor prematurely is generally inefficient and bypasses critical steps in the risk management process. While escalation is a valid response strategy for risks exceeding the project manager's authority or project scope, it should occur only after the risk has been thoroughly identified, analyzed, and potential internal response options have been considered. The sponsor typically expects a well-vetted risk with a proposed course of action, not an immediate hand-off without prior assessment.
- ✗
Accept the risk because it has low probability
Why it's wrong here
Accepting the risk solely based on a subjective perception of 'low probability' without formal documentation and comprehensive analysis is an incomplete and potentially irresponsible approach. Risk acceptance is a deliberate response strategy chosen after a structured assessment of both probability and impact, and often after considering other mitigation or avoidance strategies. A proper analysis, documented in the risk register, is essential to ensure informed decision-making and to avoid overlooking significant potential consequences.
- ✗
Implement a contingency plan immediately
Why it's wrong here
Implementing a contingency plan immediately is inappropriate for a newly identified risk that has not yet been fully analyzed or planned for. Contingency plans are pre-defined responses developed during the 'Plan Risk Responses' process for specific identified risks that are deemed acceptable to monitor. Executing such a plan implies the risk event has occurred or is imminent, and a pre-approved response is being triggered, which is not the case for a risk that has just been discovered.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to the PMP Exam and Project Management Basics
Key term
Project Management Plan
A formal, approved document that defines how a project is executed, monitored, controlled, and closed, serving as the single source of truth for the project team.
Key term
Training and Development
Training and Development is the process of enhancing team members' skills, knowledge, and competencies to improve project performance and achieve career growth.
About these practice questions
Courseiva writes every PMP question from scratch — 800 in total, each with an explanation and a wrong-answer breakdown. None are copied from real exams or dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.