PMP People — Leading Projects Practice Question
A risk event that was identified in the risk register has occurred. The risk response plan involves implementing a contingency plan. Which TWO actions should you take?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers confuse executing a contingency plan with submitting a change request, not realizing that contingency plans are pre-approved and do not require a formal change to the project baseline.
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
✓
Update the risk register with the actual outcome and actions taken
When a risk event occurs, the risk register must be updated to document the actual outcome, the effectiveness of the response, and any lessons learned. This ensures the project's risk history is accurate and supports future risk analysis. Option E is correct because the contingency plan was already defined in the risk register as the agreed-upon response; implementing it directly is the proper execution of the risk response plan without needing a new change request.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Submit a change request to initiate the contingency plan
Why it's wrong here
Submitting a change request to initiate a contingency plan is incorrect because contingency plans are typically pre-approved during the Plan Risk Responses process. These plans are designed to be executed immediately upon the occurrence of a specific risk event, without requiring additional formal approval or a change control process. Requiring a change request would introduce unnecessary delays, hindering a timely and effective response to the materialized risk.
- ✗
Develop a new risk response plan from scratch
Why it's wrong here
Developing a new risk response plan from scratch is an inefficient and inappropriate action when a risk event occurs for which a contingency plan already exists. The purpose of proactive risk planning is to define responses in advance, such as contingency plans, to ensure swift and prepared action. Creating a new plan would waste critical time and resources, delaying the necessary response to mitigate the risk's impact.
- ✓
Update the risk register with the actual outcome and actions taken
Why this is correct
Updating the risk register with the actual outcome and actions taken is a critical step in the Monitor Risks process, even after a response has been initiated. This action ensures that project records are accurate, provides valuable data for lessons learned, and supports continuous improvement for current and future projects. Documenting the actual impact, the effectiveness of the response, and any residual risks is essential for comprehensive project control and knowledge management.
- ✗
Wait to see if the risk impact materializes further before acting
Why it's wrong here
Waiting to see if the risk impact materializes further before acting is a reactive and detrimental approach to risk management. When a risk event occurs and a contingency plan is in place, the expectation is to execute that plan promptly to mitigate potential negative impacts. Delaying action can exacerbate the risk's severity, increase costs, and reduce the effectiveness of the pre-planned response, contradicting proactive risk management principles.
- ✓
Implement the contingency plan as defined in the risk register
Why this is correct
Implementing the contingency plan as defined in the risk register is the immediate and correct action when a pre-identified risk event occurs. Contingency plans are specific, pre-planned responses designed to be executed when certain trigger conditions are met, allowing for a rapid and effective reaction to minimize adverse project impacts. This direct execution aligns with the proactive preparation undertaken during risk planning.
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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.