The correct choice is to prepare a change request with impact analysis and submit it to the CCB for approval. This is because in a hybrid project with a fixed-price contract, any scope change that affects schedule or cost must follow the formal change control process to maintain contractual integrity and prevent scope creep. The project manager’s role is to document the full impact analysis—including benefits and schedule extension—so the Change Control Board can make an informed decision, especially when the sponsor is reluctant. On the PMP exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the integrated change control process under a hybrid approach, where both predictive and adaptive elements require a documented audit trail. A common trap is to assume the project manager can decide alone or negotiate directly with the sponsor, but the CCB holds final authority for scope changes affecting fixed-price terms. Memory tip: “Scope shift? Submit to CCB for the lift.”
PMP People — Leading Projects Practice Question
This PMP practice question tests your understanding of people — leading projects. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Your project uses a hybrid approach with a fixed-price contract. Midway through, the client requests a significant scope change that would increase project duration by two months. The project manager has assessed the impact and believes the change is beneficial. However, the sponsor is reluctant because of the schedule extension. What should the project manager do?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Prepare a change request with impact analysis and submit it to the CCB for approval.
In a hybrid project with a fixed-price contract, any scope change must follow the formal change control process. The project manager has assessed the change as beneficial, but the sponsor's reluctance requires a documented impact analysis to enable an informed decision by the Change Control Board (CCB). Submitting a formal change request ensures contractual compliance, protects against scope creep, and provides a clear audit trail, which is critical when the schedule extension affects fixed-price terms.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Prepare a change request with impact analysis and submit it to the CCB for approval.
Why this is correct
This follows the formal change control process, allowing informed decision-making.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Negotiate with the client to drop another requirement to keep the schedule.
Why it's wrong here
Trade-offs should be part of a formal change request, not a side negotiation.
✗
Accept the change informally and adjust the schedule to accommodate it.
Why it's wrong here
Informal acceptance bypasses the change control process and contractual obligations.
✗
Reject the request because it will delay the project and risk penalties.
Why it's wrong here
Rejecting without formal assessment and decision is not the proper change control procedure.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may assume the project manager can unilaterally accept a beneficial change or negotiate directly with the client, ignoring the formal change control process required by the hybrid approach and fixed-price contract constraints.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hybrid approach, the project manager must balance predictive (waterfall) elements like fixed-price contracts with adaptive practices. The formal change control process, including a CCB, is essential to maintain the contractual baseline and ensure all changes are evaluated for cost, schedule, and risk impacts. In fixed-price contracts, any scope change typically requires a contract modification or change order; informal acceptance can lead to legal exposure and payment disputes, as the seller is only obligated to deliver the original scope.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the PMP exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this PMP question in full detail.
People — Leading Projects — This question tests People — Leading Projects — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Prepare a change request with impact analysis and submit it to the CCB for approval. — In a hybrid project with a fixed-price contract, any scope change must follow the formal change control process. The project manager has assessed the change as beneficial, but the sponsor's reluctance requires a documented impact analysis to enable an informed decision by the Change Control Board (CCB). Submitting a formal change request ensures contractual compliance, protects against scope creep, and provides a clear audit trail, which is critical when the schedule extension affects fixed-price terms.
What should I do if I get this PMP question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Your project is using a hybrid approach. A key stakeholder requests a significant scope change that would affect the critical path. The change request has been submitted and approved. What should the project manager do next?
medium
A.Wait until the next sprint planning to introduce the change to the team
B.Notify the sponsor and update the risk register
C.Inform the team about the change and ask them to adjust their work accordingly
✓ D.Update the project management plan and baselines to reflect the approved change
Why D: In a hybrid project, once a scope change is approved, the project manager must update the project management plan and baselines (scope, schedule, cost) to formally integrate the change. This ensures all future work aligns with the new approved scope and maintains traceability. Option D is correct because it follows the Perform Integrated Change Control process, which requires updating the plan and baselines before implementation.
Variation 2. Arrange the steps for controlling project changes.
medium
Why : Change control process: receive, log, evaluate, submit to CCB, and implement if approved.
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
Question Discussion
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