The answer is to implement the contingency plan and update the risk register with the actual impact and response taken. When a contingency plan exists for a risk that has materialized, the project manager must execute that pre-planned response immediately, as it was specifically designed to mitigate the identified threat. Simultaneously, the risk register must be updated to document the real-world impact and the exact response applied, ensuring the project’s historical data remains accurate for future analysis. On the PMP exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the Monitor Risks process, where a common trap is confusing proactive contingency execution with formal change control—updating the baseline is not automatic and requires a change request. Another trap is delaying action by calling unnecessary meetings or escalating prematurely. Remember the mnemonic “Act then Log”: first implement the plan, then log the outcome in the risk register.
PMP Process — Managing Technical Aspects Practice Question
This PMP practice question tests your understanding of process — managing technical aspects. 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.
You are a project manager for a construction project that is experiencing delays due to unexpected soil conditions. The risk was identified and a contingency plan exists. Which TWO actions should you take?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Implement the contingency plan as documented in the risk register
Options A and E are correct. A: The contingency plan should be implemented as it was prepared for this risk. E: As the risk has occurred, the risk register should be updated with the actual impact and response. Option B is incorrect because updating the baseline is not automatic; changes should go through change control. Option C is incorrect because the project manager should not contact the sponsor before implementing the contingency plan. Option D is incorrect because holding a meeting to discuss the plan delays action; the plan should be implemented.
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.
✓
Implement the contingency plan as documented in the risk register
Why this is correct
The contingency plan was created for this risk and should be executed.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Contact the project sponsor to inform them of the delay and seek guidance
Why it's wrong here
The PM should implement the contingency plan and then communicate, not seek guidance first.
✗
Immediately update the project baseline to reflect the delay
Why it's wrong here
Baseline changes require change control approval.
✓
Update the risk register with the actual impact and response taken
Why this is correct
After the risk occurs, the risk register should be updated to reflect outcomes.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Schedule a meeting with the team to discuss possible responses to the risk
Why it's wrong here
Since a plan already exists, the PM should implement it without delay.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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.
Identify which PMP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Process — Managing Technical Aspects — This question tests Process — Managing Technical Aspects — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Implement the contingency plan as documented in the risk register — Options A and E are correct. A: The contingency plan should be implemented as it was prepared for this risk. E: As the risk has occurred, the risk register should be updated with the actual impact and response. Option B is incorrect because updating the baseline is not automatic; changes should go through change control. Option C is incorrect because the project manager should not contact the sponsor before implementing the contingency plan. Option D is incorrect because holding a meeting to discuss the plan delays action; the plan should be implemented.
What should I do if I get this PMP question wrong?
Identify which PMP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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