PMP Process — Managing Technical Aspects Practice Question
During a project, the team identifies a risk that could cause a significant delay. The risk is not in the risk register. Which THREE actions should the project manager take to respond appropriately?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often think they can skip the assessment step and go straight to developing a response, or that risks not in the register can be ignored, but PMI emphasizes that all risks must be formally assessed and documented before any response is implemented.
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
✓
Assess the probability and impact of the risk.
Option A is correct because once a new risk is identified, the project manager must perform qualitative risk analysis by assessing its probability of occurrence and potential impact on project objectives such as schedule, cost, and scope. Option B is correct because after assessing the risk, the project manager should develop an appropriate risk response plan (e.g., avoid, transfer, mitigate, or accept) to address the threat of delay. Option D is correct because any newly identified risk must be documented in the risk register, updating it with details such as the risk description, category, probability, impact, and planned response. Option C is incorrect because unidentified risks do not disappear; ignoring a known risk violates proactive risk management and can lead to unmanaged delays. Option E is incorrect because implementing a response without first assessing probability and impact may waste resources on a low-priority risk or apply an inappropriate strategy.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Assess the probability and impact of the risk.
Why this is correct
Upon identifying a new risk, the immediate and crucial next step is to perform a qualitative risk analysis. This involves assessing the probability of the risk event occurring and the potential impact it would have on project objectives if it does occur. This assessment helps determine the risk's overall priority and guides subsequent decisions on whether and how to respond, ensuring resources are allocated effectively.
- ✓
Develop a risk response plan for the risk.
Why this is correct
Once a risk has been identified and its probability and impact assessed, the project team must develop a comprehensive risk response plan. This plan outlines specific strategies and actions to enhance opportunities or reduce threats to project objectives, such as avoidance, mitigation, transference, or acceptance. Developing a plan ensures proactive management and defines who is responsible for executing the response.
- ✗
Ignore the risk because it was not identified during planning.
Why it's wrong here
Ignoring an identified risk, regardless of when it surfaces, is a fundamental breach of effective project management principles. Risks can emerge at any point during the project lifecycle, and proactive identification and management are continuous processes, not confined solely to the planning phase. Failing to address a known risk significantly increases the likelihood of negative impacts on project objectives, scope, schedule, or budget.
- ✓
Add the risk to the risk register.
Why this is correct
Documenting the newly identified risk in the risk register is a critical step in the Perform Qualitative Risk Analysis process. The risk register serves as a central repository for all identified risks, detailing their characteristics, potential responses, and current status. This documentation ensures that the risk is formally recorded, tracked, and communicated to relevant stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle, facilitating ongoing monitoring and control.
- ✗
Immediately implement a risk response without assessment.
Why it's wrong here
Implementing a risk response immediately without prior assessment is an inefficient and potentially detrimental approach to risk management. Without understanding the risk's probability, impact, and overall priority, resources might be misallocated to low-priority risks, or an inappropriate response strategy could be chosen. A proper assessment ensures that responses are proportionate, effective, and aligned with project priorities and available resources.
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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.