PMP Process — Managing Technical Aspects Practice Question
During a project to implement a new CRM system, the sponsor asks you to skip the user acceptance testing (UAT) phase to meet the go-live date, stating that the system has been thoroughly tested by the IT team. What should you do FIRST?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers assume the sponsor's authority or the PMO's role should override the PM's judgment, but the PM must first act as a steward by proposing a risk-informed compromise rather than immediately escalating or accepting the request.
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
✓
Explain the risks of skipping UAT and propose a compressed UAT focusing on critical functions.
As the project manager, your first responsibility is to address the sponsor's request by communicating the technical risks of skipping UAT—such as undetected integration failures, data migration errors, or workflow logic defects that IT testing alone cannot uncover—and proposing a compressed UAT that still validates critical business processes. This aligns with the PMBOK Guide's emphasis on proactive risk management and stakeholder communication, ensuring the system meets user requirements before go-live.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Explain the risks of skipping UAT and propose a compressed UAT focusing on critical functions.
Why this is correct
This is the most appropriate action as it demonstrates proactive risk management and effective stakeholder communication. The project manager fulfills their responsibility by clearly articulating the potential negative consequences of skipping User Acceptance Testing (UAT), such as system defects, user dissatisfaction, and costly rework. Simultaneously, proposing a tailored solution like a compressed UAT focused on critical functions shows leadership in balancing project constraints with quality assurance, mitigating risk while addressing the sponsor's concerns about the deadline.
- ✗
Escalate the issue to the PMO for a decision.
Why it's wrong here
Escalating the issue to the PMO immediately is premature and bypasses the project manager's primary responsibility to manage stakeholder expectations and resolve issues at the lowest possible level. The PM should first engage directly with the sponsor to understand their concerns, explain the implications of their request, and attempt to negotiate a mutually acceptable solution. Escalation should be a last resort when direct negotiation fails or when the issue's impact exceeds the PM's authority.
- ✗
Agree to skip UAT to meet the deadline and update the project schedule.
Why it's wrong here
Agreeing to skip UAT entirely to meet a deadline is a highly irresponsible decision that introduces significant, unmitigated risks to the project. UAT is a critical quality gate designed to ensure the system meets business requirements and is usable by end-users. Bypassing it dramatically increases the likelihood of post-implementation defects, user rejection, and expensive rework, ultimately jeopardizing the project's success and the organization's investment. This action prioritizes schedule over quality and risk management.
- ✗
Proceed with the go-live and document the decision as a risk in the risk register.
Why it's wrong here
Proceeding with go-live and merely documenting the decision as a risk is a reactive and insufficient approach to risk management. While documenting risks is essential, the project manager's role extends beyond mere record-keeping; it involves actively identifying, analyzing, planning responses for, and monitoring risks. Simply noting a high-impact risk without attempting to prevent or mitigate it demonstrates a failure to protect the project from foreseeable negative consequences, shifting accountability without proactive problem-solving.
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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.