- A
Implement the contingency plan documented in the risk register
The risk register contains pre-approved response plans; implementing it is the correct first step.
- B
Ask the vendor to expedite the delivery at no extra cost
Why wrong: While negotiation is possible, the immediate step is to activate the contingency plan.
- C
Immediately source an alternative vendor without formal approval
Why wrong: Sourcing without approval bypasses procurement processes and may violate contracts.
- D
Notify the sponsor and request a schedule extension
Why wrong: Notifying stakeholders is important but implementing the contingency plan takes precedence.
Question 439 of 892
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 is in the middle of execution when a key vendor informs you that they will be unable to deliver a critical component on time due to a raw material shortage. The component is on the critical path. The risk was identified and logged in the risk register with a mitigation plan. What should you do FIRST?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"first"Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
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
✓
Implement the contingency plan documented in the risk register
Option A is correct because the risk was already identified and logged in the risk register with a documented mitigation plan. Since the component is on the critical path and the risk has materialized, the first action is to implement the pre-approved contingency plan to minimize schedule impact. This aligns with the PMBOK Guide's guidance on executing risk responses as the immediate step when a risk occurs.
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 documented in the risk register
Why this is correct
The risk register contains pre-approved response plans; implementing it is the correct first step.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Ask the vendor to expedite the delivery at no extra cost
Why it's wrong here
While negotiation is possible, the immediate step is to activate the contingency plan.
- ✗
Immediately source an alternative vendor without formal approval
Why it's wrong here
Sourcing without approval bypasses procurement processes and may violate contracts.
- ✗
Notify the sponsor and request a schedule extension
Why it's wrong here
Notifying stakeholders is important but implementing the contingency plan takes precedence.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often choose to escalate to the sponsor or seek a schedule extension immediately, forgetting that a pre-planned contingency response should be executed first before considering schedule changes or alternative vendors.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In project risk management, a contingency plan is a specific set of actions to be executed when a risk trigger occurs, designed to reduce the impact of the risk. The risk register typically includes the risk description, probability, impact, trigger conditions, and the contingency plan. Implementing the contingency plan first ensures that the project team follows the pre-approved response, maintaining control over schedule and budget, and avoids unnecessary escalation or scope creep.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
People — Leading Projects — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PMP question test?
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: Implement the contingency plan documented in the risk register — Option A is correct because the risk was already identified and logged in the risk register with a documented mitigation plan. Since the component is on the critical path and the risk has materialized, the first action is to implement the pre-approved contingency plan to minimize schedule impact. This aligns with the PMBOK Guide's guidance on executing risk responses as the immediate step when a risk occurs.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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