- A
Add the risk to the risk register and assess its impact
Recording the risk is the first step; then the PM can plan responses.
- B
Escalate the risk to the project sponsor
Why wrong: Escalation may be appropriate later, but first the risk must be documented.
- C
Accept the risk because it has low probability
Why wrong: Acceptance is a response option, but first the risk must be documented and analyzed.
- D
Implement a contingency plan immediately
Why wrong: A response cannot be implemented without first documenting and assessing the risk.
Question 433 of 892
First Step When a New Risk Is Identified
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.
A project manager is working on a predictive project. A team member identifies a risk that was not previously identified. The risk has a low probability but high impact. What should the PM 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
✓
Add the risk to the risk register and assess its impact
In predictive project management, the first step upon identifying a new risk is to document it in the risk register and perform a qualitative analysis to assess its probability and impact. This ensures the risk is formally captured and prioritized before any further action, such as escalation or response planning, is taken. Option A correctly follows this standard risk management process.
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.
- ✓
Add the risk to the risk register and assess its impact
Why this is correct
Recording the risk is the first step; then the PM can plan responses.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Escalate the risk to the project sponsor
Why it's wrong here
Escalation may be appropriate later, but first the risk must be documented.
- ✗
Accept the risk because it has low probability
Why it's wrong here
Acceptance is a response option, but first the risk must be documented and analyzed.
- ✗
Implement a contingency plan immediately
Why it's wrong here
A response cannot be implemented without first documenting and assessing the risk.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may jump to immediate action (like escalation or contingency) without recognizing that the PMP process mandates documenting and analyzing the risk first, even for seemingly low-probability events.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The risk register is a living document that captures all identified risks, their analysis, and planned responses. Qualitative risk assessment uses a probability-impact matrix to prioritize risks, often assigning numeric values (e.g., 1-5) for probability and impact to compute a risk score. In a real-world scenario, a low-probability, high-impact risk like a critical vendor failure would first be added to the register, then assessed to decide if a contingency plan or risk transfer (e.g., insurance) is needed.
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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PMP question test?
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: Add the risk to the risk register and assess its impact — In predictive project management, the first step upon identifying a new risk is to document it in the risk register and perform a qualitative analysis to assess its probability and impact. This ensures the risk is formally captured and prioritized before any further action, such as escalation or response planning, is taken. Option A correctly follows this standard risk management process.
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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