PMP Compliance Practice Question
Exhibit
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A project manager is reviewing a project plan that must comply with an industry standard. The compliance review fails. What is the most likely cause of this failure?
⚠ Common exam trap
PMI often tests the misconception that compliance failures are due to team incompetence or lack of authorization, when in reality the error is directly due to using obsolete standards.
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
✓
The version of the industry standard referenced in the plan has been deprecated.
The failure in the compliance review is most likely due to referencing an outdated version of the industry standard, which is no longer recognized or acceptable. This is a common issue when project plans rely on superseded documents without updating them.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The project charter was not signed by the sponsor.
Why it's wrong here
An unsigned project charter primarily indicates a lack of formal project authorization and commitment from the sponsor, which is a critical project initiation failure. However, a compliance review typically scrutinizes the project's adherence to specific technical or regulatory standards for its deliverables or processes, not the administrative status of its foundational authorization document. While an unsigned charter could prevent a project from starting or proceeding, it does not directly cause a failure against an industry standard's technical requirements during a compliance audit.
- ✗
The selected project management methodology is not suitable.
Why it's wrong here
The suitability of a project management methodology, such as Agile versus Waterfall, primarily impacts project efficiency, adaptability, or overall execution effectiveness. A compliance review, conversely, assesses whether the project's outputs or operational processes meet specific external industry or regulatory standards. While an unsuitable methodology might indirectly contribute to quality issues or delays, it is not the direct cause of failing a compliance check against a defined industry standard for the product or service itself.
- ✗
The project team lacks training on the standard.
Why it's wrong here
While a lack of training on a specific standard can certainly lead to non-compliance due to execution errors or misunderstandings, it is a secondary cause compared to planning with an outdated standard. If the project plan itself specifies adherence to a deprecated standard, then even a fully trained team meticulously following that plan would inevitably produce non-compliant results. The root issue here lies in the foundational planning document's content, not solely the project team's capability or knowledge.
- ✓
The version of the industry standard referenced in the plan has been deprecated.
Why this is correct
Referencing a deprecated version of an industry standard within the project plan is a direct and fundamental cause for failing a compliance review. Compliance checks are explicitly designed to ensure adherence to the most current and officially recognized standards, regulations, or best practices. If the project's design, processes, or deliverables are based on an outdated standard, they inherently fail to meet the contemporary requirements for certification, regulatory approval, or market acceptance.
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