Three Actions to Take When a Risk Event Occurs
During a project, the team encounters a risk event that was identified in the risk register. The project manager needs to implement a response. Which THREE actions should the project manager take?
Quick Answer
The answer is to document the outcome of the risk response, implement the planned response from the risk register, and update the lessons learned. This sequence is correct because the risk register already contains a pre-approved response strategy, so the project manager must execute that plan rather than reactively creating a new one. After implementing the response, documenting the outcome is essential for tracking effectiveness and closing the risk, while updating lessons learned ensures organizational knowledge is captured for future projects. On the PMP exam, this question tests your understanding of the Monitor Risks process and the distinction between executing a planned response versus creating a new one—a common trap is selecting “develop a new response” when the risk was already identified. Remember the mnemonic “PLAN, DO, LEARN”: first follow the planned response, then document the outcome, and finally capture lessons learned.
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 response plan defined in the risk register.
When a risk event occurs, the project manager should first implement the planned response as documented in the risk register (A). After the response is executed, the outcome should be documented (E) to capture what happened. Finally, the lessons learned should be updated (B) to benefit future projects. Option C is incorrect because the team should follow the existing plan, not brainstorm new responses immediately. Option D is incorrect because requesting additional contingency reserve is not the first action; the planned response should be executed using existing reserves if needed.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on PMP
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. During a project, a risk event that was identified in the risk register occurs. The risk response plan had a mitigation strategy, but it is not fully effective. What should you do first?
medium- ✓ A.Implement the contingency plan or develop a workaround and update the risk register
- B.Notify the sponsor and request additional time and budget
- C.Ignore the risk because the mitigation strategy was already implemented
- D.Escalate the risk to the steering committee for resolution
Why A: The project manager should implement the contingency plan or develop a workaround, then update the risk register and communicate with stakeholders.
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.