Scope Change Request: What Should You Do First?
You are a project manager overseeing a 12-month ERP implementation. During sprint 6 of 20, the product owner informs you that a key stakeholder wants to add a new reporting module that was not in the original scope. The team estimates this would add 3 weeks to the schedule. What should you do FIRST?
Quick Answer
The correct first action is to submit a change request through the Integrated Change Control process and assess the impact on scope, schedule, and cost. This is because the Project Management Professional PMP exam strictly follows PMI’s principle that any deviation from the baseline—including a scope change request—must be formally documented, evaluated for its effect on the triple constraint, and approved before work begins. On the exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the change control system as a gatekeeper against scope creep; the common trap is to either implement the change immediately or reject it outright without analysis. Remember the memory tip: “Assess first, then request—never start work on a change that hasn’t been blessed.”
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
✓
Submit a change request through the Integrated Change Control process and assess the impact on scope, schedule, and cost
Any change to scope must follow the formal Integrated Change Control process. Before submitting a change request, the project manager should first assess the impact on scope, schedule, cost, and other constraints. Option B is wrong because adding to the backlog without formal approval circumvents change control and can lead to scope creep. Option C is wrong because changes can be made if properly evaluated and approved; not considering changes is inflexible and may harm stakeholder relationships. Option D is wrong because beginning work without authorization violates the change control process and could result in unauthorized work.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Submit a change request through the Integrated Change Control process and assess the impact on scope, schedule, and cost
Why this is correct
PMI requires all scope changes to go through Integrated Change Control. The PM must document, assess impact, and obtain approval before proceeding.
- ✗
Add the requirement to the product backlog and let the team address it in a future sprint without formal approval
Why it's wrong here
Adding work to the backlog without change control approval bypasses formal governance and violates the project management plan.
- ✗
Inform the stakeholder that no changes can be made once the project has started
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect — changes can be made through the formal change control process. Refusing outright without assessment is not the PMI approach.
- ✗
Ask the team to begin work on the module immediately to accommodate the stakeholder
Why it's wrong here
Implementing scope changes without going through change control violates the change management process.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to the PMP Exam and Project Management Basics
Key term
Scrum Methodology
Scrum is a lightweight process framework that helps teams deliver complex projects in small, iterative chunks called sprints.
Key term
Change Control Process
A formal, structured procedure used to manage any changes to a project's scope, schedule, budget, or requirements, ensuring every modification is reviewed, approved, tested, and documented before implementation.
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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. You are a project manager overseeing a 12-month ERP implementation. During sprint 6 of 20, the product owner informs you that a key stakeholder wants to add a new reporting module that was not in the original scope. The team estimates this would add 3 weeks to the schedule. What should you do FIRST?
medium- A.Add the requirement to the product backlog and let the team address it in a future sprint without formal approval
- B.Ask the team to begin work on the module immediately to accommodate the stakeholder
- C.Inform the stakeholder that no changes can be made once the project has started
- ✓ D.Submit a change request through the Integrated Change Control process and assess the impact on scope, schedule, and cost
Why D: According to PMI, any change to scope must go through the Integrated Change Control process. The project manager must first submit a change request to formally assess the impact on scope, schedule, and cost before obtaining approval. Option A is wrong because adding to the backlog without formal approval bypasses change control. Option B is wrong because starting work immediately violates the change control process. Option C is wrong because refusing changes outright without assessment is not appropriate; changes can be made through proper control.
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.