PMP Process — Managing Technical Aspects Practice Question
You are a project manager for a construction project that is experiencing delays due to unexpected soil conditions. The risk was identified and a contingency plan exists. Which TWO actions should you take?
⚠ Common exam trap
The PMP exam often tests the misconception that you should escalate or re-analyze when a risk occurs, but the correct approach is to execute the pre-planned contingency response first, then update the risk register.
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 as documented in the risk register
The contingency plan was already documented in the risk register for this identified risk (unexpected soil conditions). When a risk occurs, the first action is to implement the pre-planned response as documented, which is a standard project management practice to minimize delay and avoid ad-hoc decisions. This aligns with the PMBOK Guide's guidance on executing risk responses for identified risks.
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 as documented in the risk register
Why this is correct
When a pre-identified risk materializes, the project manager's primary responsibility is to execute the pre-approved contingency plan. This plan, detailed in the risk register, represents the agreed-upon strategy developed during risk response planning. Implementing it promptly ensures a structured and efficient response, minimizing potential negative impacts on project objectives. This action demonstrates effective proactive risk management.
- ✗
Contact the project sponsor to inform them of the delay and seek guidance
Why it's wrong here
While communicating significant project impacts to the sponsor is vital, it should not precede the implementation of an existing contingency plan. Seeking guidance for a situation that already has a documented response indicates a failure to act decisively on pre-approved strategies. The project manager should first execute the planned response and then inform stakeholders, including the sponsor, about the situation and the actions taken.
- ✗
Immediately update the project baseline to reflect the delay
Why it's wrong here
Project baselines for scope, schedule, and cost are formal documents that serve as a reference point for performance measurement. Any modification to these baselines requires a formal change request and approval through the integrated change control process. Unilaterally updating a baseline without proper authorization undermines project control, configuration management, and the integrity of performance reporting.
- ✓
Update the risk register with the actual impact and response taken
Why this is correct
After a risk event occurs and the contingency plan is implemented, it is crucial to update the risk register. This update should detail the actual impact of the risk, the effectiveness of the executed response, and any lessons learned from the event. Maintaining an accurate and current risk register is essential for ongoing risk monitoring, control, and for improving future project planning and organizational process assets.
- ✗
Schedule a meeting with the team to discuss possible responses to the risk
Why it's wrong here
Convening a meeting to brainstorm responses for a risk that already has a documented contingency plan is an inefficient and inappropriate action. The project team has already invested time in developing and approving a specific response strategy for this identified risk. The project manager's role is to execute that pre-defined plan promptly, rather than delaying action by re-evaluating options.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to the PMP Exam and Project Management Basics
Key term
Training and Development
Training and Development is the process of enhancing team members' skills, knowledge, and competencies to improve project performance and achieve career growth.
Key term
Project Management Plan
A formal, approved document that defines how a project is executed, monitored, controlled, and closed, serving as the single source of truth for the project team.
About these practice questions
Courseiva writes every PMP question from scratch — 800 in total, each with an explanation and a wrong-answer breakdown. None are copied from real exams or dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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.