PMP Process — Managing Technical Aspects Practice Question
You are managing a project that is currently in the execution phase. A risk event that was identified and included in the risk register has occurred. The planned response is to mitigate the risk. Which TWO documents should you update to reflect the occurrence and response? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
PMP often tests the distinction between documents that record risk information (risk register, lessons learned register) and baselines or plans that are only updated through formal change control when the risk response alters scope, schedule, or cost.
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
✓
Risk register
The Risk register (B) must be updated because it is the central document that records the risk event's occurrence, its actual impact, the mitigation response taken, and the risk's status change from open to occurred/closed. The Lessons learned register (C) should also be updated to capture how the risk was handled, what worked or didn't in the mitigation, and recommendations for future projects, which is a standard practice throughout execution. The Stakeholder engagement plan (A) is not updated for a risk occurrence since it governs how stakeholders are involved, not risk responses. The Project schedule (D) may be affected by the mitigation but is not the document that reflects the risk occurrence and response itself. The Cost baseline (E) is only changed through formal change control if the mitigation requires additional approved funds, not as a direct update for recording the risk event.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Stakeholder engagement plan
Why it's wrong here
The Stakeholder Engagement Plan outlines strategies and actions to effectively engage project stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle. It focuses on how to communicate with, manage expectations of, and involve stakeholders. However, it is not the appropriate document for recording the occurrence of a specific risk event or the details of its response, as its purpose is proactive engagement planning rather than reactive event logging.
- ✓
Risk register
Why this is correct
The Risk Register is the primary project document used to record, track, and manage all identified risks, their characteristics, planned responses, and current status. When a risk event materializes, the register is updated to reflect the actual occurrence, the effectiveness of the implemented response, and any resulting residual or secondary risks. This ensures a comprehensive and dynamic record of risk management activities throughout the project lifecycle.
- ✓
Lessons learned register
Why this is correct
The Lessons Learned Register serves as a repository for knowledge gained during a project, documenting successes, failures, and recommendations for future improvement. When a risk event occurs, documenting the details of its manifestation, the efficacy of the chosen response, and any unforeseen consequences provides invaluable insights. This information helps the organization continuously refine its risk management processes and enhance future project performance.
- ✗
Project schedule
Why it's wrong here
The Project Schedule details the planned activities, their durations, dependencies, and milestones, providing a timeline for project execution. While a significant risk event and its subsequent response *could* potentially impact task durations or resource availability, necessitating a schedule update, it is not an automatic or primary document to update for every risk occurrence. The schedule reflects the *consequences* of a risk, not the direct record of the risk event itself.
- ✗
Cost baseline
Why it's wrong here
The Cost Baseline represents the approved budget for the project work, against which actual costs are measured. Similar to the project schedule, a risk event and its response *might* lead to a cost baseline update if the response consumes contingency reserves or requires additional funding. However, updating the cost baseline is not an automatic action for every risk occurrence; it is only done if the financial impact is significant and formally approved through the Perform Integrated Change Control process.
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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 daily standup, a developer mentions that a risk identified in the risk register has occurred and is causing a one-day delay. The risk response plan includes a mitigation strategy that can be implemented immediately. What should the project manager do FIRST?
easy- A.Update the issue log and inform stakeholders of the delay
- ✓ B.Implement the planned risk response as documented in the risk register
- C.Escalate the issue to the sponsor for guidance
- D.Conduct a new risk assessment to determine the best response
Why B: When a risk occurs and a pre-planned mitigation strategy exists in the risk register, the project manager should implement that strategy immediately to minimize impact. In this scenario, the risk response plan already accounts for the one-day delay, so executing the documented mitigation is the most efficient and proactive action, aligning with the PMBOK Guide's guidance on risk response implementation.
JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official PMI exam blueprint
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.