PMP People — Leading Projects Practice Question
Your project is in the execution phase when a new regulatory requirement is discovered that impacts the project scope. The change is mandatory and must be implemented immediately. Which THREE actions should you take?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that candidates mistakenly think mandatory regulatory changes can bypass the formal change control process and be implemented immediately, but the PMP exam emphasizes that all changes must go through the CCB for approval and impact assessment first.
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
✓
Update the project management plan and other relevant documents after approval
Option E is correct because the first step in handling any discovered change, even a mandatory regulatory one, is to perform an impact analysis on the project's scope, schedule, and cost so the CCB and stakeholders can make an informed decision. Option C is correct because all changes must flow through the Perform Integrated Change Control process, meaning a formal change request must be submitted to the change control board for review and approval before any work begins. Option A is correct because once the change is approved, the project management plan and any affected subsidiary documents (such as the scope baseline, schedule baseline, and cost baseline) must be updated to reflect the approved change. Option B is not correct because implementing a change before it has been approved through the CCB bypasses the integrated change control process, even when the change is mandatory. Option D is not correct because ignoring a mandatory regulatory requirement is never acceptable; it would expose the project to legal, compliance, and quality 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.
- ✓
Update the project management plan and other relevant documents after approval
Why this is correct
This action is a critical closing step in the integrated change control process. Once a change request, such as one necessitated by a new regulatory requirement, has been formally approved by the Change Control Board (CCB), the project management plan and subsidiary plans, along with other project documents like requirements traceability matrix or risk register, must be updated to reflect the approved modifications. This ensures all project artifacts accurately represent the current project baseline and scope, maintaining alignment and providing a reliable reference for future project activities and audits.
- ✗
Instruct the team to start implementing the change immediately
Why it's wrong here
Directing the team to implement a significant change, like one stemming from a new regulatory requirement, without formal approval from the Change Control Board (CCB) is a critical deviation from integrated change control. Such an action bypasses established governance, risks unauthorized scope creep, misallocation of resources, and potential rework if the change is later rejected or modified. All changes impacting baselines must follow the defined change control process to maintain project integrity and control.
- ✓
Submit a change request to the change control board (CCB)
Why this is correct
Even when a new regulation mandates a change, formal submission of a change request to the Change Control Board (CCB) is a mandatory step in the Integrated Change Control process. This ensures the impact of the regulatory change on project baselines (scope, schedule, cost, quality) is formally reviewed, documented, and approved, providing necessary governance and traceability. Bypassing this step, even for seemingly non-negotiable changes, undermines project control and accountability.
- ✗
Ignore the regulation because the project is already underway
Why it's wrong here
Ignoring a new regulatory requirement simply because the project is already in the execution phase is a severe breach of compliance and project governance. Regulatory non-compliance can lead to significant legal penalties, fines, project suspension, reputational damage, and even project cancellation. Project managers are obligated to ensure the project adheres to all applicable laws, regulations, and standards throughout its lifecycle, necessitating immediate action to address such changes.
- ✓
Assess the impact of the new regulation on scope, schedule, and cost
Why this is correct
Before any action is taken to implement a new regulatory requirement, a thorough impact analysis is essential to understand its potential effects across all project constraints. This involves evaluating how the regulation will influence the project's scope, schedule, budget, quality, resources, and risks. This assessment provides critical data for the change request, enabling the Change Control Board (CCB) to make an informed decision regarding the proposed modifications and their implications for project success.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Compliance, Regulations, and Change Management
Key term
Team Building
Team building is the process of creating a cohesive group of people who work together effectively toward a shared goal.
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.
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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.